Pike National Forest: Devil’s Head Fire Lookout Trail
The steep staircase that leads to the Devil’s Head fire lookout tower is the highlight of the hike. The 143 steps get the best hikers huffing and puffing. The reward at the top is a unique glimpse at a working lookout, one of only 18 that remain in Colorado; the only one staffed by a paid employee. (The remaining 17 are not all in use, and one is available for rent.) Forest Service rangers, such as Billy Ellis, have scanned for fires in Pike National Forest—looking through binoculars for smoke—since 1912. Billy has been at it for 21 summers and spotted 11 fires last year.
Driving Directions
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Directions to: Pike National Forest: Devil’s Head Fire Lookout Trail
print directionsTrail Statistics & Information
| Activity | Hiking |
|---|---|
| Nearby City | Larkspur |
| Length | 3 mi |
| Elevation Gain | 1,100 ft |
| Skill Level | Moderate |
| Duration | 1.5 hours |
| Season | Best April - November |
| Trailhead Elevation | 8,600 ft |
| Top Elevation | 9,700 ft |
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