Hiking to the first fire lookout in the Rockies
Devil’s Head as seen from Castle Rock, ColoradoIn 1912, the very first fire lookout in the Rocky Mountains began operation atop 9,748 foot tall Devil’s Head located west of Castle Rock, Colorado. Today, 113 plus years later, a fire lookout structure (built in 1951) still graces its stony summit, as the lookout’s cabin residence sits astride the trail at the base of the winding metal stairway that rises to the majestic apex.
Devil’s Head Fire LookoutAs peak climbers, certain mountains exude an extra touch of charisma than others. It may be the vista, the trail, the scenery, the challenge, the height, the history, or some indescribable other factor. Well, to this avid peak climber, Devil’s Head possesses all of the above factors and then some.
The exhilaration one feels upon reaching the summit of this impressive and tallest Rampart Range mountain (a subrange of the Rocky Mountains) is truly palpable. Its zenith in altitude is only challenged by the fulfilling accomplishment and personal pride. Meanwhile, the sheer awe of the surroundings, the overarching skies, and the distant horizons boosts ones endorphins into an intoxicating overdrive. Perhaps, this is why the informational signs along the route up from the trailhead offer a series of inspired poems as motivation to complete this hike.
Pikes Peak in the distanceThroughout such hikes, I often feel at one with the mountain…but only as a guest who has been allowed to trek and observe the varied terrain, not as a permanent resident. That is only reserved for the flora and fauna who know this mountain as their home. Scurrying chipmunks and squirrels, melodic nuthatches and chickadees, wafting butterflies, silent leafy and piney sentinels, weathered geological wonders, and delicate floral arrangements are among its most visible August citizens.
Only 143 steps – yikes!Devil’s Head does not offer up its ultimate ascent easily. One must scale a series of 143 stair steps affixed to the rugged rock pinnacle. Not for the fainthearted, each step upward paints a separate image of the eons of weathered history that has taken place on Devil’s Head and that we humans are but a brief chapter in its storied narrative.
Oh…but to be just a momentary blip in this mountain’s timeless epochs is an honor I will always prize. Peace!
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p.s. Devil’s Head in Colorado is one clear example of why we must ardently defend the United States Forest Service, the National Park Service, and related agencies for the great, good work they do in preserving and protecting our nation’s scenic natural wonders.
Summit celebration!#adventure #Colorado #DevilSHead #environment #fireLookouts #fun #geography #hiking #history #landUse #lookouts #mountains #nature #trails #travel #treks
