Spruce Mountain Fire Tower

Spruce Mountain Fire Tower- Doing the Smokey The Bear Thing

Last year our reservation for this overnight had to be canceled due to a forest fire in the area. This year is a go. 

Across the US, there are several fire towers one can rent for the night. The reservations are made online and are in high demand as they are a unique experience.

Six months ago we were poised with a couple computers with our fingers on the refresh button.  We had been trying unsuccessfully for a couple days till we finally got in first. 

The Spruce Mountain Fire Lookout Tower is located  in Medicine Bow National Forest in south central Wyoming. Historically occupied as a fire lookout, the 55-foot tall structure was renovated and opened to the public for overnight rental in 1977. 

The lookout is open from June through September. It is at an elevation of 10,003 feet, so we are expecting high altitude conditions. Summertime temperatures average 70 degrees Fahrenheit, but can drop as low as 30 degrees at night or during thunderstorms. 

The tower is equipped with two single beds with mattresses and can accommodate up to two guests. Inside amenities include a table with chairs, cookware, dishes, utensils, cleaning supplies, a propane heater, propane cook stove and oven and propane lights.

The pully system 

Your facilities 

Fire pit and area for others to camp

Bringing up the gear 

Stove Area 

Just incase you gotta go late at night 

An outhouse with pit toilet is provided, and a campfire ring is located at the base of the lookout. Firewood is provided. Additional camping is allowed on-site. A hoist (pulley and rope) is available to transport gear to the tower cabin.

There is no water or electricity available at the site. Guests must bring enough water for drinking, cooking and washing.

We will be taking most of our own cookware, stove sleeping bags, headlamps, etc. 

Sadly No Dogs Allowed, which is ok as I would not trust The Boys being there. 

Our drive over was about 100 Miles and the last 7 miles was really really really a washboard. 

When arriving at the gated entrance to the Spruce Mountain Fire Tower, we unlock the combo lock and drive a bit closer.  There is a large area where people could camp with a fire pit and an out house. A total of 10 people are allowed at the site but only two in the tower. 

Walking up the 55 steps to the fire tower, the entrance to the deck area is also locked. We opened it up and and found the inside of the tower nice and clean.  There is a stove, lantern two beds, a table and chairs, lots of cooking equipment, and some games and a “P” bucket. 

A light rain was falling as we arrived and there was a bit of blue sky to the west. There is a rope and pull system to haul things up and we used it to get our gear and food to the top. Lynn hooked things up and I hauled them up. 

One of the down sides is there are a lot of folks who want to look about, bypassing the sign advising access is for those with reservation, kinda like having folks knocking on your hotel door and asking for a tour of your room. 

We got settled in and got our sleeping bags out and and made our beds. 

Some of the Views 

There is a nice patch of fireweed at the base of the tower. 

Our evening meal was a beef vegetable soup we brought from home. We have started freezing leftover soups, chili, fajitas and other things to take on our outings, handy when we want a simple quick meal. 

It is really quiet and peaceful here and we are finding it rather enjoyable, time for reading and just looking out to see what we might see. Thus far the skies are partially cloudy and the wind is cool out of the east  as we wait for the sunset. 

The skies really cleared and I don’t think we will get any of the thunderstorms which were slightly predicted. Darkness quickly follows the sunset. The skies should really full of stars tonight. 

The stars did not disappoint in the least, no light pollution, clear skies and less atmosphere make a big difference . 

We slept well and I woke up a bit after 0500 got water going for coffee as the sun rose. Surprised the temps were not that cold, just about a prefect 50F I would guess. This place needs a thermometer.  Yet going up and down the stairs warms one up to a really toasty state.  

Lynns Morning warm up

Sunrise 

We pre-made eggs, milk and spices for French Toast for breakfast. Now to have another cup of coffee, chill and soon clean this place and head home to get The Boys. 

FYI, only two people are allowed in the tower and no dogs are allowed.