William R. Kreutzer, a native of the Sedalia area, and the first U.S. Forest Ranger may have used Devil’s Head summit as a wildfire lookout. He served what was to become the South Platte District of the Pike National Forest between 1898 and 1905. In 1907, the newly created Forest Service planned seven principal lookouts along the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains between New Mexico and Wyoming. Devil’s Head was selected to be the location of one of only four lookouts that were eventually established.
Helen Dowe was the first female fire lookout stationed at Devil’s Head, where she served from 1919 to 1921. Dowe was hired because there was a shortage of able-bodied men brought about by World War I. Her position drew national attention, making her a role model for women throughout the country.
The original lookout was constructed in 1919 and was replaced by the current one in 1951. It took 100 men and 71 mules to dismantle the old tower and construct the new one. Devil’s Head Lookout sits on a granite outcrop at the highest point of Rampart Range at an elevation of 9,748 feet. Fires can be easily spotted up to a distance of 75 miles away. This site has been in continuous use since 1912, and is the last full-time Lookout in Colorado. Although the Lookout is only manned during the summer months, it receives several thousand visitors each year.
The Devil's Head Trail (#611) is 1.4 miles long, and has an elevation gain of 865' from the trailhead. The lookout is at 9,748' elevation (plus 143 steps up to reach the tower). This trail receives heavy use; please practice Leave No Trace. Devil’s Head Fire Lookout is over 100 years old, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
LOGGING REQUIREMENT
This is a NEW virtual! Unfortunately, photos from visits prior to its publication do not constitute a find. I hope you enjoy another adventure here. This virtual geocache will be simple - just one photo requirement. Post a picture of yourself/group at the Fire Lookout with the sign included. You may do a photo featuring a trackable instead if you want privacy. Logs without the required photo will be deleted (if you are in a group shot, please mention this in your log so it doesn't get deleted by mistake).
The stairs have been replaced. You can go to the top again! The only time photos at the base of the stairs are allowed is if the gate is closed. DO NOT climb over the gate to go to the tower. Please just get a photo next to it. Thanks!
Sample photos:
Virtual Reward - 2017/2018
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between August 24, 2017 and August 24, 2018. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards on the Geocaching Blog.