Devil's Head Fire Lookout

I had the opportunity to hike up to Devil's Head with Yukon the other day. It is a spine of rocky protrusions clearly visible to the west along the Front Range as you travel up I-25 to Denver and my attempt to hike it in early spring was thwarted due to the Forest Service roads being closed due to snow. 

Wildflowers on the way up the trail.

The views start to quickly open up. There are 360-degree views of the surrounding Rockies and plains. Apparently you can see for 100 miles on a clear day.

My trusty hiking companion. She is a great scrambler! But like a good Welshie, the heat takes its toll.

First view of the fire tower. It was built around the turn of the 20th century and manned by a pioneering woman for the first 3 years who kept a vigilant eye out for forest fires. It has actually remained a functioning fire tower ever since and I believe is the last standing among a constellation of old lookouts along the Front Range. 

View to the southeast. This is the eastern edge of the Front Range looking out over the plains that stretch all the way to Kansas.

Great view of Pike's Peak to the south framed by the fire tower and a boulder.

I believe this gentleman's name is Billy Ellis. He has been manning the tower for 32 years and totally looks the part. He said the lookout is typically manned from May to September. 

Adventurous hiker out on a ledge.

The view toward Denver.

143 steps.