Medicine Bow - Routt National Forests
Thunder Basin National Grassland

USDA Forest Service
Medicine Bow-Routt
National Forests,
Thunder Basin
National Grassland
2468 Jackson Street
Laramie, WY 82070
307-745-2300

Telephone for the
Hearing Impaired
307-745-2307

The Spruce Mountain Fire Lookout Tower may be rented from mid-June to October 1st, weather permitting. There is maximum reservation of 2 consecutive nights, no more than 10 nights per calendar year, and no more than 3 weekends per calendar year. A rental fee of $40.00 per night is charged for use of the tower.

Additional camping is allowed on the site, with a total of 10 occupants at the site.

Saddle and pack stock are allowed at the site but must be kept 500 feet from the tower’s base.

Access

The tower is located seven miles west of Albany, Wyoming on Forest Road #500, a well-graveled road accessible by two-wheel-drive vehicles. Hiking and scenic driving opportunities abound nearby. The scenic Snowy Range is an hour's drive away via State Highway 11 and State Highway 130

Attractions & Considerations

EQUIPMENT & FURNISHINGS PROVIDED

Propane refrigerator and propane stove with small oven
Propane heater and propane lamps
Two single beds
Four chairs and table
Hoist (pulley and rope)
Broom and dustpan
Manual for operating lights and stove
Pit toilet on the ground
Historic fire finder

THINGS TO BRING ALONG

There is no water at the tower! Please bring adequate water for drinking, cooking, and washing.
Bedding or sleeping bags, sleeping pads or cots
Food, cooking and eating utensils
Paper towels, trash bags, matches
Warm clothing and rain gear
Toilet articles and tissue
First aid equipment, flashlight
Camera, binoculars
Insect spray/repellent, sunscreen

SAFETY RULES

Since the cab and deck are 55 feet above the ground, visitors to the cab do so at their own risk.
Groups occupying the tower overnight are restricted to a maximum of four persons, including at least one adult over 21.

Children under 8 years old and pets are not allowed on the tower.

Smoking, alcoholic beverages, drugs, fireworks, and firearms are not permitted in or around the tower.

Climbing the tower structure outside of the enclosed stairs is forbidden.

Nothing is to be thrown from the tower deck.

Sleeping on the deck, sitting on the railing, horseplay, and unruly behavior are prohibited.

Use handrail when using the stairs.

During lightning storms, stay in the cab and do not touch metal furnishings.

For security reasons, the platform hatch at the top of the stairs should be locked to prevent entry from the stairway

Narrative

Live a little bit of history and enjoy an incredible view in southeastern Wyoming with an overnight stay at the Spruce Mountain Fire Lookout Tower.

Formerly used to detect fires, the live-in tower rises 55 feet above a forested mountaintop in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests. The tower was renovated and opened to the public for overnight rental in 1997 under the Granger-Thye Act.

The tower is at an elevation of 10,003 feet and visitors should be prepared for high altitude conditions. Summertime temperatures average 70 degrees but can drop as low as 30 degrees at night or during thunderstorms.