Ute Mountain Lookout

Ute Mountain Lookout is a mellow out-and-back route launching from Birch Creek Road, winding gently up to one of the Uintas’ most iconic destinations: the Ute Fire Lookout Tower. This well-graded dirt road eases through subalpine meadows and scattered pine groves, making it easily navigable by any vehicle with a bit of ground clearance. No specialized skills are required. The trail is ideal for beginners, families, or casual drivers seeking a peaceful mountain escape.

The star of the show is the Ute Fire Tower itself, a historic Civilian Conservation Corps structure built between 1935 and 1937. Significantly, it was the first fire tower in Utah constructed with above-ground living quarters and remains the last standing example of its kind in the state. Listed on both the National Register of Historic Places (since April 10, 1980) and the National Historic Lookout Register, the tower once housed Forest Service personnel from May through October, who lived thirty feet off the ground in a 14×14-foot cab, scanning for wildfires across the Northeastern Uintas.

Today, while the structure may no longer be manned daily, it continues to operate during fire season and stands renewed thanks to a restoration in 2013-2014. From its perch at roughly 8,845 feet elevation, visitors can walk around the base and appreciate sweeping panoramic views across 360 square miles of Ashley National Forest, beholding views of the Flaming Gorge region, Dinosaur National Monument, and distant ridge lines.

Camping along the route is possible, with a single reliable dispersed site nestled about halfway up, perfect for a mountain night under the stars. Although the trail sees moderate traffic in summer and fall, snow blocks access through winter and early spring, so late-season visitors will enjoy the trail at its prime.

For anyone seeking a relaxed, scenic trek with a slice of forest service history, Ute Mountain Lookout delivers a straightforward drive up, a touch of heritage at the summit, and a calm forest setting to round out the day.