COLORADO LOOKOUTS
HAHNS PEAK
Routt County
Routt National Forest
10N-85W-9
Routt National Forest
10N-85W-9
March 24, 1911: "The forest service has headquarters at Steamboat and pays out several thousand dollars a year for rangers, guards and stenographers. Gradually the hostility to the work is quieting down. Here are some of the plans it has for 1912: Lookout station at Mount Ethel on the Park range, and telephone line to connect with it; lookout station on the summit of Hahn's peak, with telephone connection; trail from Hahn's peak to Slater park; lookout station on Bear Ears, with telephone and trail; drift fence in California park; trail from Morrison creek to Silver creek; and many other improvements not given here. The past year showed much done, and as the work becomes more systemized the service will become more efficient." (Routt County Republican)
September 23, 1914: "Dick Frazier of the Forestry Service, who has been stationed at the Hahn's Peak lookout station on Hahn's Peak, is in Steamboat for the winter, coming in last night." (Steamboat Pilot)
May 5, 1916: "A cupola will be built on the lookout station on Hahn's Peak, to be fitted with modern appliances for detecting the presence of fire in the environs of the reserve. In the cupola, which will be 3x3 feet and 8 feet high, will be a removable top and a hinged leaf on which will be fastened a map of the reserve. With the aid of an alidade telescope, fire may be discerned and its exact location ascertained by the watcher in the tower, and this information telephoned to the various ranger stations will furnish a means of quickly gathering the forces at the danger point." (Routt County Sentinel)
July 5, 1916: "M.M. Meaden of Four Mile, formerly owner of the Chase ranch on Deep creek, came up Monday morning and will spend a few days in this vicinity. He will be in charge of the lookout station on Hahn's peak this summer." (Steamboat Pilot)
March 22, 1918: "Hahn's Peak, 28 miles from Steamboat Springs, stands nearly in the geographical center of the Routt Forest. It is about 10,824 feet high, and because of its isolated position, affords an unusually good view of all of the northern part of the Forest. It is of definite and sharply conical form, so steep that except for a long ridge on the Northwest side, the upper one-third of the mountain is slide rock. Prospectors for valuable mineral have literally riddled the cone with their tunnels, and one, known as the "Ice Cave," is festooned with jewel-like frost crystals throughout the summer.
The Forest Service utilizes the very top of Hahn's Peak as a fire lookout station. A stone shelter cabin has been built, and is equipped with maps, range finders, telephone, binoculars, and other necessary instruments for promptly detecting and locating forest fires. An excellent trail, passable to saddle horses, leads from the Royal Flush mine to the top of the mountain. The Forest Service maintains a fire guard on the mountain from June to November." (Routt County Sentinel)
July 10, 1918: "Jimmy Buell, well known forest man, hunter and ditch rider of Craig, came to Steamboat last Wednesday and on the following day went to the lookout station on the summit of Hahn's peak, where he will act as watcher during the summer. He was accompanied by his faithful hound, the companion of many adventurers and the animal will be his only companion during the lonely vigils among the clouds and forked lightning." (Steamboat Pilot)
July 12, 1918: "James Buell, who has been clerk at the Baker house at Craig, is now attached to the Routt National forest and is acting as lookout guard at the summit of Hahn's Peak." (Routt County Sentinel)
September 11, 1918: "The first snow of the season fell Thursday along the high country east of Steamboat. Considerable of a flurry was reported was reported at the lookout station on Hahn's Peak, and from that station snow still may be seen lying along the backbone of the Continental divide. Fisher folk on Buffalo pass felt the first touch of winter. Mr. and Mrs Otis Smith returning through considerable of a blizzard. The snow this early is a forerunner of a long and favorable fall. It is likely that there will be a small fall of snow in a couple of weeks and then little more until well toward December." "Mr. and Mrs. J.M. Ellis and children were visitors Friday to the forest service lookout station on Hahns Peak, visiting there for a while with Charles E. Blackburn, who is in charge of the station. This miniature blockhouse, firmly builded of stone on the very apex of the peak, affords a wonderful view of more than 35,000 square miles of mountain scenery, a panorama unbelievable to dwellers in a plains country. The one connecting link in this oasis in the wilderness is the telephone line which runs to the station. By means of this and the Pilot's daily news service, the watcher on the peak may have within eight hours of their occurrence a brief review of the great events in France." (Steamboat Pilot)
June 13, 1919: "Hahns Peak , an old mining town located in the heart of the forest, is a natural center for many of the trail routes to the more attractive lakes, streams, and fishing grounds of the mountains. To the north of town, Hahns Peak (10,834 feet), which can be reached by a three hours' climb, affords a wonderful view of the surrounding country. A fire observation station is maintained on this mountain by the forest service, and a man kept constantly on the lookout for fires during the summer months." (Routt County Republican)
June 11, 1920: "William McNair of Denver, a nephew of Miss Agnes McNair of the Routt forest headquarters, arrived last Thursday night from Denver, with his friend, Earl Brenthinger, to spend a short vacation in Routt county, fishing. The latter returned to the city in a few days, but William decided to remain here, for the present at least, and has accepted the position of observer at the fire lookout station at the summit of Hahn's peak." (Routt County Sentinel)
July 21, 1920: "W. McNair, a recent arrival, is the forest service lookout on Hahn's Peak." (Steamboat Pilot)
October 1, 1920: "The lookout station at the summit of Hahn's Peak was made the center of attack by lightning during a violent electrical storm last week, and but for the fact that no one was in the building at the time the consequences might have been serious. The telephone was burned out, and the wires installed to protect the observer from lightning were fused, a big hole being blown in the solid rock where they were grounded. William McNair, who during the summer was employed as observer, was at the time of the storm at his cabin, lower down the peak." "William McNair, who has been employed as lookout at the summit of Hahn's peak during the past four months, is expected down this week, having finished his work there for the season. He will return to his home at Denver." (Routt County Sentinel)
October 8, 1920: "Lightning struck the lookout station on Hahn's peak a few days ago and tore things up generally, but no one was in the station at the time and thus the watcher, William McNair, escaped injury." (Routt County Republican)
September 5, 1930: "In the afternoon W.N. Jacobs, W.G. Shearer, Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Jacobs, Mr. Wissler and Lowell Shearer climbed Hahns peak. While they were making the ascent a sgtorm was brewing and when they reached the top they encountered rain, wind and snow. They has shelter in the lookout cabin during the storm. Within an hour they had four kinds of weather, heat of the sun, wind, rain and snow. After the cloud had passed over, the peak stood out distinct and imposing as befitted the sentinel of the Main range." (Steamboat Pilot)
July 20, 1939: "Hans Wulff is now located at the lookout on Hahns peak with instructions to report all fires. He is spending the nights at the Hahns Peak Mining company headquarters." (Steamboat Pilot)
July 27, 1939: "Hans Wulff, who is at the lookout station on the top of Hahn's Peak has a busy time last week as it was necessary to go to Columbine to report fires. Saturday he climbed Hahn's Peak twice. A telephone has been installed in the station." "A phone line has been constructed to Hahn's Peak Mining company and to the lookout on top of the peak where Hans Wulff is stationed. As soon as a new instrument is received, there will be direct service to the mine. Hans has his phone in operation now." (Steamboat Pilot) (Steamboat Pilot)
August 31, 1939: "Hans Wulff, lookout at Hahn's Peak, received a new phone this week." (Steamboat Pilot)
July 25, 1940: "Hans Wulff is watchman at the lookout station on the top of Hahn's Peak." "Harry Davis, Hans Wulff and George Harmon now have the phone line up to Hahn's peak lookout in working order. Hans Wulff is now stationed there as lookout." (Steamboat Pilot)
August 15, 1940: "Hans Wulff, lookout at Hahns peak, is now enjoying a more convenient station since Mr. and Mrs. Harry Davis made a pack trip up Tuesday with much needed doors and windows." (Steamboat Pilot)
September 5, 1940: "Hans Wulff was down from the lookout on Hahn's Peak to spend the weekend with his mother, Mrs. Elsa Mahler." "Under the supervision of Sam Orr, a new trail is being made to the lookout on Hahn's peak. Altho it will be slightly longer Mr. Orr states, the grade will be easier. New Markers will also be put up." (Steamboat Pilot)
September 19, 1940: "As a watchman is no longer needed at the lookout station on the top of Hahn's peak since the rainy weather. Hans Wulff, who is working for the forest, is home for a few days." (Steamboat Pilot)
September 26, 1940: "Monday Harry Davis took the wire and phone down from the lookout on Hahn's peak." (Steamboat Pilot)
June 12, 1941: "Material for a new cupola to be built on the present lookout station on Hahns Peak were trucked up as far as the Royal Flush mine Monday under the direction of Ranger Sam Orr and Leo Connor. From that point everything will have to be packed over a mile and a half trail.
The cupola will be sided entirely by glass giving a range for fire protection as far as Baker's peak, Rabbit Ears and other distant points. The latest fire-finding devices will be installed. Around the structure will be a catwalk accessible by an outside stairway. Guests will be welcomed but their stay must be limited on the building so as not to interfere with work of detecting fires. A guest register will be waiting for signatures.
In order to avoid the hazard of lightning which has previously hampered the work at this lookout, everything including building and furniture will be insulated. During a bad storm the lookout is instructed to sit in the center of the room in an insulated chair with feet off the ground. No accidents have occurred in lookouts so guarded, Mr. Orr states. The house is wired at all points. These wires connect with heavy copper cables deeply grounded.
The old building which was constructed in 1912 will be repaired and used as living quarters for the man stationed there, as everything must be packed by hand, visitors are asked to carry their own drinking water and whatever food they may require." (Steamboat Pilot)
August 7, 1941: "The last few weeks of dry weather has increased the fire hazard to such an extent in this territory that a lookout is deemed necessary on the peak. Newton Armstrong will act in that capacity. An emergency telephone line was completed Tuesday." (Steamboat Pilot)
August 14, 1941: "George Harmon is acting as lookout on Hahns peak filling Newt Armstrong's place. Mr. Armstrong is planning to moving his family to California this week." (Steamboat Pilot)
August 20, 1942: "Work of building the crow's nest on top of the fire lookout on Hahns Peak will be started next week when Rex B. Chamberlain, forest service carpenter, will arrive from Fort Collins to construct it. Materials for the building are being taken to the lookout this week to be readiness for the carpenter." (Steamboat Pilot)
August 27, 1942: "Supervisor W.B. Fay and Ranger Sam Orr made an inspection trip to the top of Hahns peak where a new lookout station is being built. Dewey Savage has the contract to freight material up with horses from the Royal Flush mine." (Steamboat Pilot)
September 24, 1942: "Dan Dillon, who has been working with Dewey Savage freighting material for the Hahns Peak lookout, returned home to Norwood, Colo., with his brother Sunday." (Steamboat Pilot)
October 29, 1942: "All efforts are being put on finishing the crow's nest on the forest service lookout at Hahn's Peak this week while weather is still such that any work at all can be done. Workers hope that weather will permit them to finish the major portion of the work this week leaving but a few finishing touches for completion in the spring." (Steamboat Pilot)
November 5, 1942: "Most of the work was completed on the Hahn's peak lookout before the carpenter, Rex Chamberlain, and Mr. and Mrs. Dewey Smith broke camp there Friday." (Steamboat Pilot)
July 22, 1943: "Amos Ebersole started his duties as lookout at the Hahns Peak lookout station Wednesday morning. Dewey Savage packed his supplies over from Red Park." (Steamboat Pilot)
August 5, 1943: "George Wheeler and Lawrence Juel made a trip to the Hahns peak lookout Sunday where they visited Amos Ebersole." "Charlie Killebrew has been in this section the past few days going over the forest phones. The phone on the lookout is now installed ready for all emergencies." (Steamboat Pilot)
August 19, 1943: "Amos Ebersole, Hahns Peak lookout, made a trip to the store Monday." (Steamboat Pilot)
August 26, 1943: "Amos Ebersole, lookout at Hahn's peak, is to be transferred to the Black Hills lookout." "During the severe electrical storm Saturday, Amos Ebersole noted several localities where lightning struck but no serious fires resulted." (Steamboat Pilot)
September 2, 1943: "Ranger Williams from Encampment area came in Monday to transfer Amos Ebersole to his new post at Black Hall lookout." (Steamboat Pilot)
September 9, 1943: "Charles Killebrew will man the Hahn's Peak lookout, starting this week, taking the place of Amos Ebersole." (Steamboat Pilot)
October 7, 1943: "Amos Ebersole who has manned the Black Hall lookout is again back on Hahn's peak lookout." (Steamboat Pilot)
October 21, 1943: "Amos Ebersole, who is no longer acting as lookout at Hahns Peak, is cutting wood for the J.O. Sheep company. He has rented a cabin at Columbine where he expects to winter." (Steamboat Pilot)
June 8, 1944: "Dan Gibson, forest ranger, made a trip to the seed house Wednesday and up to Columbine Thursday. He arranged with Amos Ebersole to man the lookout on Hahns Peak this season." (Steamboat Pilot)
June 15, 1944: "Amos Ebersole started Monday on trail work for the forest. Later this month Dan Gibson and Earl Strubeck will do some finishing work on Hahns Peak lookout." (Steamboat Pilot)
July 27, 1944: "Forest Supervisor W.L. Fay met Dan Gibson in Columbine Friday in order to look over the forest road leading to the Lookout with view to improvements." (Steamboat Pilot)
August 3, 1944: "Amos Ebersole was placed as lookout man on the Peak Monday morning." (Steamboat Pilot)
August 24, 1944: "As the fire hazard has been considerably lowered by recent rain. Amos Ebersole, lookout on the Peak, and Denny Cullen, stationed at Hog park, have been temporarily relieved from their duties." (Steamboat Pilot)
July 26, 1945: "Bob Roper of Olathe, Colo., will be this year's lookout man on the Peak. Dan Gibson helped him pack in Monday." (Steamboat Pilot)
August 2, 1945: "Bob Loper, Hahn's Peak Lookout, suffered cracked ribs from a fall while cutting some timber last week. Although he went up on the Lookout Monday, he found it impossible to stay so radioed down for help. He went into Steamboat Tuesday where he is receiving medical treatment." (Steamboat Pilot)
August 9, 1945: "Bob Loper who was down in Steamboat for medical attention returned Wednesday and is now stationed as Lookout on Hahn's Peak." (Steamboat Pilot)
August 16, 1945: "Bob Loper who has served as Lookout on Hahns Peak was called to his home in Olathe, Colo. by illness in the family." (Steamboat Pilot)
August 23, 1945: "Tom Anderson is now lookout on the peak. It has been decided to make headquarters a little below the official lookout in one of the old mining cabins." (Steamboat Pilot)
September 6, 1945: "Art Bogue, who has been acting as ranger, and Tom Anderson, Hahn's Peak lookout, completed their duties with the Forest Service Friday. Mr. Bogue will resume his duties as principal of the grade school at Steamboat Springs and Tom will enroll as a sophomore." (Steamboat Pilot)
September 20, 1945: "Art Anderson who has been serving as lookout on the Peak came down Sunday as Saturday night's storm lowered the fire hazard." (Steamboat Pilot)
June 6, 1946: "Mr. and Mrs. R.O. Kent are cabinists at Columbine. Mr. Kent will act as lookout on the Peak this season. As soon as weather permits, they will remodel the cabin below the peak for living quarters." (Steamboat Pilot)
July 11, 1946: "Mr. and Mrs. A.S. Kent are now cabinists at Columbine again. Mrs. Kent was released from the hospital Saturday where she was treated for injuries in a recent automobile accident. Mr. Kent will go on the lookout this week." (Steamboat Pilot)
July 18, 1946: "A.S. Kent started his work as lookout on the Peak Sunday. Mrs. Kent is recovering nicely from her automobile accident." (Steamboat Pilot)
August 8, 1946: "Ed Russold who had intended to serve as lookout on Hahns Peak found the altitude too great for him and came down Saturday." (Steamboat Pilot)
August 15, 1946: "A.S. Kent has been pinch hitting as lookout on the Peak until Mr. and Mrs. Roger Butler could come up to take over." (Steamboat Pilot)
September 5, 1946: "Rudolph Ebert of Steamboat Springs is in charge of the repair work on Hahns Peak lookout. Cement will be run again on the foundations and the roof made leak proof." "Mrs. Roger Butler who has been acting as lookout came down Thursday to go to Steamboat as frequent rains lowered the fire hazard." (Steamboat Pilot)
September 12, 1946: "The powers of the small but mighty jeep are being demonstrated by John D. McNamara in hauling gravel and cement to the Hahn's Peak lookout. He hauled 6000 pounds from the old Royal Flush mine to the spring a few rods below the lookout over the old wagon trail Thursday." "As the present dry weather has run up the fire hazard, Mrs. Roger Butler is on steady at the lookout." "Tommy Anderson brought up burros Monday to complete the haul on the Peak from the spring to the Lookout." (Steamboat Pilot)
July 22, 1948: "In view of the High fire danger the Hahn's Peak lookout has been manned and the Routt Forest radio network is now in operation." (Steamboat Pilot)
2013: The building was stabilized by volunteers from Historicorps during the summer months.
July 10, 2018: "Someone broke several windows and the door of the Hahn's Peak lookout near Steamboat. The U.S. Forest Service estimated the damage is at least $5,000.
The U.S. Forest Service and Routt County Sheriff's office are working together to find who broke the Hahn's Peak Lookout's windows and door. Crime Stoppers is offering a $500 reward for information leading to an arrest." (9NEWS.com)