Thousand Lake Mountain Fire Lookout

Perched at 9,900 feet atop Thousand Lake Mountain, this restored 1960s fire lookout offers commanding views across southern Utah’s redrock country. On clear days, you can see Capitol Reef’s white domes, the Henry Mountains, and even the La Sal range near Moab. The lookout itself is a classic Aermotor tower with the original cab intact, though it’s no longer staffed. The summit plateau holds scattered aspen groves and alpine meadows, a stark contrast to the desert below.

Access via Forest Road 206 from Highway 12 near Teasdale, then a rough 4WD track for the final 3 miles to the summit. The road is impassable when wet and usually snowed in from November through May. High-clearance 4WD required for the final push, with several steep, rocky sections that challenge even experienced drivers.

Sky-high views over Utah's redrock wilderness