The fact that I met the iconic now 80-year-old Ranger who has manned this historic tower for 27 years is what I will most remember. When you see the image of him later in this piece, you will most likely think he is the Santa of the wilderness. In some ways, he is exactly that. You will understand why after reading this article.
There is a phrase seasoned hikers use when referring to an adventure that sticks in your mind. It can be explained in a number of ways. One is, 'The journey getting here may have been difficult, but it was well worth the effort.'
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| Historic Devils Head Lookout Tower. |
Devils Head is one of those unique places that causes one to remember details of the visit regardless of how many times you go there or how long you stay.
Like the other 10 on the bus, I looked forward to another day in the beautiful Colorado backcountry. It was a beautiful day, things were going well getting out of Aurora. The drive on Rt. 470 to Santa Fe went smoothly.
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| RR tracks across Manheart St. (Main St.) in Sedalia. |
However, after Ed came down the off ramp and started south on Santa Fe Road, to Sedalia, a loud thumping noise could be heard from under the vehicle. He nursed it to the turnoff to Sedalia and pulled up to the Comadres Coffee Shop in town.
Some on board thought the noise came from the rear of the bus. Others felt it came from the front passenger side. A look under the wheel wells and in the engine compartment found no noticeable leaks of oil, break fluid or any mechanical issue. It was decided to contact ACAA and ask for a second van to be brought to Sedalia.
Now approaching mid-morning, the tiny town...population 211...was barely coming to life. That is if you consider one vehicle on main street every twenty minutes as alive. The good thing for members of the group is the coffee shop was open so many on board went in for a cup of java. Others found a table outside on the patio and relaxed while we all waited for the second van to arrive.
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| Hikers pass through a break in a rock outcropping. |
It would be at least an hour according to Ed, before we could expect a new set of wheels. So how does one kill time on a Tuesday morning in Sedalia, Colorado?
Visit the museum. Check out the grocery store. Read the menue at the B & B across Manhart street. If you are an antique buff, walk around town and check out the old pieces staged to accent a flower bed, or adorn a front door. There are only six streets here, and no traffic signals...that's a tiny town.
After downing a cup of coffee, I wandered over to the museum but it was closed. As I came around to the front, I noticed the new van had arrived. Dave and Mick had made good time getting to the fleet center and driving our new wheels to Sedalia.
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| Start of the ascent to the Lookout Tower. |
The 6 mile drive on Rampart Ridge Road...a dirt road...was not the smoothest of access roads this group has experienced. In fact the entire span is loaded with washboard type ribs across the entire road bed. As a passenger, it makes one feel like you are on an amusement park joy ride...bumpitty, bumpitty, bump, with no control of the vehicle. Ed did his normal good job of keeping the van on track despite road conditions.
At the TH, Ed pulled up to a parking space next to the restrooms. Now late morning, there were plenty of hikers already on trail, letting a dozen or more vehicles behind in the parking area.
On trail, it was obvious this is a popular place to hike. Various web sites tout it as a good short hike for families and it's close to Denver. By the worn looking trail, and the number of people we passed it is certainly that.
Below is a series of five panoramic shots from the tower. A 100 mile view at 360 degrees.
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| Panorama images provided by Dave Coover. |
As we make our way along Devils Head Recreational Trail, a number of switchbacks help ease the effort of this moderate climb to Devils Head.
It's been a few years since my last visit but I am enjoying the day and what lies ahead. It is one of a handful of manned fire lookouts in Colorado, and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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| Ranger, Bill Ellis signs a certificate certifying a member of the Royal order of the Squirrel. |
We pass through stands of Aspen and Pine on the way up. On top we break through the rocks and enter a small meadow containing a cabin where Bill and his wife live. Bill hikes down the mountain once a week to resupply the cabin, carrying everything up to the cabin by backpack.
The lookout station was first established in 1912 and the original tower built in 1919. In 1951 the old tower was dismantled and replaced in 1991. The tower is located at 9,748' el.
We have lunch in the meadow before making the final climb to the tower. I can feel the adrenaline pumping through my body as I begin the stairway. I find my hands are gripping the railings tighter and tighter as I make my way up. I stop on each landing to capture an image of the surrounding landscape. A total of 143 steps later, I am on top.
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| Bill Ellis, on the job. |
Although a tall wire fence protects anyone from tumbling over the side of this monstrous Pikes Peak granite outcropping, I can't help but feel that normal tendency to do so. A brief jog through car-size boulders brings you to the base of the tower.
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| Nancy, a nurse, administers first aid to a teen who turned her ankle on the return from Devils Head. |
Inside the one room tower, it's a bevy of activity. Kids are clamoring to buy a T-shirt from Bill. Some are waiting for a photo with the icon. Bill is the sole proprietor here. Tower historian, salesman, and Ranger extordanair, Bill Ellis is the last of a declining breed of fire spotters.
Many children and adults alike who visit the tower, come for one thing to remember the day. Becoming an official member of the Old Order of the Squirrel. Yes, Bill provides visitors a signed certificate designating them an official member of the Order. If for no other reason, you must make the trek to this tower and join 'The Order.'
Despite the late start on trail this morning, we had a great hike, a wonderful time at the Lookout Tower and a relaxing return trek to the TH. Due to the late start there was no time to stop for the usual after hike treat today.
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| Front (L to R): Kathy Hall and Suzie Pankoff. Back Row (L to R): Mary Kay Ryan, Sara Bald, Dave Coover, Jonelle Bidwell, Susan O'Connor, Pamela Pankoff, and Sandra Arunasalam. |
Total Miles Completed = 2.4
TOMORROW, JUNE 24th: 4 SEATS STILL AVAILABLE. Captain Mountain outside Evergreen. This is a 6 mile hike with about 800' of elevation gain. Remember to pack a lunch and plenty of drinking water. Wear comfortable hiking boots and layer your torso. Rain gear is always a must. Ed and I will be backpacking in Indian Peaks Wilderness next week so I trust somebody will once again capture images from the day and send them to me for consideration on this blog. Also send me your thoughts on the trail itself, surrounding landscape and what you liked about the hike.
Next week: There are also 4 seats still available to the Loch in RMNP. Don't miss it. Call ACAA today to register at 303-739-7950
Note to all HCH regular and new members. Display a unique group patch designed by members of the HCH group based at ACAA in Aurora. Sew one on your day pack. Another on a favorite jacket or windbreaker. High Country Hiker (HCH) group patches are available at $9.00 each. Give your name and quantity to Ed, Mary Kay, or the author. You can also email your request to: garyalleman@gmail.com
See patch below...
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