Red Feather Lakes is a tiny mountain village surrounded by Roosevelt National Forest. About an hour northwest of Fort Collins and roughly two hours from Denver, it’s an easy escape for lake views, outdoor adventure and a slower pace.

My friend Adeina and I spent a summer day sipping coffee beside a lake, hiking, eating pizza and ice cream, and driving to a historic fire lookout at 10,710 feet.

Start With Coffee in Red Feather Lakes

We started with lattes from Outlawtte, a small coffee counter inside Red Feather Trading Post. The trading post also has groceries and a deli, making it a helpful stop for provisions before heading outside.

I’m typically raring to go for a moderate or strenuous hike, but part of Red Feather Lakes’ charm is slowing down.

Walk Around a Lake

Dowdy Lake is about a mile from the trading post. We parked in the day-use area and enjoyed our coffee along the water while watching fish swim near the rocks and paddleboarders circle the lake’s tiny islands.

The 115-acre, no-wake lake is popular for fishing, kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding. The Dowdy Lake Trail forms a mostly level 2.3-mile loop around the water.

We followed the trail to the right from the day-use area. Part of the route winds through ponderosa pines and the campground, while the more exposed section passes interesting rock formations. Lake views accompany you for most of the walk.

Stop for Lunch and Ice Cream

Dining options are limited in Red Feather Lakes, especially Mondays through Wednesday. Check hours before going and carry snacks as a backup.

We stopped at Hilltop General Store and Antiques, where the sign promises “pizzas, subs, ice cream and a little bit of everything.” That description is wonderfully accurate. The store has antiques, groceries, gas and fishing supplies, along with plenty of curiosities to peruse.

We ordered a vegetable pizza with a cauliflower crust and ate outside in a gazebo overlooking Hiawatha Lake. Naturally, we saved room for ice cream. My scoop of salted caramel tasted even better in the mountain sunshine.

Drive to Deadman Lookout

The highlight of our day was the scenic drive to Deadman Lookout. From Red Feather Lakes, continue about 12 miles on gravel Deadman Road before turning onto the final two-mile road to the tower.

The roads are suitable for passenger cars, according to the Forest Service, but expect gravel, narrow sections and steep drop-offs. Allow 2½ to 3 hours for the round-trip drive, scenic stops and time at the lookout.

Curious about the name? It comes from “deadmon,” an old logging term for an anchor used to secure a cable or guy line.

Climb the Historic Fire Tower

Deadman Lookout is the last of eight historic fire towers once found across northern Colorado and southern Wyoming. The original wooden tower was built in 1937–1938 but was replaced by the current metal structure in 1963. It’s dubbed the “visitor center in the sky” by Canyon Lakes Ranger District, but has not been permanently staffed since the 1970.

The 55-foot tower has 55 steps leading to a glass-enclosed lookout equipped with an Osborne Fire Finder. From the top, volunteers once watched for smoke across the surrounding forest.

We visited on a Wednesday and lucked out when longtime volunteer Jerry Partin happened to be there. He welcomed us to the tower and showed me how to use the fire finder. Smoke from several Colorado wildfires reduced visibility that afternoon, but the experience was still fascinating.

You can explore the grounds whenever the seasonal road is open, but you may only climb the tower when a volunteer is present. Because it sits at 10,710 and usually covered in snow most of the year, you can typically go up in the tower from mid-July through September. Staffing can change unexpectedly, so confirm conditions before making the drive. There is no entrance fee, and dogs must remain on a handheld leash.

At the base, there are photovoltaic arrays and a battery house. Transceivers powered by solar panels and batteries provide radio communication for Roosevelt National Forest and Larimer County Sheriff’s Department.

Windy conditions can make the climb up the stairs of the 55-foot tower sketchy. The 14 foot square glass enclosed lookout has fire locating equipment and living quarters. Volunteer Jerry showed me how to use the Osborne Fire Finder. The device was invented in 1915 by William B. Osborne, a U.S. Forest Service employee. While our view was obscured by smoke haze from Alexander Mountain Fire and Stone Canyon Fire, it was interesting to use the device to try to see the Lake Shore Fire in Boulder County that had just started while we were at the tower.

We stayed at Deadman Lookout for about 40-45 minutes, partly because we enjoyed our conservation with Jerry. Allow 2.5-3 hours for ample time for stops along the drive and to enjoy Deadman Lookout.

More Things to Do Near Red Feather Lakes

If you have additional time, consider:

• Visiting Drala Mountain Center, home to the Great Stupa of Dharmakaya
• Exploring more trails and lakes in Roosevelt National Forest
• Driving part of the Cache la Poudre–North Park Scenic and Historic Byway
• Enjoying fall color along the Cache la Poudre River, Colorado’s first designated Wild and Scenic River
• Staying overnight or dining at Beaver Meadows Resort Ranch

Beaver Meadows currently serves food Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday, but hours can change seasonally. Call before you call. Other dining options include The Thirsty Moose, The Tavern, and Potbelly Restaurant.

Red Feather Lakes is delightfully rustic. Come prepared for limited dining options, spotty cell service, and quickly changing mountain weather. That’s also a big part of its appeal.

Jennifer Broome has extensively explored Colorado. Check out the Explore Colorado section for more places to visit in the state like other Cool Colorado Lakes.