const mestaahehe_fire_tower

Perched above Idaho Springs, the Mestaa’ėhehe Fire Tower is one of those places that makes you feel like you’re standing in the past. These lookouts were built to spot smoke early and stop wildfires before they could spread, and for decades they were a symbol of protection and control. But over time, that same approach helped reshape western forests in ways no one fully understood yet. By suppressing the smaller, natural fires that once cleared deadwood and underbrush, we let fuel build up for generations, setting the stage for the massive, destructive fires we see today. Staying here for a night feels peaceful, but it’s also a reminder that sometimes nature isn’t meant to be managed into silence.