Place · 0.5 mi away
Overview
Perched at 6,023 feet, Mount Coolidge Fire Tower is the park’s classic high perch: a stone lookout built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1939 that’s still staffed for fire spotting and dispatch. You can’t go inside the tower, but you can walk around the summit area and up the exterior steps/deck for the views and the interpretive displays.
Why it’s special
This is one of the few active, CCC-era fire lookouts you can still visit. The summit has displays about the 1988 Galena Fire, giving the panoramic scenery a dose of real park history.
The views
Expect sweeping 360-degree vistas over the Black Hills. On a clear day you can pick out Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, the Needles, Black Elk Peak’s tower, and distant Badlands far to the east.
Getting there
A short but steep, narrow, and winding gravel road climbs to the summit. It has sharp drop-offs and minimal guardrails, so take it slow and use caution at blind corners. Oversized vehicles and campers aren’t allowed. At the top, there’s a small paved/gravel lot and a short walk to the lookout area.
What to expect up top
You’ll find a simple summit setup: viewpoints, interpretive panels about past fires, benches, at least one picnic table, and a vault toilet. The tower interior is off-limits since it’s an active workplace.
Season and access
The road generally opens from Memorial Day to late September. Outside that window, the gate is typically closed to vehicles, though you can hike the road when it’s shut.
Wildlife
This stop is about the views more than wildlife. You might spot raptors riding thermals on a breezy day, but animal sightings aren’t the focus here.
Best time to visit
- Clear days are king—visibility can stretch for dozens of miles.
- For photography, early or late light is gorgeous; keep in mind the road isn’t open at night.
- Midweek mornings often mean easier parking and a calmer drive.
Pros
- Commanding 360° views, including Rushmore and Crazy Horse on clear days
- Historic CCC-built stone lookout still in active use with interpretive panels
- Drive-up summit with small parking, picnic spot, and a vault toilet
Cons
- Steep, narrow, winding gravel road; not suitable for large vehicles
- Limited parking at the top can back up during busy periods
Tips
- Go on a clear day to maximize long-range views toward the Badlands.
- Avoid large vehicles or trailers; the access road is steep and narrow.
- Drive slowly and be ready for blind curves and minimal guardrails.
- Bring binoculars or quarters for the summit viewfinders.
- From late fall to spring the gate is often closed; you can hike the road if so.
