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The Tusayan Lookout Tree: A Window to the Past

Discover the Tusayan Lookout Tree in Grand Canyon Village, a historic landmark offering a glimpse into early forest fire detection methods.

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The Tusayan Lookout Tree, located in Grand Canyon Village, is a historical landmark representing an early fire detection system used in the Kaibab National Forest. Modified in the early 1900s, rangers used these trees as observation points to spot wildfires, offering a glimpse into the forest's early conservation efforts.

A brief summary to The Tusayan Lookout Tree

  • 451 Forest Service Rd 2607, Grand Canyon Village, Arizona, 86023, US
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • The tree is easily accessible via Forest Road 2607, just off Long Jim Loop Road.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Grandview Lookout Tower for a broader perspective on early fire detection methods.
  • Look for the historical marker near the tree for additional information about its significance.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Highway 64, turn onto Long Jim Loop Road. Then, turn onto Fire Road 2607. A short drive will bring you to the vicinity of the Tusayan Lookout Tree, near the APS substation. Parking is available nearby. The tree is a short walk from the parking area.

  • Public Transport

    From various points in the Grand Canyon area, take the free Tusayan Route (Purple) shuttle bus to Tusayan. From Tusayan, you can connect to the tree by taxi, ride-share, or by walking along Long Jim Loop Road and then onto Fire Road 2607. A taxi or ride-share from Tusayan to the lookout tree would cost approximately $15-$20. Alternatively, the walk is roughly 3 miles.

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Discover more about The Tusayan Lookout Tree

The Tusayan Lookout Tree stands as a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of early forest rangers in the Kaibab National Forest. In the early 1900s, with limited funding and manpower, the U.S. Forest Service sought creative ways to protect the forests from wildfires. Rangers would select the tallest trees with commanding views of the landscape, lop off their tops, and construct platforms. These platforms, equipped with railings, chairs, maps, compasses, and telephones, served as rudimentary fire towers. A fire guard or lookout would staff the tree, constantly scanning the horizon for any signs of smoke. Upon spotting a potential fire, they would use the telephone to alert a patrolman, also known as a smoke chaser, who would then race towards the blaze to extinguish it. The Tusayan Lookout Tree represents one of the earliest fire detection systems in American history. The Kaibab National Forest utilized these lookout trees from 1905 through the 1940s. By the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) began constructing wooden and steel towers, gradually replacing the tree lookouts. Today, only a few of these original lookout trees remain, with the Tusayan Lookout Tree being one of the most accessible. In 1992, the remaining 11 trees were added to the National Register of Historic Places. Forest managers have actively protected the Tusayan Lookout Tree during controlled fires, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

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