Background

UFO Watchtower: A Quirky Roadside Attraction

Explore the unexplained at the UFO Watchtower in Center, Colorado, a unique roadside attraction in the mystical San Luis Valley.

4.5

The UFO Watchtower, located in the San Luis Valley near Center, Colorado, is a roadside attraction offering visitors a unique experience of UFO sightings and paranormal energy. Founded by Judy Messoline in 2000, the watchtower has become a haven for UFO enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

A brief summary to UFO Watchtower

  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Bring an offering to leave in the garden for good luck or to increase your energy and karma.
  • Camp overnight to experience the dark skies and increase your chances of spotting a UFO.
  • Check the UFO Watchtower's website or call ahead for current hours of operation, especially during the off-season.
  • Be prepared for a primitive camping experience with no hookups and limited facilities.
  • Look for the handmade sign on Highway 17 with a green alien to guide you to the watchtower.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Driving

    The UFO Watchtower is located on CO-17, approximately 2 miles north of Hooper, Colorado. From Hooper, head north on CO-17 for about 2 miles. Look for the handmade sign with a green alien on the east side of the highway. The watchtower will be on your right. There is no public transportation available to the site. Parking is available on-site. There are no tolls on CO-17 in the immediate vicinity of the UFO Watchtower.

Unlock the Best of UFO Watchtower

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about UFO Watchtower

In the heart of the mystical San Luis Valley, the UFO Watchtower offers a quirky and unique experience for those interested in the unexplained. Founded in 2000 by Judy Messoline, a former cattle rancher, the watchtower has become a roadside attraction where visitors can gather to share their experiences, look for UFOs, and explore the surrounding area. The main feature is a 10-foot observation platform that provides a 360-degree view of the vast San Luis Valley. The valley is known for its dark skies, high elevation (7,600 feet), and frequent reports of unusual aerial phenomena. Visitors can scan the horizon for unidentified objects and enjoy the stunning views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Below the platform, visitors can explore the eccentric garden filled with offerings left by previous visitors. These items, ranging from personal mementos to everyday objects, are intended as gifts to the paranormal beings said to inhabit the vortexes located on the property. The garden also features alien sculptures and a "healing garden". The UFO Watchtower also offers camping, allowing visitors to spend the night under the dark skies of the San Luis Valley. With minimal light pollution, the area is ideal for stargazing and keeping an eye out for unusual activity in the night sky. Inside the dome-shaped gift shop, visitors can purchase alien-themed merchandise and learn more about the history of the watchtower and the UFO sightings in the area.

Popular Experiences near UFO Watchtower

Popular Hotels near UFO Watchtower

Select Currency