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| no partners | | One of the main reasons I made this trip over to the Ruidoso area was to finally see this fire lookout, and to check out the Skyline Campground that is near it along FR 117. FR 117 heads north from the Ski Apache Highway (NM532) a short distance from Alto. There are also a few camp sites in the area immediately in the vicinity of the lookout. The camping areas are open, but have been damaged some by the Little Bear Fire of 2012. Views are just wonderful up there. 
Monjeau Lookout is a very distinctive historic structure dating back to the CCC days. Originally constructed in 1936, it was reworked in 1940 to its current configuration in a "rustic style." The tower was damaged in the Little Bear Fire, but has been restored and continues in seasonal use. It was not staffed on my visit, so was locked up, but no matter, it is a classic!  It is easy to see why it gets a tremendous amount of visitation.
The southern terminus of Crest Trail (T25) is along the road about midway between Skyline Campground and Monjeau.
If you are in the area, it certainly is worth a visit.
Note: I did not link to the official description for this place because it didn't make sense to me. The given location is nowhere near the actual spot (my coordinates for this triplog mark it exactly). Also, more than one trail gets near it.
[ youtube video ]
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Autumn Foliage Observation Isolated
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Wildflowers Observation Substantial
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