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Fire Lookouts in Missouri

4 fire lookouts in Missouri with photography planning data — sunrise and sunset azimuths, golden hour by month, Milky Way windows and estimated sky darkness. Ripley County has the most (1). The darkest skies are at Possum Trot Lookout (Bortle 2).

Top fire lookouts

Baldy Lookout TowerFire Lookout
Baldy Lookout TowerRipley County
Possum Trot LookoutFire Lookout
Possum Trot LookoutOregon County
Fire Lookout
Taum Sauk Lookout TowerIron County
Fire Lookout
Climax Springs Fire TowerCamden County

Map

How to photograph fire lookouts

Lookouts are built for 360° views, so sunrise and sunset are both options — use the azimuths to decide which view you want.

  • Some lookouts can be rented overnight through recreation.gov, which puts you on site for both sunset and sunrise.
  • Shoot the tower itself against the Milky Way or star trails on clear, moonless nights.
  • Haze from wildfire smoke can turn the sun deep red but reduce visibility; check air quality.
  • Access roads may be rough or seasonal.

Season: Summer and early autumn; many towers are staffed only during fire season.