Hooper, Colorado: The UFO Watchtower

Cattle rancher Judy Messoline built a UFO Watchtower -- really an elevated deck -- so that everyone could better see what flies overhead. The surrounding property is littered with spacey tributes.

Hours are currently 10-5. Sadly we didn't get to go in because we got there too early. Worth a stop if you are nearby.

Loved this place! Great views, great vortexes and fun lady (not Judy) who gave a great talk about the garden. A must-see!

We just stopped here yesterday on our way to the sand dunes. We saw it on the map and laughingly said we should stop. When we got toward the tower we became more and more intrigued, mostly due to all of the shiny objects and satellite dishes scattered around. We pulled in, paid our five dollars per car and started on our UFO journey.

We were promptly greeted by Judy and her two charming dogs. She was so nice and took the time to show us around. My son will forever be a part of the site as he put a Yoda in the garden. He made no special requests of the alien vortex however. This has been one of the highlights of our trip and would highly recommend the time to stop. We don't necessarily believe in UFOs, but haven't ruled it out either. Judy was just a very nice person to be with and hear her stories.

The UFO watch tower stands in the middle of the fertile San Luis Valley, just north of Hooper, Colorado. The cost is now $2 if you want to enter the parcel of land and enjoy the view, and camping is $10. Definitely a part of Americana, or should I say, "Alienata" that you don't want to miss on the self-proclaimed "Cosmic Highway!"