Hooper, Colorado: The UFO Watchtower

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!"

We camped at the UFO Watchtower in our VW Bus. Super nice folks! Great view of the sunset and mountains. Warm fresh homemade cinnamon rolls! Highly recommended for an overnight camp stop. but even if you don't camp, great place to stop.

If you're in the valley, Judy and her "tower" should not be missed by anyone who likes harmless weirdos. I hope the lady will not be offended by this description because she is the type of person who makes "harmless weirdo" into a compliment.

In addition to the watchtower, she has a very strange garden consisting of rocks, sticks and an incredible amount of amazingly random junk offerings, laid out around what she describes as the location of a major Interdimensional Vortex. People leave offerings to the Vortex, which range from quite valuable items down to old hubcaps and half packets of chewing gum, all displayed with equal reverence.

She will also show you a small dry shrub nearby, which has magical powers. I had to agree, it was the best small dry shrub with magical powers that I have seen anywhere in the world. It didn't do anything magical while I was there, but hey, I'm not about to argue with Judy.

Just a quick side note about the UFO watchtower in Hooper, CO. During my recent visit, Judy, the woman who runs the place, was offering a free bumper sticker or frisbee if you (the customer) let her tape your account of a personal experience regarding a UFO sighting. I got a free frisbee! Also, there are camping spots available and, according to Judy, most of the sightings that have occurred there were at night. One other detail...the Colorado Gator Farm is about 5 1/2 miles further south on Highway 17.