About UFO Watchtower
The UFO Watchtower is a unique roadside attraction located near Hooper, Colorado, in the vast and sparsely populated San Luis Valley. Built as a place for visitors to observe the sky and discuss unexplained phenomena, the attraction has become one of the most recognizable UFO-themed destinations in the United States.
The watchtower was created in 2000 by Judy Messoline, who owned property in the valley and wanted to provide a place where visitors interested in UFO sightings and unusual phenomena could gather. The San Luis Valley was already known among UFO enthusiasts for reports of strange lights, unexplained events, and a history of local legends surrounding activity in the area.
The structure itself is simple but distinctive: a raised metal observation platform that allows visitors to stand above the surrounding landscape and scan the horizon. The elevated viewpoint offers wide views of the valley, the surrounding mountains, and the famously open Colorado sky. While the tower does not provide evidence of extraterrestrial activity, it serves as a gathering place for people interested in UFO culture and the stories associated with the region.
One of the attraction’s most unusual features is the “UFO Garden,” an area where visitors leave objects, artwork, and personal offerings connected to UFO beliefs, extraterrestrial themes, and unexplained experiences. Over time, the collection has grown into a constantly changing display of strange and creative items, ranging from sculptures to handwritten messages.
The San Luis Valley itself adds to the attraction’s atmosphere. Its remote location, dark skies, and dramatic landscape make it an appealing destination for stargazers, photographers, and travelers interested in unusual roadside stops. The surrounding area has long been associated with UFO reports, though many claims remain part of local folklore rather than verified events.
Unlike traditional monuments built to commemorate historical events, the UFO Watchtower exists because of curiosity and imagination. It represents a modern form of roadside attraction where mystery itself is the destination. Visitors do not arrive to see a confirmed phenomenon—they arrive to participate in a community built around questions, stories, and the possibility of the unknown.
Today, the UFO Watchtower remains a popular stop for travelers crossing southern Colorado. It stands as a symbol of America’s fascination with the unexplained and the enduring appeal of places where visitors are encouraged to look up and wonder.