I’m thinking maybe cleared for fire safety?

Some of the scree chutes have been added to during road building over the years, but most of it is natural and common for the area (which is in the Rocky Mountains, west of the Continental Divide). The scree (and larger talus) is a good natural fire break, but sadly this peak has way too many trees up close to the lookout tower for fire safety. I expect that there will be some cutting projects on the peak early next summer.

That little lookout station really is sitting on top of the world! I love being able to see it from this perspective - great shot!

Anywhere near Gospel Hump?

I'm up in the panhandle, just south of Wallace.

I was trying to place the tower.