Fire Lookouts

Sierra Nevada fire lookouts

Calpine lookout

Anyone can visit, although people who want to drive all
the way to the lookout must stop at the Sierraville
ranger district office to pick up a key to the gate.
Amenities include a stove and small heater, a new
vaulted toilet and a picnic table and fire ring with grill.

Martis fire lookout

This popular destination above Martis Valley has a
partial view of Lake Tahoe and a helpful guide to all the
peaks, lakes and valleys drawn into the wall above the
windows. A paid staffer and volunteers work in the cab
during the fire season, generally July through October.
The public is welcome. The road to the lookout isn't
maintained in the winter, but the lookout stays open.
Winter visitors can stay overnight but can't cook inside
the lookout.

Duncan Peak lookout

The Forest Service generally uses this lookout near the
Foresthill Divide from May through November. Although
the road is gated in the winter to prevent vehicle access
and lessen vandalism, hikers still can access the
lookout year-round. The views to the north take in the
Royal Gorge of the American River; to the east, the
Sierra Crest and French Meadows; to the south,
endless ridges; and to the east one sees the foothills,
the central valley and the coastal range.

Robbs Peak lookout

Reservations to rent this inactive lookout in the Eldorado
National Forest book up quickly each year, but anyone
can visit the hut to take advantage of the 360-degree
views that include the peaks of the Desolation
Wilderness and the lakes and ridges along U.S. 50.