Alder Ridge Lookout
Closed — Currently closed for restoration work. The historic cabin is undergoing repairs and preservation efforts with plans to open as a recreation rental in the future.
Barrett Lake 4 X 4 Trail Motor Vehicle Prohibition
Barrett Lake Jeep trail closed to motor vehicle use in the winter.
Trash service ending for the winter in Crystal Basin on Oct. 20, 2025
Trash service within the Crystal Basin area is ending on Oct. 20, 2025, for the winter season. Please pack-out all trash with you when visiting.
Camping Occupancy Restrictions
Camping and Occupancy Restrictions for Desolation Wilderness, Mokelumne Wilderness and the Pacific Crest Trail that runs through the Eldorado National Forest boundary.
Desolation Wilderness Food and Refuse Storage Restriction
Possessing or storing any food in Desolation Wilderness unless it is in a bear proof container.
Loon Lake Campground and Trailhead are Closed for Reconstruction
The Loon Lake Campground and Trailhead is closed this season for reconstruction. The boatramp is open for day use only though Labor Day weekend and then it will close for construction. The water system will not be operational during this time.
Deer Valley Trail (19E01) & Meadow Lake Road (09N01)
Motor vehicle use restricted in these areas during snowmelt. See Forest Order Exhibit A for area map.
Horse Canyon Trail (17E21) Closure
This order prohibits use of a motorcycle or motor-driven bicycle on this trail.
Occupancy and Use Restrictions - Desolation Wilderness Area
Prohibited acts within Desolation Wilderness.
Travel Management Designation
Routes designated in Travel Management Subpart B are included as part of the current road system.
About
Alder Ridge Lookout Cabin stands as a testament to Depression-era conservation efforts in the Sierra Nevada. Constructed in 1937 by the Placerville Ranger District with assistance from the Civilian Conservation Corps, this historic facility sits at 6,225 feet elevation in El Dorado County, overlooking the dramatic South Fork American River Canyon. The site features a 60-foot Aermotor observation tower with a 7x7 foot metal cab, a ranger cabin, and a single-car garage. Determined eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places in 1990, the facility represents a significant piece of fire management history following the devastating 1910 fires that burned over 5 million acres of National Forest lands. The lookout was part of Region 5's expanded network of fire detection facilities developed during the Great Depression. The Eldorado National Forest is currently undertaking deferred maintenance and restoration work on the historic cabin through a partnership with the nonprofit HistoriCorps. Restoration efforts include window repairs, interior finish work, cabinet repairs, kitchen wall replacement, and both interior and exterior painting. Once restoration is complete, the facility will be offered as a recreation rental for public use, joining other historic lookout rentals across the National Forest system.
Directions
From Placerville, head 28 miles east and turn right on Forest Road 11N47. Continue to the Y intersection and stay right. Keep right again onto Forest Road 10N35 and follow to the end of the road and the lookout.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
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