Bunker Hill Lookout

Closed — Closed for winter due to snow and road closures. The lookout is located at a remote, high-elevation site that is typically inaccessible from late fall through spring.

About

Bunker Hill Lookout stands as one of the most distinctive fire lookout towers in California's Sierra Nevada. Built in 1942 by long-time Forest Service employee Joe Baumann with assistance from the Civilian Conservation Corps, the structure features a unique 20-foot tall stone base topped with a 14' x 14' wooden observation cab that was added in 1949. The Baumanns continued adding finishing touches through 1945, creating this one-of-a-kind live-in lookout station. Perched at 7,524 feet elevation in the Eldorado National Forest's Pacific Ranger District, the lookout offers expansive views necessary for fire spotting. The site is quite remote, requiring a drive of approximately 38 miles from Pollock Pines via Ice House Road and Forest Road 33. The lookout has undergone historic preservation work through HistoriCorps volunteer efforts and was anticipated to open as a recreation rental. Access to the lookout is seasonal and dependent on snow conditions. The remote location and high elevation mean the site is typically inaccessible during winter months when snow closes the access roads. The Forest Service currently uses the area for fire camera monitoring as part of the SOFAR wildfire detection strategy.

Directions

From Pollock Pines, head east on Highway 50 for 8.2 miles. Turn left onto Ice House Road and continue for 24 miles. Head left onto Forest Road 33 and go for 6 miles. Turn left and head 4 miles to a sharp left up to the lookout.

Nearby Campgrounds