California / Sierra County / Tahoe National Forest

Calpine Lookout

Open — Open year-round for reservations via Recreation.gov. Summer drive-in access available. Winter access requires snowshoes, skis, or snowmobile for 2-mile trail with 1,000-foot elevation gain when road is closed due to snow.

About

Calpine Lookout is a historic forest fire lookout tower constructed in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It stands as one of only three remaining examples of the enclosed windmill-style lookout in California. The lookout was actively used every summer until 1975 for fire detection. Today, this three-story structure with external stairs serves as a unique rental facility, with the top observation cab as the only rentable space. The 14x14 interior cab comes equipped with two twin beds, a dry sink, table and chairs, propane lights, propane heater, propane stove/oven, and a fire finder. A limited assortment of cooking utensils, pots, and pans are provided. At the base of the tower, renters will find an accessible vault toilet, picnic table, and fire ring. The lookout has no electricity or water, so visitors must bring their own supply along with bedding, groceries, toilet paper, and personal items. Perched at 5,980 feet in the Sierra Nevada Mountains approximately 40 miles from Truckee, the lookout offers spectacular mountaintop views of Sierra Valley, Haskell Peak to the west, Nevada to the east, and Lassen Peak to the far northwest. Wildlife is abundant in the area, and on clear nights, renters can observe an endless galaxy of stars and meteorites. During summer months, visitors can drive directly to the base of the tower. In winter, when the access road is closed due to snow and ice, the lookout requires a 2-mile approach by snowshoes, skis, or snowmobile with a 1,000-foot elevation gain. Winter temperatures can drop as low as -21 degrees.

Directions

From Sierraville, travel approximately 10 miles north on State Highway 89. Renters receive check-in packet with access details based on current conditions. Winter access requires parking in Calpine and using snowshoes, skis, or snowmobile for 2-mile trail with 1,000-foot elevation gain.

Nearby Campgrounds