Sardine Peak Lookout
Closed — Closed for winter. The lookout typically operates mid-July through September and is available first-come, first-served. Contact the Sierraville Ranger District at (530) 430-8912 Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM for current road conditions, weather, and fire restrictions before visiting.
PRESCRIBED FIRE NOTICE: Nyack - 200 acres
Total acreage: 200 Ignition dates: Dec. 1, 2025 - Feb. 28, 2026 Location: Forest Service Rd. 19 between Fulda Creek and North Fork Campground, County Rd. 6001K between Casa Loma recreation cabins and Euchre Bar Trailhead
North Yuba Trail Closure
Forest Service Trail 9E06 (North Yuba Trail) between the Mountain House Road (County Rd 300) and Ramshorn is closed.
Sierraville Ranger District Trail Closure
Forest Trail 16E87 (Boca-Loyalton Trail) is closed for public health and safety.
Camping and Campfire Restrictions-Truckee and Sierraville Districts
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), and to provide for public safety and toprotect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within the Truckee and Sierraville Ranger
Rattlesnake Road Closure
The purpose of this closure is to provide for public safety along the closed roads in light of their proximity to the Lake Fordyce Dam during dam reconstruction activities.
Highway 20 Area Camping Restrictions
To provide for public safety and to protect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within the Tahoe National Forest.
Cabin Creek Sale Closure
To provide for public safety and to protect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within the Tahoe National Forest.
Sand Pond Trail Boardwalk Closure
The Sand Pond Interpretive Trail is partially closed for visitor safety per Forest Order 17-24-17.
14-day Camping Occupancy Restrictions
Camping on the Tahoe National Forest is limited to 14 days in a calendar year.
Hoke Valley- Forest Road 860-07 (17E11 Trail) Closed
Forest Road 860 -01 (17E11 Trail) in the Hoke Valley area has been closed to allow for Hoke Valley Meadow restoration.
About
Sardine Peak Lookout stands as a testament to 1930s-era fire detection infrastructure, constructed in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps on a commanding mountaintop in the Eastern Sierra Nevada. The three-story enclosed tower features external stairs leading to the 14x14-foot observation cab, which serves as the only rentable space and provides an unparalleled wilderness lodging experience. The cab is equipped with two twin beds, a dry sink, table and four chairs, two propane lights, a propane cast iron heat stove, and a propane stove/oven. A limited assortment of cooking utensils, pots, and pans are provided, though guests must bring their own bedding, toilet paper, and personal items. The propane tank on-site operates all appliances. Below the tower, visitors will find an accessible vault toilet, picnic table, and fire ring, though firewood is not provided. From this 8,138-foot perch, visitors enjoy spectacular panoramic views encompassing Stampede Reservoir, Boca Reservoir, Sardine Valley, Independence Lake, the Sierra Buttes, and western Nevada. The surrounding area offers excellent hiking, mountain biking, and off-road vehicle opportunities, with nearby Kyburz Flat Interpretive Area, Boca Townsite Interpretive Area, and mountain bike loops in Sardine Valley. The reservoirs provide fishing, boating, and swimming during warmer months. Access requires navigating approximately 9 miles of rough dirt roads, including 4 miles on unimproved Forest Service Road 650-75 to a locked gate, followed by a 250-yard walk to the lookout. High-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended. First-time visitors should plan to arrive before sunset to avoid navigation difficulties in this remote location.
Directions
From the Sierraville Ranger District Office, proceed south on Highway 89 for 12 miles to Sierra County Road S450. Turn left onto S450 and proceed east for 4 miles to Sierra County Road S650 (Lemon Canyon Road). Turn left onto County Road S650 and proceed north for 2 miles to Forest Service Road 650-75 (Sardine Peak Lookout Road). Continue 4 miles to the locked gate. The lookout is approximately 250 yards beyond the gate.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $75 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| mbaldrica@fs.fed.us | |
| Phone | +1 (530) 430-8912 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!