Sardine Peak Lookout
Sardine Peak is a forest fire lookout tower that was constructed in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It is a three story enclosed tower with external stairs. Presently the top room or observation cab is the only rentable space. Sardine sits at an elevation of 8,138 feet in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains of Tahoe National Forest, approximately 20 miles from Truckee, California. The lookout does not have electricity, water or garbage service. It does have a propane tank to operate propane-powered appliances.
The interior of the cab is 14 feet long and 14 feet wide and contains two twin beds, a dry sink, a table and four chairs, three propane lights, a propane cast iron heat stove and a propane stove/oven for cooking. A limited assortment of cooking utensils, pots and pans are provided. There is an accessible vault toilet, a picnic table and fire ring are located outside below the lookout. Firewood is not provided. Visitors need to bring their own bedding, toilet paper and other personal items.
Notifications and Alerts
- Reservations are not currently available as work on this web page is in progress. Please check back for updates or contact the Sierraville Ranger District at (530) 994-3401.
Need to Know
- Before arrival, visitors should call the Sierraville Ranger District at (530) 994-3401 (Monday through Friday) for road, weather and fire conditions.
- The lookout is accessed by an unimproved Forest Service Road; passenger cars are not recommended.
- First time visitors should arrange to arrive to the lookout before sunset to avoid getting lost.
- The key for the lookout is kept in a lockbox at the lookout; renters will be given the combination to the gate and the lockbox upon check-in.
- No water is available; visitors must bring their own supply.
- Wildlife is abundant; all food must be kept in secured containers.
- Pack out all food and trash.
- Lightning may be a hazard during summer storms.
- Renters must provide a valid contact phone number so the district staff may contact renters to provide updated information before arrival.
- Learn more about the Tahoe National Forest.
- Don't move firewood: Protect Californiaâ??s forests from tree killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
Natural Features
The lookout tower sits on a mountain top with spectacular views of Stampede Reservoir, Boca Reservoir, Sardine Valley, Independence Lake, the top of the Sierra Buttes and western Nevada.
Nearby Attractions
Kyburz Flat Interpretive Area, The Boca Townsite Interpretive Area, and a mountain bike loop within Sardine Valley are all nearby.
Recreation
Hiking, mountain biking and off road vehicle use are popular around this lookout. Stampede and Boca Reservoirs are nearby for fishing, boating and swimming.
Contact Information
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SIERRAVILLE RANGER DISTRICT 317 SOUTH LINCOLN ST (HWY 89) PO BOX 95 Sierraville CA 96126
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: (530) 994-3401
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From the Sierraville Ranger District Office, proceed south on Highway 89 for 12 miles to Sierra County Road S450. Turn left onto road S450 and proceed east for 4 miles to Sierra County Road S650, the Lemon Canyon Road. Turn left onto County Road S650 and proceed north for 2 miles to Forest Service Road 650-75, the Sardine Peak Lookout Road and proceed 4 miles to the locked gate. Sardine Peak Lookout is about 250 yards beyond the locked gate.
