Sardine Peak Lookout

Show on map (530) 994-3401 timothy.evans@usda.gov

SIERRAVILLE RANGER DISTRICT, 317 SOUTH LINCOLN ST (HWY 89), PO BOX 95
Sierraville, CA 96126

Overview

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.

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.

Facilities

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, two 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.

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.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (530) 430-8912.

Camp site features

Across 1 camp site:

Fire pit: all 1 sites
Picnic table: all 1 sites
Pets allowed: all 1 sites
Longest RV: 15 ft
Largest party: 4 people

Services within 25 miles · OpenStreetMap

Nearest dump station: 13.4 mi · Bordertown RV Resort

Nearest water fill: 21.4 mi

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.

Stay Limit

Check in from 1 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

4 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

Julien D

Loop:Sardine Peak Lookout

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

Spent quite a few vacations here over the years. Some things have changed but overall always a great experience. One thing I did let the Sierraville Rangers station know is at the time of my booking the lock was missing off the gate, lots of UTV’s and dirtbikers kept letting themselves in. Otherwise it was a great time with some friends. Bring plenty of water and paper towels for dish washing.

Lorna W

Loop:Sardine Peak Lookout

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

Had a restful time just looking out at the scenery. Sun and moon rise and set were the main events. Did a little orienteering of the compound with the provided map. Had a little difficulty with the heater. The ON button is a little sticky. Need to push firmly down before turning to ON position. Used nearly 10 gallons of water in two nights for two people just for drinking, cooking and washing dishes. Very windy as expected for a mountain peak. Largest known specimen of western juniper nearby on the S650.

Hannah S

Loop:Sardine Peak Lookout

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Easy to access, warm with plenty of amenities, stove is a little finicky but adds to the charm.

Alexandra R

Loop:Sardine Peak Lookout

Site:

Reviewed 4 months ago

Amazing views! Having a the stove and furnace was great. Road takes a bit longer to get through if you don't have AWD or sturdier tires since its about ~11miles on a dirt/rocky road but once you're up there, its an absolute dream.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve