Sardine Peak Lookout

Sierraville Ranger District, Sierraville, California, United States

SARDINE PEAK LOOKOUT
SARDINE PEAK LOOKOUT 2025
Sardine Peal Lookout 10/20/2025
SARDINE PEAK LOOKOUT 10/01/2025
Inside cab looking south

Featured amenities

Picnic Table Picnic Table
Restrooms Restrooms
Fire Pit Fire Pit
View all amenities

About 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.

Number of accommodations: 1

Seasonal information

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
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Aug
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Currently open - Jul 3 to Oct 5

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Picnic Table Picnic Table
Restrooms Restrooms
Fire Pit Fire Pit
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Restrooms
Cooking and Fire

Cooking and Fire

  • Picnic Table
  • Fire Pit
On Site Services

On Site Services

  • Propane
Missing information?
01, Loop: SARDINE PEAK LOOKOUT

01, Loop: SARDINE PEAK LOOKOUT

Price not available
✨ Hut Unavailable

Site Details

Up to 4 guests
Surface: Gravel
Driveway entry: Back-In
Campfire
Pet Friendly
View Site Details

Reviews (1)

Verified Only

What Guests Are Saying

Sardine Peak Lookout offers amazing views and features a stove and furnace for comfort. The access road can be challenging, requiring AWD or sturdy tires, making the journey longer. However, the stunning scenery at the top makes the effort worthwhile.

Review Summary

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Alexandra R

Verified

July 18, 2026 • Stayed at: 01, Loop: SARDINE PEAK LOOKOUT

5

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.

Location Sardine Peak Lookout

Address:
Sierraville Ranger District
Sierraville, CA, 96126
United States

Highway access

The Sardine Peak Lookout is accessed via Highway 89, which is approximately 12 miles south from the Sierraville Ranger District Office.

Elevation: 2475 feet

Distance to downtown

20 mi drive to downtown Sierraville (about 44 min)

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Nearby destinations

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Last updated: September 4, 2026

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Managed by USDA Forest Service