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

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 8.1 ft in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains of Tahoe National Forest, approximately 20 mi from Truckee, California. The lookout does not have electricity, water or garbage service. It does have a propane tank to operate propane-powered appliances.

Seasonal information

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently closed

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

✨ Hut
  • 4 guests
  • Pet Friendly
  • Campfire

Site Details

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

Reviews (4)

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

4.8
4 reviews
5
75.0%
3
4
25.0%
1
3
0.0%
0
2
0.0%
0
1
0.0%
0

Lorna W

Verified

October 2, 2026 • Stayed at: 01, Loop: SARDINE PEAK LOOKOUT

5

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.

Julien D

Verified

October 2, 2026 • Stayed at: 01, Loop: SARDINE PEAK LOOKOUT

4

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.

Hannah S

Verified

September 15, 2026 • Stayed at: 01, Loop: SARDINE PEAK LOOKOUT

5

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

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 ~11 mi on a dirt/rocky road but once you're up there, its an absolute dream.

Location & Directions for Sardine Peak Lookout

Sierraville Ranger District, Sierraville, CA 96126 United States

Elevation: 2,475 ft

Getting There

From the Sierraville Ranger District Office, proceed south on Highway 89 for 12 mi to Sierra County Road S450. Turn left onto road S450 and proceed east for 4 mi to Sierra County Road S650, the Lemon Canyon Road. Turn left onto County Road S650 ...

Nearest town

Sierraville, CA - 20 mi

About 44 min to downtown

Highway access

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

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: October 22, 2026

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Explore Sierraville, CA

Population: 351

Nearby larger city

Reno, NV

Approx. 20 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 4,957 ft

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Managed by the USDA Forest Service