Big Creek Baldy. Lookout Rental

Lock was cut/broke at gate with empty pack of cigarettes and one flip flop laying on the ground. Lots of used toilet paper littering the ground around the tower. I called the Forest Service number to report the lock but nobody answered and nobody called me back. I ended up not staying in the lookout as it didn’t feel safe.

The ransom fire started when we where there and witnessed it grow. Neat to experience that.

This tower is always great. It was clean upon arrival. We were surprised that there were no matches or lighters there. There is usually a plentiful supply of them. We always appreciate the screened windows and door which allows air flow. We love that the road is gated which prevents others from driving up. There is several resident deer which are a bit aggressive. It's obvious that people are feeding them. Not a good idea.

Staying at Baldy Creek Lookout Tower was an unforgettable experience. We brought our own bedding, water, and food, but were pleasantly surprised by the stash of card games, dishwashing supplies, and thoughtful little items left by previous guests.

The stargazing was absolutely breathtaking—I've never seen stars like that before. Watching the night sky from the tower was a magical moment I’ll cherish forever.

We also spotted plenty of wildlife from our birds-eye view, which was really cool. I'd absolutely recommend this place to anyone, and I’d love to return someday.

The drive up the mountain is slow and steady, but totally worth it!

Beautiful 360 views! The stairs are a bit steeper than they look but are do-able and there is a pully system to help with getting your items to the top. Lookout itself has 3 windows that open and is bigger than some of the others we have stayed at. 10/10 would recommend.

Clean, well maintained, newer paint. Three opening windows with screens is huge help for keeping the inside of the cabin cool. Really appreciate the gated access to help keep other people out while we enjoy our time at the tower.

My family and I had so much fun at the lookout! It's definitely worth all of the hiking up and down those steps. The views are beautiful and we enjoyed seeing the runs on Turner Mountain. We strung up hammocks under the structure and did a lot of relaxing. We did hike down the ridge a ways as it was marked as a trail and there are cairns marking the way. Two things of note that are not listed in the description: there's a gate at the bottom of the road (last mile) with a padlock. The code for the padlock is the same code as the padlock on the gate that closes off the platform/entry to the lookout. Both the road gate and platform gate are heavy. The other important detail is that while the maximum number of people allowed to stay in the lookout is 4, it only sleeps 3 people! I had read that it has a full and a twin in the description but others mention "mattresses" so I assumed there was at least one extra mattress for the fourth person. Nope! My 13 y.o. daughter slept uncomfortably in the twin with my 9 y.o. the first night, but opted to sleep on the linoleum floor the second night. One other inconvenience was that the gas that powers the stove and lanterns was not turned on when we arrived. We stayed there July 2&3 which I believe is the beginning of the season for the lookout so the USFS folks must have just forgotten to flip it on. Luckily my husband was able to find the main gas line and turned it on.

Awesome lookout! Bring your own fly swatters though, the only one there was pretty tattered- I would’ve donated a few had I known. The road past the gate is pretty rocky in spots and steep- doable but was glad to have a truck and not my Subaru.

Absolutely thankful to the Forest Service that they chose to share these fire lookouts with all of us. Our history of these towers can teach us so much, and spending a night is a special experience I hope many many more will enjoy as much as we did.

The kitchen was well stocked and appreciated that propane was provided. Views are great! Directions didn't mention you had to unlock a gate to access the last stretch of the road to the lookout. The road after the gate is rougher as other reviews mentioned.