About
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. 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 California’s forests from tree killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov .
Essentials
- Fire Pit
- Picnic Table
- Restroom
