Butler Peak Fire Lookout - Fawnskin, California

Address: 39607 2N13C, Fawnskin, CA 92333.
Phone: 9093822790.
Website: fs.usda.gov.
Specialties: Historical landmark, Tourist attraction, Visitor center.
Other points of interest: Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible parking lot, Good for kids.
Opinions: This company has 24 reviews on Google My Business.
Average opinion: 4.9/5.

Location of Butler Peak Fire Lookout

9093822790

Butler Peak Fire Lookout is a historical landmark and popular tourist attraction located in Fawnskin, California. The address is 39607 2N13C, Fawnskin, CA 92333. This fire lookout tower offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and forest, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and photographers.

One of the unique features of Butler Peak Fire Lookout is its accessibility. The tower has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking lot, making it easy for people of all abilities to visit and enjoy the views. Additionally, it is a great place for kids, as they can learn about the history of fire lookouts and the importance of forest conservation.

The tower is operated by the US Forest Service and has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s. The current tower was built in 1937 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can climb up to the top of the tower and take in the breathtaking views of the San Bernardino National Forest.

Butler Peak Fire Lookout has received rave reviews from visitors, with an average rating of 4.9/5 on Google My Business. Visitors have praised the tower for its unique historical significance, beautiful views, and accessibility. Many have also noted that the tower is a great place for families and children to learn about the forest and the role of fire lookouts in protecting it.

In addition to visiting the tower, there are several other points of interest in the area. Visitors can hike the nearby Pacific Crest Trail or explore the nearby towns of Big Bear Lake and Fawnskin. The tower is also a great starting point for a variety of other outdoor activities, such as mountain biking, camping, and fishing.

Overall, Butler Peak Fire Lookout is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, nature, and outdoor recreation. Its unique features, accessibility, and stunning views make it a standout attraction in the San Bernardino National Forest. To learn more about the tower and plan your visit, be sure to check out its website at fs.usda.gov. Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience this historic and breathtaking attraction for yourself

Reviews of Butler Peak Fire Lookout

Butler Peak Fire Lookout - Fawnskin, California

Rob L

5/5

One of a kind place to visit and ranger was supper friendly and will to share what he does as well as some history. A bit of the hike to get up to the tower but once you are up inside (yes they let you in to see all they do) it will be worth the hike. The road up is maintained in that it is graded once a season as far as I know, there are some rough spots that most stock cars and some stock trucks may not be able to cross.

Phillip Bassett

5/5

The views from and around the lookout are amazing. There wasn't anyone there, but it was cool to be able to see inside how it would have been set up. The stairs up are steep, and depending on where you park and walk in from it can be some steep climbs, but was a great trip overall.

Colby Wakeman

5/5

Beautiful place! The drive up can get a little hairy in a few spots but if you can make it past them your are fine. Any stock 4x4 or high clearance 2x4 can make the drive. Just take some time a pick your drive lines and you won’t have an issue. We have a F250 4x4 and didn’t need the 4x4 part. If you don’t have much ground clearance you can always hike to the lookout. From the last well graded fire road it is about 2 miles to the lookout.

Once at the lookout parking lot there is a steep rocky trail that leads to the lookout. It’s an easy hike but with the elevation some people might need to take it slow.

The lookout itself is old and well used. You can tell it’s been around a long time. But the views are worth all the effort of getting here. From the lookout you have a 360 degree view of the San Bernardino Mountains and high desert. I would suggest going on a clear day but being in Southern California those are rare and usually in the winter after a good rain when the lookout is closed for the season. Another good time to go is on hot summer days. Because of the elevation the lookout is a good 10 degrees cooler then even Big Bear. So it’s a nice way too cool off on those hot Southern California summers.

All in all well worth the effort of getting here. If you don’t have an off road capable vehicle and you don’t want to hike in you can always rent a Jeep in Big Bear and drive that in!

Ivan Neulander

5/5

Bit of snow on the trail heading up. Gorgeous views of the mountains and lakes below.

Bob Pickell

5/5

Spectacular, 360° views! And if a docent is there, extremely interesting and educational!

Shawn Obrien

4/5

This was a pretty cool trail. We were in the area exploring in our Jeep with a few friends and happened on a trail that lead us here. The views were pretty cool and it was fairly close to our cabin and easy to get to. There was enough room to picnic in the wooded area with some shade and an opportunity to view the local wildlife. We saw squirrels and rabbits and possibly a hawk. We ventured up to the lookout building and it was pretty neat. The guy up there shared some facts and history of the lookout.

Jeff Rocco

5/5

Finally made it up here with my son today and it was awesome! Make sure to call the Big Bear Discovery Center to find out which days it's open before going.

An easy dirt trail leads you to the tower parking from Big Bear / Fawnskin, then a brisk hike up to the tower.

The volunteers up there were great! They pointed out every point of interest in an incredible 360° view.

Jay Woolwine

5/5

I like to do this route in the winter when the air is cooler and the roads are closed to jeeps and other traffic. From Rim of the World parking it's about a 10-11 mile hike round trip, but all fire road, nothing technical.... just long. Bring lots of water and some snacks... the view is amazing, though a bit sketchy and exposed at the top. O try to get up here at least once a year.