Running Springs, California: Historic Fire Lookout Tower
1926 fire observation tower still used to monitor the combustible Big Bear region surrounding Keller Peak in the San Bernardino National Forest.
Keller Peak Lookout Tower
- Address:
- 20546-20500 Keller Peak Rd, Running Springs, CA
- Directions:
- From Running Springs, take Highway 18 east for about one mile to the Deerlick Fire Station. At Keller Peak Rd (Forest Road 1N96), turn right and proceed for five miles: it dead-ends at the tower. First four miles of are paved and open year round. At the four mile mark, the road splits. Stay on the right branch, a well-graded road, for the last mile to the lookout.
- Hours:
- May to November. Local health policies may affect hours and access.
- Admission:
- $5 Forest service pass
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Keller Peak Lookout, a historic fire lookout tower, was built in 1926 and is the oldest fire tower still standing in the San Bernardino National Forest. Keller Peak is still used during the high fire hazard months, and volunteer lookouts are on-duty between May and November. On a clear day, you can see San Bernardino from Keller Peak.
The lookout is little changed from its 1926 appearance, and it represents one of very few fire towers in California dating from before the Great Depression. From May to November, volunteers at Keller Peak provide tours of the lookout.
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