Hirz Mountain Lookout
00 reviewFIELD OFFICE: 14538 Wonderland Blvd., REDDING, CA, 96019, USA
Hirz Mountain Lookout
$110.00 - $110.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The nightly rate for Hirz Mountain Lookout during peak season is $110. Reservation fees include a $10 non-refundable fee for call center or online bookings. Cancellation policies apply, including a $10 fee and forfeiture of first night's fees for cancellations made less than 14 days prior.
About this campground
Perched high above the wilderness at 3,540 feet, Hirz Mountain Lookout beckons to those seeking an extraordinary escape from the ordinary. This isn't your typical drive-up campground—reaching this historic fire lookout demands determination and a spirit of adventure. Your journey begins on rugged, rocky roads that test even the most capable high-clearance vehicles, culminating in a quarter-mile hike that leads you to one of Northern California's most spectacular camping experiences. Built in 1937 and enhanced with a steel tower in 1949, this piece of living history rewards intrepid travelers with panoramic 360-degree vistas that stretch from horizon to horizon. By day, watch eagles soar past at eye level; by night, witness the Milky Way unfold in all its glory, far from the glow of city lights.
Hirz Mountain Lookout provides cabin lodging as its primary camping accommodation. Tent camping, RV camping, and group sites are not part of this facility.
Historical SignificanceStanding as one of the last sentinels from the Civilian Conservation Corps era, Hirz Mountain Lookout embodies both American heritage and indigenous reverence. When young CCC workers first hauled materials up this mountainside in 1937, they were building more than a fire lookout—they were creating a legacy that would endure for generations. The steel tower addition in 1949 modernized the structure while preserving its historic character. Long before any lookout crowned this peak, the McCloud River Wintu people held Hirz Mountain as sacred ground, recognizing the spiritual power of this elevated sanctuary. Today, visitors can feel the weight of history in every weathered board and steel beam, connecting with both the guardians who watched for fires and the native peoples who first honored this mountain.
Weather and SeasonsThe mountain's elevation creates a climate of dramatic contrasts, where summer days bring crisp, refreshing air and winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland. Prime camping conditions grace the lookout from May through October, when moderate temperatures and low humidity create perfect conditions for both adventure and relaxation. Spring arrives with wildflower blooms and warming sunshine, while autumn paints the surrounding forests in brilliant golds and reds. Winter visitors should prepare for true mountain weather—snow, freezing temperatures, and winds that remind you of nature's raw power. Even in peak season, evenings can turn chilly, making a warm sleeping bag your best friend under the star-studded sky.
ElevationAt 3,540 feet above sea level, Hirz Mountain Lookout exists in a realm where the air grows thin and perspectives shift dramatically. This elevation places you above the summer heat that bakes the valleys below, offering natural air conditioning courtesy of mountain breezes. The altitude creates its own microclimate—expect temperatures 15-20 degrees cooler than the lowlands, where morning mists dance through the trees and afternoon thunderheads build dramatically against distant peaks. This lofty perch puts you literally above the clouds on certain days, creating the surreal experience of looking down on a sea of white while basking in sunshine.
Natural Features and SceneryFrom your eagle's nest atop Hirz Mountain, the world unfolds in a breathtaking 360-degree panorama that captures the very essence of Northern California's diverse beauty. To the north, Mt. Shasta rises like a snow-crowned monarch, its 14,179-foot summit gleaming white against azure skies. Turn southeast and Mt. Lassen's volcanic profile punctuates the horizon, a reminder of the region's fiery geological past. Beneath your feet, Hirz Mountain's distinctive gray limestone cliffs drop away dramatically, ancient seafloor thrust skyward by tectonic forces. Perhaps most mesmerizing is the McCloud River Arm, its narrow blue-green waters snaking through the landscape like a liquid emerald necklace, disappearing into the hazy distance both north and south. Every sunrise and sunset transforms this natural amphitheater into a light show that no photograph can truly capture.
Geological RegionHirz Mountain Lookout crowns a geological masterpiece within the vast Shasta-Trinity National Forest, where ancient limestone tells stories of prehistoric seas and volcanic peaks speak of more recent fire and fury. The mountain's distinctive gray limestone exposures reveal millions of years of Earth's history, formed when this land lay beneath tropical oceans teeming with marine life. This unique geological position creates a fascinating crossroads where the volcanic Cascade Range meets older sedimentary formations. The surrounding landscape showcases Nature's portfolio—from the glaciated volcanic cone of Mt. Shasta to the geothermal features near Mt. Lassen, all tied together by the serpentine course of the McCloud River Arm carving through ancient rock layers. Standing here, you're witnessing the ongoing dialogue between water, stone, and time that has shaped this remarkable corner of California.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe final portion of access to the site involves a steep quarter-mile hike that may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges. The rocky and steep access road also limits accessibility for standard vehicles.
Sites SizeThe site accommodates up to four people with sleeping arrangements provided in the lookout cabin.
Sites PrivacyThe site is secluded, offering privacy and panoramic views from its elevation of 3,540 feet.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended Campsites"Appropriate footwear is recommended for the hike up to the lookout." Guests should bring water, food, a cook stove, and other essentials.
Best CampsitesThe lookout cabin itself is the sole campsite and provides a unique experience with twin beds and mattresses accommodating up to four people.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 4 nights per visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 4 guests.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of a single lookout cabin and associated facilities, including a vault toilet and picnic table.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 1, 2025, through October 15, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov (online or call center)
Walk-in AvailabilityNo information is provided about walk-up availability; online reservations are explicitly mentioned as required.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled up to 14 days prior to arrival for a refund minus a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations (less than 14 days before arrival) forfeit the first night’s fees and incur the $10 fee.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Visitors to Hirz Mountain Lookout primarily engage in sightseeing, stargazing, birdwatching, wildlife viewing, and photography. The area also offers opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and hunting, catering to a variety of outdoor enthusiasts.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are available in the surrounding area, but details on specific trails or their difficulty levels are not provided.Biking
Mountain biking opportunities are available, though specific trails or terrain details are not provided.Wildlife viewing
Visitors may want to bring binoculars for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. Notable species or viewing areas are not specified.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned in the provided materials.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding are not mentioned in the official sources.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No wood or charcoal fires are allowed; portable gas stoves require a California campfire permit.
Hazards
General hazards"Visitors to Hirz Mountain Lookout are advised to use caution, as rattlesnakes and bears frequent the area." The rocky terrain also poses risks, particularly for low-clearance vehicles.
Weather forecast
101
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 15%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 1.8 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are likely located in Redding, CA, approximately 20 miles away. Specific facilities are unspecified.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1, 2025, to October 15, 2025
Trash and recyclingThis is a pack-it-in/pack-it-out facility. Guests are advised to bring garbage bags and remove all trash upon departure.
Proximity to water features"The narrow blue-green ribbon of the McCloud River Arm winds past the east side of Hirz Mountain."
Campground Map
FIELD OFFICE: 14538 Wonderland Blvd., REDDING, CA, 96019, USA
Driving directionsFrom Redding, California, take Interstate 5 north approximately 20 miles to Gilman Road, exit 698. Turn right and follow Gilman Road approximately 5 miles to road 35N04. Turn left on the road 35N04. This steep, rocky, dirt road is not recommended for low clearance passenger vehicles. Travel approximately 5 miles to the locked gate. Due to rocky, slippery, steep terrain, the last quarter-mile section of road access to the lookout is for foot traffic only.
The access road to Hirz Mountain Lookout is rocky, steep, and has limited visibility, making it unsuitable for low clearance vehicles. High clearance vehicles are recommended for this challenging terrain.Nearby places
Redding (20 miles, approx. 30-40 mins)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are likely in Redding, CA (20 miles), including groceries, camping supplies, and fuel. Specific stores or facilities not detailed.
Camper Reviews
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0 reviews
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No user reviews are available for Hirz Mountain Lookout.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Positive aspects of Hirz Mountain Lookout are not explicitly detailed due to the lack of user reviews.
Common Concerns
No complaints or issues have been noted in user reviews.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Specific tips or recommendations are unavailable; however, official materials suggest bringing appropriate footwear, sufficient water, a campfire permit for cooking stoves, and packing trash bags.
Seasonal Insights
Seasonal trends and variations in user experience cannot be analyzed due to the absence of user reviews.
Camper Quotes
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Site-Specific Reviews
Reviews specific to Hirz Mountain Lookout, including individual campsite evaluations, are not provided.
Accessibility Features
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Pet-Friendly Features
Reviews discussing pet policies and pet-friendly features are not available.
Last updated August 10, 2025