Near Crestview in Mono County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Bald Mountain Lookout
National Historic Lookout Register
| | Built 1963 | |
Photographed by Craig Baker, November 2, 2025
1. Bald Mountain Lookout Marker
This site listed on the National Historic Lookout Register, a national register recognizing fire lookout sites, structures and towers with historic and cultural significance to forest fire detection in order to promote their protection.
Maintained in cooperation with federal, state, and private forestry agencies and landowners throughout the United States.
Erected by Forest Fire Lookout Association.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Horticulture & Forestry • Natural Resources.
Location. 37° 47.039′ N, 118° 54.095′ W. Marker is near Crestview, California, in Mono County. It can be reached from Bald Mountain Road 12 miles east of U.S. 395. Four wheel drive vehicle with high ground clearance recommended. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Mammoth Lakes CA 93546, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in California’s Sierra Nevada. It is also in the American Mountain West. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Legend of Deadman (approx. 5.1 miles away); Lost Cement Mine (approx. 5.2 miles away); Mono Mills (approx. 7.9 miles away); a different marker also named Mono Mills (approx. 7.9 miles
this page online
Regarding Bald Mountain Lookout. This is one of only two lookouts remaining in the southern Eastern Sierra. The original Bald Mountain Lookout structure was built in 1943 by the Civilian Public Service, an agency following the CCC staffed by conscientious objectors of World War II. The current 16' x 40' concrete block lookout with 10' Χ 10' steel cab was built by the Inyo National Forest in 1963.
The lookout was decommissioned in 1980 but reactivated recently at the request of the Inyo National Forest.
Volunteers staff it almost daily from mid-June through October.
Also see . . .
1. Bald Mountain Lookout. Forest Fire Lookout Association website entry (Submitted on November 2, 2025.)
2. National Historic Lookout Register. Listing in the National Historic Lookout Register is often a first step towards nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. Sometimes necessary structural modifications preclude listing in the latter register, and the only appropriate recognition given
Photographed by Craig Baker, November 2, 2025
2. Bald Mountain Lookout Marker
The marker is at the corner of the window.
Photographed by Craig Baker, November 2, 2025
3. Bald Mountain Lookout
The lookout cab is on top of the residence.
Photographed by Craig Baker, November 2, 2025
4. Bald Mountain Lookout
Mono Lake is visible in the distance, at left.
Photographed by Craig Baker, November 2, 2025
5. Lookout Cab Interior
The historic Osborne Fire Finder is at center. A small column of smoke is visible at right.
Photographed by Craig Baker, November 2, 2025
6. Log Cabin
A small column of smoke is visible on the horizon.
Photographed by Craig Baker, November 2, 2025
7. Bald Mountain Lookout
The lookout can be seen on Bald Mountain if you look carefully.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 3, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 2, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 92 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on November 2, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.
