Bald Mountain is the only standing and operating lookout facility on the Inyo National Forest. It was built in 1963 and was taken out of full-time service in the 1980’s. In 2024, the Forest Fire Lookout Association partnered with the Mono Lake Ranger District of the Inyo National Forest to put her back into service with trained volunteers.
The objective of lookout towers is to detect and report young wildfires so that responders can control them before they become large and destructive.
In 2024 and 2025, the FFLA deployed volunteer lookouts from five other national forests to staff the facility in the “Visiting Volunteer” program, where experienced volunteer lookouts spend 2 or more days on duty at Bald Mountain and overnight in the tower’s living quarters.
Also in 2025, Eastern Sierra residents were recruited and trained in order to build a local chapter to fill shifts and operate the tower.
Scroll down to learn more about the role of a Bald Mountain Fire Lookout.
Learn about being a Fire Lookout
Bald Mountain is looking for Volunteer Fire Lookouts. It is a rewarding activity. If you enjoy the outdoors, this is probably one of the most scenic spots in California. You will learn how to be a lookout which will challenge your mind. And you will be helping to preserve our lookouts and their legacy.
Play the Scenic Video to experience the views from Bald Mountain.
Do you want to find out more about being a Volunteer Lookout at Bald Mountain? If so
fill out the form below and the Volunteer Coordinator will get back to you shortly.