Crane Flat Fire Lookout

The Crane Flat Fire Lookout is an observation tower in Yosemite National Park built on a high ridge at about 6,600 feet elevation. The structure sits on a stone foundation with a wooden observation cabin above and includes a stone-built garage on the ground level.

The National Park Service built this as the park's first permanent fire-watching station in 1931 to detect forest fires early. The construction reflected growing efforts to protect the extensive woodlands under park management.

The structure shows how park rangers approached fire protection in the early 20th century and reflects the thinking of that era about land management. You can see how observers kept watch over the forest from this vantage point.

The lookout sits at high elevation and is reached via Big Oak Flat Road through the park. Bring sturdy footwear and be prepared for variable mountain weather conditions.

Unlike the typical metal towers used by forest services, this lookout features a stone base with an integrated garage at ground level. This combination of watchtower and service building was an unusual solution for the era.

Location: Mariposa County

Inception: 1931

Architects: National Park Service, John Wosky

Architectural style: National Park Service rustic

GPS coordinates: 37.75972,-119.82067

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:21