DAY TRIP Morton Peak Fire Lookout

In an ironic twist of fate, what was used to help people escape danger is now being used as an escape from day-to-day life. Fire-lookouts give rangers the ability to see areas susceptible to fire, but with these sites also double as tourist ventures with awe-inspiring views in tucked away retreats that are simple, serene and secluded.

HISTORY

Fire lookouts were once used as the main means to discover nascent and potential fires by forest rangers. Something of a national forest relic now, fire lookouts went out of style with modern technology. The ones at Morton Peak were scheduled to become mulch when volunteers decided to take up their cause and volunteers restored the posts to working shape, then recruited volunteers to staff the posts during the day. They now keep watch from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

HOURS

Fire Lookouts are open seven days a week for overnight stays. Check in is from 1 to 3 p.m.

Overnight residents must be out by 10 a.m. as the staff returns to their posts. The lookouts close for overnight stays over the winter, ending after Thanksgiving and reopening in April.

COST

$75 for midweek stays and $85 for weekend reservations, both include a tour and one-night stay.

GETTING THERE

Take the CA-91 east toward Riverside. Exit I-215 north, then take the I-10 east toward Redlands. Exit University Street and take a left. Turn right at East Lugonia Avenue. Continue until it becomes Mentone Boulevard, and then continue on CA-38/Mill Creek Road to the ranger’s station for check-in and additional directions to the lookout.

MORTON PEAK

Elevating to heights of 4,624 feet above sea level, Morton Peak Fire Lookouts are surrounded by views of the San Bernardino Mountains, Santa Ana River Valley and the Inland Empire.

The area is part of Big Bear Mountain as Morton rests on the mountain’s south end, east of Redlands.

FIRE LOOKOUTS

Essentially the forest’s version of an oversized lifeguard tower, these lookouts are 14-by-14 and reach 30 feet tall. They are equipped with a twin bed and a trundle bed, an observation deck around the whole cabin, and that’s it. Outside, besides the forest, is a picnic table and outhouse. Gas stoves are allowed, but no charcoal barbecues or campfires.

SLEEP OVER

During summer and fall, Morton Peak Fire Lookout is one of the hidden luxuries of the Inland Empire.

Allowing for amazing views of the city below and humbling views of the sky above, the lookout provides a private and serene opportunity for individuals to spend a night in a simple yet alluring setting. It only houses a bed, but the view is worth the price of admission as the secluded area gets minimal city light reflection, making it a prime location for star gazing. Visitors need to bring their own food, water and sleeping bags, as well as any other necessities, considering the out-of-the-way placement of the towers.

Those who show up early for their reservations can get a guided hiking tour from volunteers working at their posts.

— Daniel Tedford