Needles Lookout Trail

32E22 The Needles Lookout trail is 2.5 miles long. It begins at Forest Road 21S05 and ends at the rock formations referred to as "Needles." The Needles Fire Lookout Tower, which sat on top of a spire referred to as “The Magician” was destroyed in a structure fire on July 28, 2011. No one was injured in this tragic event. The trail is open for the following uses: Hiking, Mountain Biking and stock use. Trailhead is 2.5 miles from Western Divide Hwy at the end of Needles Road (21S05). The trail follows the northern slope of Needles Ridge and offers spectacular views stretching all the way to Mt. Whitney. There is no water on this trail. Due to recent fires and flooding, the trail may have washouts, downed trees, and intermittently disappear.

Area impacted by the fire. Trail not recently maintained.