Grouse Ridge Lookout 0
Grouse Ridge Lookout 1
Grouse Ridge Lookout 2
Grouse Ridge Lookout 3
Grouse Ridge Lookout 4
Grouse Ridge Lookout 5
Grouse Ridge Lookout 6
Grouse Ridge Lookout 7
Grouse Ridge Lookout 8
Grouse Ridge Lookout 9

Grouse Ridge Lookout Introduce

Grouse Ridge Lookout, located near Nevada City, CA 95959, offers a unique outdoor experience with stunning scenic views. While primarily known for its lookout tower, it falls within the broader category of Campgrounds & RV Parks due to its recreational access and future overnight stay potential.

Based on customer reviews, the Grouse Ridge Fire Lookout is situated about five miles up a dirt road. The location provides incredible panoramic views, making it a worthwhile destination for visitors. The lookout tower is currently undergoing renovation to be offered as a rental for public overnight stays, adding a unique camping-like experience. The road leading to the lookout is described as rocky with moguls, but generally accessible by regular vehicles when dry. However, larger vehicles may have difficulty turning around at the top, suggesting parking at the nearby radio tower and walking the remaining distance.

Environment and Features:

  • Incredible panoramic scenic views.
  • Fire lookout tower undergoing renovation for overnight rentals.
  • Located about five miles up a dirt road.
  • Rocky road with moguls, generally accessible by regular vehicles when dry.
  • Remote and elevated location.

Services:

  • Currently, primarily a scenic viewpoint.
  • Future overnight rental opportunities in the lookout tower.
  • No staffed services currently.

Important Information:

  • The lookout tower is under renovation for overnight stays.
  • The road is rocky with moguls; 4x4 not required when dry.
  • Limited turn-around space at the lookout for larger vehicles.
  • Parking available at the radio tower for larger vehicles.
  • Check for updates on the overnight rental availability.
  • Great views on clear days.

Grouse Ridge Lookout offers a unique outdoor experience with breathtaking views and the potential for overnight stays in a renovated fire lookout tower. While currently primarily a scenic viewpoint, its future rental opportunities make it a noteworthy destination for those seeking a special outdoor adventure. Visitors should be aware of the road conditions and limited turn-around space for larger vehicles. It is recommended to check for rental availability and road conditions before planning a visit.

Location

CaliforniaNevada CountyNevada City

Customer Reviews

4.0
26 reviews
B
Brendan Kiely
Aug 26, 2023

The Grouse Ridge Fire Lookout is a great lookout located about five miles up a dirt road. The views are incredible and the lookout tower is currently under renovation to be used as a rental for the public for overnight stays. Highly recommend checking it out and one of the better fire lookouts I have visited.

A
Anthony Giardina
Sep 05, 2023

Neat lookout. No longer staffed. Great views on a clear day. The road is a little rocky and has some moguls, but did not require 4x4 when dry. You can drive all the way up to the lookout, but be warned that there isn't much room to turn around. Longer wheelbase trucks may want to park in the spaces by the radio tower, and walk up the last couple hundred feet. Otherwise you'll have to back down.

A
Adventuredad530
Nov 13, 2023

Great Lookout! I've been wanting to go here for a while and finally got thr chance. Things to know: The trail in the winter might be muddy and covered in snow, if so you will need 4 wheel drive and even chains. This trail in the winter is not for unexperienced 4wheelers. Also if you go to the top of the mountain by the lookout their is not much room to turn around, so park at the bottom of the hill. It's a great gem in the mountains and worth the adventure.

P
Patrick Austin
Jul 11, 2021

Nice little off-road drive to a great overlook. We went on a super hot day in July and surprisingly we had a great view into the central valley and could see the Sutter buttes, Sierra Buttes, Mt Diablo and more!

V
Vivian Hoang
Jul 14, 2018

Although it's quite a walk, it is a great place to look out, from above, at the Tahoe National Forest that surrounds, and to watch the sunset/sunrise.