Mountain Top Views at Butler Peak Trail

The views from and around the lookout are amazing. There wasn't anyone there, but it was cool to be able to see inside how it would have been set up. The stairs up are steep, and depending on where you park and walk in from it can be some steep climbs, but was a great trip overall.

One of a kind place to visit and ranger was supper friendly and will to share what he does as well as some history. A bit of the hike to get up to the tower but once you are up inside (yes they let you in to see all they do) it will be worth the hike. The road up is maintained in that it is graded once a season as far as I know, there are some rough spots that most stock cars and some stock trucks may not be able to cross.

Beautiful place! The drive up can get a little hairy in a few spots but if you can make it past them your are fine. Any stock 4x4 or high clearance 2x4 can make the drive. Just take some time a pick your drive lines and you won’t have an issue. We have a F250 4x4 and didn’t need the 4x4 part. If you don’t have much ground clearance you can always hike to the lookout. From the last well graded fire road it is about 2 miles to the lookout. Once at the lookout parking lot there is a steep rocky trail that leads to the lookout. It’s an easy hike but with the elevation some people might need to take it slow. The lookout itself is old and well used. You can tell it’s been around a long time. But the views are worth all the effort of getting here. From the lookout you have a 360 degree view of the San Bernardino Mountains and high desert. I would suggest going on a clear day but being in Southern California those are rare and usually in the winter after a good rain when the lookout is closed for the season. Another good time to go is on hot summer days. Because of the elevation the lookout is a good 10 degrees cooler then even Big Bear. So it’s a nice way too cool off on those hot Southern California summers. All in all well worth the effort of getting here. If you don’t have an off road capable vehicle and you don’t want to hike in you can always rent a Jeep in Big Bear and drive that in!

Bit of snow on the trail heading up. Gorgeous views of the mountains and lakes below.

Finally made it up here with my son today and it was awesome! Make sure to call the Big Bear Discovery Center to find out which days it's open before going. An easy dirt trail leads you to the tower parking from Big Bear / Fawnskin, then a brisk hike up to the tower. The volunteers up there were great! They pointed out every point of interest in an incredible 360° view.