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Established Camping

Hirz Mountain Lookout

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Hirz Mountain Lookout is located in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, featuring rugged terrain with dense forests and mountainous landscapes. The area experiences temperature highs around 90°F in summer and lows near 30°F in winter. Visitors can explore nearby attractions such as Shasta Lake and Castle Crags State Park.

Fee Info

If the reservation was made through recreation.gov please call 1-877-444-6777 to make a refund request. Refunds must be requested no later than 14 days before your scheduled arrival date for a full refund (excluding recreation.gov fees). Reservation Fee: For some facilities, an additional reservation fee is charged. This additional non-refundable fee is $10.00 for the call center and online reservations. Refunds for Check or Cash Purchases: Refunds for cash payments will be issued a check refund. A refund will be processed within 30 days of receipt and approval. For cash or check refunds please call us at 530-275-8113. Please Note! Refund requests made during or after departure can only be processed when approved by the facility management staff based upon local policy. Refunds for Emergency Closures: In the event of an emergency closure the Recreation.gov will attempt to notify users and offer alternate dates and sites (as appropriate). If this is not possible, reservations will be canceled and all fees paid will be refunded. Refunds for Naturally Occurring Events: Refunds will not be issued for naturally occurring events like rain, snow, wind, smoke, extreme temperature, low lake level, etc. If you are requesting a refund for a walk-up site, please contact the host on-site or call us 530-275-8113. All refunds must be approved and issued through our office or processed though Recreation.gov.

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Location

Hirz Mountain Lookout is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Redding, California, take Interstate 5 north approximately 20 miles to Gilman Road, exit 698. Turn right and follow Gilman Road approximately 5 miles to road 35N04. Turn left on the road 35N04. This steep, rocky, dirt road is not recommended for low clearance passenger vehicles. Travel approximately 5 miles to the locked gate. Due to rocky, slippery, steep terrain, the last quarter-mile section of road access to the lookout is for foot traffic only.

Address

FIELD OFFICE: 14538 Wonderland Blvd.
Redding, CA 96019

Coordinates

40.9136111 N
122.2625 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Cabins

Features

For Campers

  • Reservable
  • Pets

Contact

General Info

Reservations


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1 Review

Reviewed Apr. 26, 2017

Spend the night in a Fire Tower

The view will blow your mind. This place is special. Saw a gnarly rattle snake that hissed at me but didn't strike and a swarm of bees flew through. This place gets the prize for best view while sitting on the outhouse toilet. You can see for miles Mt Shasta and Shasta Lake is the distance.

  • Review photo of Hirz Mountain Lookout by Kelly S., April 26, 2017
  • Review photo of Hirz Mountain Lookout by Kelly S., April 26, 2017

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I visit Hirz Mountain Lookout?

Hirz Mountain Lookout is accessible via forest service roads. The lookout requires advance reservations as it's a popular fire lookout destination. Be prepared for a somewhat challenging drive to reach it - high clearance vehicles are recommended. The road to the lookout can be rough in sections, so plan accordingly. Check with Shasta-Trinity National Forest for current reservation procedures and road conditions before your trip. Due to its elevation and remote location, it's best visited during summer and early fall months when roads are most likely to be passable.

What are the best photo opportunities at Hirz Mountain Lookout?

Hirz Mountain Lookout offers breathtaking panoramic views that make for exceptional photography. The standout photo opportunities include Mount Shasta rising majestically in the distance and the expansive views of Shasta Lake's blue waters below. Sunrise and sunset create dramatic lighting conditions that photographers will appreciate. Even the outhouse provides an incredible vista while in use! Wildlife sightings, including occasional rattlesnakes, can also make for interesting nature photography if you maintain a safe distance.

How does Hirz Mountain Lookout compare to Little Mount Hoffman Lookout?

Both lookouts offer impressive mountain views, but they provide different experiences. Hirz Mountain Lookout features spectacular views of Mount Shasta and Shasta Lake, with a particularly mind-blowing panorama that includes both landmarks. The Hirz experience feels especially remote and private. Little Mount Hoffman Lookout generally has easier road access than Hirz and offers views of Medicine Lake, but many find Hirz's vistas more dramatic and expansive. Both require reservations and have basic amenities typical of fire lookouts, including outhouses with scenic views. The choice depends on whether lake views (Hirz) or more accessible roads (Little Mount Hoffman) are your priority.