For an overview of Giant Sequoia National Monument, hike the 5-mile round trip trail to Needles Lookout, where a watchtower built atop a formation of rocky spires provides an amazing view. A ranger is stationed in the lookout during the dry months to keep watch over the forest. You could spot a far-off fire from here, and the panoramic view from 8,254 feet is well worth the hike.
The trail to the Needles leads through a relaxing conifer forest. Breaks in the trees provide appetizer views of the surrounding Sierra, warming you up for the feast-for-the-eyes that the lookout provides.
The wide trail climbs over a hill before descending to the base of the Needles. After two miles, with the lookout in sight, the trail climbs several moderate switches up to a series of daunting staircases. The steps themselves can be a bit dizzying. Suppress that fear of heights and walk the catwalk up the Needles.
The location for the lookout was not chosen at random. It was selected for its excellent perspective over the entire region. The park’s strategic decision is a benefit to hikers, because the view from this prominent pinnacle are the best around.
Venture out to the building perched atop the Needles and scan the horizon. You can also look inside at a fire-spotter’s living quarters. A ranger lives in this house of glass throughout the summer, on the lookout for the inception of forest fires.
This is a great day hike in Giant Sequoia National Monument. For another view of the valley (and a side view of the Needles), take the short hike up Dome Rock. No fee or permit is required to visit Needles Lookout, so get out and enjoy!
Directions to the Trailhead
- From Quaking Aspen Campground, drive south for one mile on Western Divide Highway, and turn east on Forest Route 21S05.
- Drive 2.5 miles over this dirt road to the parking area at the trailhead.
Trailhead address: Forest Route 21S05, Sequoia National Forest, Springville, CA 93265
Trailhead coordinates: 36.1198, -118.5084 (36° 07′ 11.3″N 118° 30′ 30.2″W)
View Sequoia National Forest in a larger map
Or view a regional map of surrounding Sierra Nevada trails and campgrounds.
 | Dome Rock This short hike just off Western Divide Highway provides a great view of the valley below. |
 | Trail of 100 Giants This paved 0.5 to 1.3-mile loop explores a grove of giant sequoias alongside Western Divide Highway. |
 | Natural Water Slide This 1.5-mile hike visits a refreshing natural water slide on the eastern side of the Great Western Divide. |
 | More trails in the Sierra Nevada Mountains Explore other destinations in the Sierra including Sequoia National Park. |
 | Western Divide Ranger District Campgrounds There are ten campgrounds in Giant Sequoia National Monument within the Western Divide Ranger District of Sequoia National Forest, including the 32-site Quaking Aspen Campground. |
Common Questions about Needles Lookout in Giant Sequoia National Monument
- Is the trail open?
- Yes. You should expect to find that Needles Lookout Trail is open. There are no recent reports of trail closures. If you discover that the trail is closed, please help your fellow hikers by reporting a closure.
- Is this trail free to access?
- Yes, Needles Lookout Trail is free to access. No entrance fee, pass, or permit is required. If you discover that access rules have changed, please provide feedback on your experience.
- How much time does this hike take?
- It takes approximately 2 hours 15 minutes to hike Needles Lookout Trail. Individual hiking times vary. Add extra time for breaks and taking in the views.
- How long is this hike?
- The hike to Needles Lookout Trail is a 5 mile out and back with 500 feet of elevation change.
- Are dogs allowed on this trail?
- Yes, dogs are allowed on Needles Lookout Trail. The trail is open to hikers, dogs.
- Does this trail go to a summit?
- Yes, Needles Lookout Trail reaches a summit with panoramic views.
- Where is the trailhead located?
- The trailhead for Needles Lookout Trail is located in Springville, CA.
Trailhead Address:
Forest Route 21S05
Springville, CA 93265
Trailhead Coordinates:
36.1198, -118.5084 - What are the driving directions to the start of the hike?
- To get to the trailhead: From Quaking Aspen Campground, drive south for one mile on Western Divide Highway, and turn east on Forest Route 21S05. Drive 2.5 miles over this dirt road to the parking area at the trailhead.
View custom Google Maps directions from your current location. - Are there other trails near Needles Lookout Trail?
- Yes, you can find other nearby hikes using the Hikespeak Hike Finder Map.
Is the new needles lookout open yet?
Bump. Is the new needles lookout open?
Can you hike to the top? I was there on the day of the fire. The last time I did the hike was around 1958.
No – The new needles lookout is not open. I was just there in August 2013 and there is nothing left whatsoever except for the staircase and a concrete slab.
Aug. 13, 2014
Has the Needles Lookout been rebuilt and open for visits
Hiked it this morning. Staircase is all that remains since the fire but the views from the top are still the same! #awesomehike
is the fire watch tower rebuilt yet and what is the future of the site to hold? can a 5 year old hike the trail up to it?
I visited Needles Lookout in late July 2015. The tower is not rebuilt, only the foundation remains. I did take two kids with me on the trip – a 10 year old and a 5 year old. While the stairway is safe, the lookout site itself doesn’t have full railings anymore. I recommend only taking them up the stairway but not out onto the foundation. And it’s not recommended unless the children are comfortable with heights.
What was the condition of the forest road to the trailhead? TIA
the forest road is fine. got there in a recent rav4. Views are great!
Does anyone know if there are plains to rebuild the lookout?
Hey any cool places close to the needles like a river, another trail? Just wanna look around.
Yes. Check out nearby outings like Trail of 100 Giants and a creek that can be a natural water slide.
Still no new tower. Was just up there today and the stairs just end before reaching the granite slab where the tower was. Still amazing though! Someone unhinged the gate on the staircase.
is the trail to the lookout open now? snow?
Anyone been there recently? Please advise.
No I want to go too but I’m interested in peppermint falls but the hike is too short I might go tomorrow let you know !
Yes!!! It’s beautiful!!
Is Needles Lookout trail currently closed…was going to plan a father’s day hike?
Anybody know the stairs open now may 2022,let me know please
I’m not sure I’m wondering the same but we are going 06/15 tomorrow so if you have not already got your answer I will try to come back to this site and post an update.
The USFS doesn’t care about lookouts or extinguishing fires. The proof is the 160 sq miles of burnt Sequoia’s. They will NEVER rebuild it. It was built by volunteers back before EPA, MSDS, enviro impact studies & over regulation with no accountability.