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All the United States California Buena Vista Crane Flat Lookout

Crane Flat Lookout

The first lookout in Yosemite.

Buena Vista, California

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rktroger
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Inside looking east.   rktroger / Atlas Obscura User
Historic details.   rktroger / Atlas Obscura User
Inside looking south.   rktroger / Atlas Obscura User
The Crane Flat Lookout rescue station under the observation area, at an elevation of 6,644 feet.   ajcwhyte / Atlas Obscura User
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About

This 1931 fire lookout with 360-degree views of Yosemite National Park was the first of its kind inside the park.

On a clear day, visitors can see the Half Dome and the other significant peaks across the park. It’s a well-maintained example of the National Park Service rustic architectural style typical of park and recreation facilities designed during the 20th century. The tower is open to the public and visitors are free to enter and experience the full splendor of the natural surroundings. Little has changed inside since its creation.

The lookout was the first of its kind in the park, and the Crane Flat along with other early towers were engineered to blend in with the surrounding forest. The Crane Flat was used up until the 1980s.

Related Tags

History & Culture National Parks Forests

Know Before You Go

Take the short single-lane road from the main road up to the parking lot. Make sure to use the trail from the parking lot to the lookout and not the driveway as this is an active fire and rescue facility.

Community Contributors

Added By

rktroger

Edited By

linkogecko, ajcwhyte

  • linkogecko
  • ajcwhyte

Published

November 21, 2022

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Crane Flat Lookout
Buena Vista, California
United States
37.759, -119.820833
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