Open for the Season! Overlooking Idyllwild at 8,846 feet stands Tahquitz Fire Lookout Tower. Since 1921, a tower has been on that site keeping watch over the forest.
It's unique for being the only fire lookout tower located in the wilderness in Southern California and therefore,can only be reached on foot or horseback. The magnificent views keep me motivated when I start to get tired.
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Before opening for the season, a group of volunteers worked extremely hard on different maintenance projects. Since the tower gets beat up by the weather every year, I was able to do what I love - Paint!
On Memorial Day weekend, the tower was officially opened. Trained volunteers will keep watch for smoke and fire from May until November.
The amount of hikers that made the trek to the tower on Memorial Day weekend was astounding.
Usually, there are far less people. It was great to see so many young hikers who made the strenuous journey with their families.
From the peak, you can clearly see the path of the Mountain Fire last July. A somber reminder of what could happen unnecessarily if any of us are careless.
May your Summer be filled with magnificent views and inspiring hikes where ever the path leads you.
