Top 9 Lookouts in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park

Reviewed By roadtrip_ken_2017 - Oakland, United States

Judging from the relatively small number of reviews, the Buck Rock Fire Lookout seems to be not well-known, but it rivals more famous Moro Rock as an essential viewpoint to visit in the Kings Canyon / Sequoia National Park area. It's located slightly outside of the national park boundaries, in Sequoia National Forest. While Buck Rock is only a few miles off the main Generals Highway route through the national parks, it does require a short (a little over 2 mile) approach along a dirt road. It's not a difficult road at all, but it will be helpful to drive it in an SUV or other higher-clearance vehicle - it was an easy drive in my Subaru Forester. There's a small area for parking not far from the base of the rock, with a short walk there. Looking up at the fire lookout on top, it seems nearly impossible that there could be a way up. Once you reach the base of the rock, you'll find a very short trail that leads up to a series of stairways which go to the lookout on top. It's exposed for sure, but all of the stairs had very good railings on both sides. The route looked much scarier from a distance than it did actually climbing up or back down - still, I wouldn't recommend it for those with a fear of heights. Once at the top, the vistas in all directions are vast and spectacular. Since this is a working fire lookout, there was a ranger at the top who lives there during fire season, and she was most helpful in identifying the many peaks within view, ranging from Mt. Goddard to Mt. Clarence King to Mt. Brewer and the Great Western Divide, and beyond. The visit to Buck Rock was one of the most memorable ones I had in the Kings Canyon / Sequoia National Park area - very highly recommended!