Goat Mountain Trailhead & Lookout Hike, Oakhurst, CA

About

Goat Mountain Trailhead sits off Forest Road 223 (Teaford Saddle Road) in Sierra National Forest, west of Bass Lake and a short drive from Oakhurst. From the trailhead, a fire road and dirt trail climb toward a historic steel-frame lookout tower on the mountain's south side — a route shared regularly by hikers and mountain bikers, with several trailhead options depending on how much distance you want to cover.

Route Options

Starting from Forks Campground, the standard route to the lookout runs about 9.9 miles round trip with roughly 1,630 feet of elevation gain, generally rated moderate. A shorter version from the same trailhead covers 6.7 miles round trip with about 1,105 feet of gain. Starting instead from Spring Cove Campground trims the hike to around 4 miles each way, and from Teaford Saddle it's closer to 3 miles up a forest service road. Elevation along the route ranges from roughly 3,388 to 4,967 feet.

The Lookout

Built in the 1930s and listed on the National Historic Lookout Register, the tower on Goat Mountain's south peak is no longer staffed for fire detection — today it's maintained as a radio relay site. It still stands, though, and remains the payoff for the climb, with views opening up over Bass Lake and the Sierra National Forest foothills beyond.

Good to Know

Shared trail: expect mountain bikers on the fire-road sections along with hikers.
Parking at Forks Campground carries a day-use fee and has restrooms; the lot is small, so arrive early on weekends.
Little shade for most of the climb — check conditions before heading out on hot summer days.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the hike to Goat Mountain Lookout?

From Forks Campground, the standard route is about 9.9 miles round trip with 1,630 feet of elevation gain. A shorter 6.7-mile option starts from the same trailhead, and starting from Spring Cove Campground or Teaford Saddle cuts the distance further.

Is Goat Mountain Trailhead open to mountain bikers?

Yes. The fire road and trail are shared regularly by hikers and mountain bikers, so watch for riders, especially on the wider sections.

Is the lookout tower still in use?

It's no longer staffed for fire detection, but the historic tower is still standing and now serves as a radio relay site.

Is there a fee to park at the trailhead?

Parking at Forks Campground carries a day-use fee, though the campground has restrooms and other facilities. The lot is small, so plan to arrive early on weekends.