Miami Mountain

Miami Mountain is a moderate day hike in the Sierra National Forest just outside Fish Camp, climbing to a working fire lookout tower with views across Mariposa and Madera counties and into Yosemite's southwestern peaks. It's one of the few lookouts in the region still staffed by volunteers, which means on the right summer day you can climb the tower stairs and talk with whoever's on duty.

The Hike

The route to the tower runs about 4.4 miles round trip with roughly 1,010 feet of elevation gain — a moderate outing that takes most hikers 2.5 to 3 hours. Park at the gate marked 6S79; the forest road beyond climbs to the summit but is closed to vehicles, open only to hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers. Spring (April-May) brings the best wildflowers along the lower stretches.

The Lookout Tower

Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934, the lookout began as a wood cabin; the 20-foot steel tower that stands on the summit today continues that same watch, and it's listed on the National Historic Lookout Register. Paid staffing ended in 1995 — since then a dedicated volunteer crew has kept it running, typically Memorial Day weekend through October or November, depending on the fire season.

Good to Know

• No water or facilities at the trailhead or summit — carry what you need.
• This is a working fire station, not a museum; access to the tower itself depends on volunteer staffing and current fire conditions.
• Views stretch across Mariposa and Madera counties into Yosemite's southwestern high country and the northwestern Sierra National Forest.