Keller Peak Lookout
Keller Peak, though not the first lookout built in the San Bernardino
National Forest, is the
oldest remaining "original" tower. It is located three miles
east of Running Springs at an
elevation of 7882 feet (2317 m). The Keller Peak topographical map shows
the lookout at 34-
11-45 N and 117-02-56 W. The peak is reached from the Keller Peak road
from Highway 18,
1.5 miles east of Running Springs. It has a fire lookout, cliffs and
a meadow adjacent.
Children's Forest is located on the road from the highway to the peak.
The
lookout, road, and peak are named for Ally Carlin Keller, born in San
Bernardino in 1868, who at one time was an employee of the Forest Service.
His father, Carlin Keller, was an early pioneer in the area. You can view two
memorial plaques at Keller Peak lookout. The first designates the 1926-built
tower as an historic landmark. The second, located 200 yards (175 m)
to the west, marks the spot where a B-26 bomber crashed December 30,
1941. Some of the wreckage is still visible.
The Keller Peak Lookout Leader is P.J. Smith
Directions:
Take Highways 18 or 330 to Running Springs. Go past the village and
immediately after
Deerlick Fire Station turn right on Keller Peak Road (1N96). This 5-mile
road is paved all the
way to the lookout. At a fork in the road, turn right and drive to the
lookout.
Keller Peak is open 7 days a week from Memorial Day through December.