Brian Head Peak Observation

Located on the highest point of the Cedar City Ranger District on the Dixie National Forest the Brianhead Lookout was built in 1934-35 by the Civilian Conservation Corps Camp F-16 stationed at Duck Creek. A road had to be built to the location during construction this road is still in place and accessible by sedan. This road was built using a small caterpillar and horse drawn equipment to build.

Rock was taken from onsite and from a large quarry at the bottom of the curve near the present day toilet facility. A second building was built on the peak concurrently to serve as a toilet. The foundation is still evident at the end of a trail below the overlook to the east.

The overlook was restored in the 1990's by the Southwest Service group of the Sierra Club. They re-tucked the buildings masonry and re-laid and stabilized the patio surrounding the building. The roof was repainted in the interior and brave souls went on the roof to replace shingles blown off in storms.

The Forest was in the process of providing recreational areas for the local public to come onto the forest to enjoy the beauty and resources. It was determined that building the overlook would serve several purposes beneficial to the National Forest. The first, being as a recreational overlook from which the Forest could interpret the surrounding areas.

Plaques were made and placed within the building for the public to read about the area they were looking at. The second use was as an occasional fire lookout. From the summit of Brian Head Peak, one can look out at Nevada’s Wheeler and Highland peaks, Arizona’s Mount Trumbull and Navajo Mountain, Beaver County’s Tushar Range and the Paunsagunt, Table Cliffs, and Aquarius plateaus.

Then, turning west, little-known ranges with mysterious names such as the Never Summer Mountains and the Wah Wahs become visible.