The Watchtower Viewpoint

The Watchtower is a high granite ridge viewpoint on the Lakes Trail above Tokopah Valley, reached on foot from Wolverton. It’s a substantial outing, not a roadside stop: published round-trip distances range from about 7.4 to 8.6 miles, depending on the route. If you want the high-country view without continuing to the lakes, the Watchtower makes a natural turnaround.

From Wolverton, the trail climbs through forest and a small meadow before breaking onto exposed granite, with sections cut into the steep hillside above the valley. Snow or ice makes the Watchtower route dangerous; the park directs hikers to take the Hump Trail in those conditions. Snow can linger on shaded sections into summer, so check trail conditions before setting out. Wolverton has parking, picnic tables and flush toilets for the start of the hike.

The ridge overlooks Tokopah Falls and the Marble Fork, with the granite walls of Tokopah Valley spreading below. For a photo, look across the valley toward the granite tower and include the falls below it to show the scale. Stay on the established trail; the steep rock is not a reason to scramble onto the mapped high point.

This isn’t a built lookout: the name comes from the prominent granite tower across Tokopah Valley. The Lakes Trail continues from here into stark high-country granite and on to Heather, Emerald, Aster and Pear lakes; the viewpoint is a worthwhile stopping point even if you turn back before the lakes.