I have done several hikes and bike rides around Figueroa Mountain, but have never been to old fire lookout station. In Jan. of 20222, we made the hike twice. It is not a long hike, and there is only about 1,200 feet of climbing. From the public road to the lookout is only 5 miles round trip. There are two different paths to the top, with great views along the way.
There is a dirt forest service road that goes counter clockwise all the way to the top. It is a relatively steep and steady climb, and this was our first hike.
There is also a forest service road that goes clockwise around the mountain, but it does not go to the top. This road goes to another campground. It is actually almost level until you get to the turn-off to the lookout. The last ½ mile is extremely steep. It is more rabbit path than trail, and the ground is unstable shale rock. This was our second hike. I did not like the second hike .
Because it was such a short hike, we brought along food and refreshments.