Big Bear Mountain Biking Part Three

October 26th, 2007

Castle Rock Trail – Moderate to Difficult, 2.4 miles Round Trip

Castle Rock Trail is the most popular trail in the Bear Valley. Castle Rock Trail begins 1.1 mile east of the dam on Highway 18. Parking for Castle Rock Trail is limited on the south side of the highway, 50 yards east of the trailhead. The elevation gain is 500 feet with a striking granite rock out-cropping at ridge top.

Champion Lodgepole Pine Trail – Rated Easy, .6 miles Round Trip

To arrive at the Champion Lodgepole Pine Trailhead, drive up Mill Creek Road for 4 ½ miles, turn right and continue for 1 mile to the trailhead. A gentle walk down a path aside a small stream for .3 of a mile ends at the Champion Lodgepole Pine. The Champion Lodgepole Pine Trail is one of the largest known Lodgepole pines in California. Adjacent to the Champion Lodgepole Pine is a picturesque meadow.

Crab Flats

Take the Green Valley Lake turnoff while going east on Highway 18. One mile before the town of Green Valley, turn north onto Forest Road. Travel 2 miles to a mini-staging area for unloading and trailer parking at the junction of Forest Roads. Travel 2 miles to Crab Flats Campground. This facility includes potable water and restrooms.

Cougar Crest Trail – Moderate To Difficult 4 – 5 1/2 miles Round Trip

Cougar Crest Trail winds its way through a diverse display of natural environments. It starts .6 of a mile west of the Discovery Center on Highway 38. You can park for free until 6 p.m. in the summer at the Discovery Center (No Adventure Pass required) and walk the .6 mile to the trailhead. The first mile entails a gentle uphill increase, but after a mile or so a gain in altitude is obvious. The Cougar Crest Trail ends at the junction of the Pacific Crest Trail (No mountain bikes), and many hikers continue to the east (right) on a dirt maintenance road for.6 of a mile ending at the summit of Bertha Peak, 8.502 feet, where a large collection of transmitting equipment is located. A virtual 360 degree view of the Bear Valley, Holcomb Valley, even the Mojave Desert awaits the hikers at the summit. For the advanced hiker, continue along the world famous 2,600-mile Pacific Crest Trail which connects Canada to Mexico.

Big Bear California