Big Bear Mountain Biking Part Four

November 14th, 2007

Pineknot Trail – Moderate to Difficult, 6 miles Round Trip

Starting at the Aspen Glen Picnic Area in a southerly direction is the beginning of Pineknot Trail. The first 1 1/2 miles are accessible to equestrian and mountain bike traffic as well as hikers. The trail ends at Grand View Point, altitude 7,784 feet, a perfect spot for a picnic with the panorama of Big Bear Lake as the backdrop.

Siberia Creek Trail – Easy to Extremely Difficult, 7 miles Round Trip

Park at the same trailhead as the Championship Lodgepole Pine Trail and follow it down for 1/2 mile, passing the turn-off for the tree. You will go across and then parallel trickling Siberia Creek for 1 1/2 miles until you reach the “Gunsight,” a rock formation of two huge boulders named because they resemble the massive rear gunsight of a rifle. Experienced hikers can continue down to Siberia Creek should be aware the trail has been reduced to almost nothing by many rockslides. With an elevation change of 3,000 feet it is very steep and not maintained by the Forest Service.

Sugarloaf National Recreation Trail – Difficult, 10 miles Round Trip

At the intersection of Highway 38 and Hatchery Road, turn right. Follow this dirt road until you reach the Sugarloaf Trail sign and park in the turnout. The first 2 miles of the trail is a dirt road that follows Green Creek. The summit of Sugarloaf Mountain is mostly hidden by trees, but is the highest point in the Big Bear Valley, 9,952 feet, and is a great equestrian ride.

Woodland Trail – Rated Easy, 1 1/2 mile loop

A self-guided tour that starts and ends at the trailhead off HIGHWAY (38) .2 mile west of the Stanfield Cutoff, it is ideal for families with young children. An interpretive trail with 20 posted markers, hikers can take themselves on a tour to learn about the botany, wildlife and geology of this dry woodland area; pamphlets available at the entrance.”

Big Bear California