Big Bear California

Posts Tagged ‘big bear mountain’

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.”

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.