Hikes/United States/California/San Bernardino National Forest

Castle Rock to Lookout Point Hike

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Moderate
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
3.5-5h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
13.4 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
389 m
User Ratings
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The Castle Rock to Lookout Point Hike is an amazing adventure in the San Bernardino National Forest that will take you to a series of viewpoints with stunning scenery. While out hiking the trail, you will climb uphill through the forest landscape and summit Castle Rock for views over Big Bear Lake, before continuing on past Bluff Lake to arrive at Lookout Point. Hikers should take note that some sections of this trail are poorly marked, so it is a good idea to bring a GPS or trail map to stay on the correct route.

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Route Description for Castle Rock to Lookout Point Hike

Whether you are simply looking to spend some time hiking through the forest or want to experience some beautiful California scenery from several scenic viewpoints, the Castle Rock to Lookout Point Hike is a great option to get outdoors and unwind.

Setting out from the trailhead you will climb uphill to the south alongside Castle Rock Creek, taking your time as you navigate the steep, yet beautiful, forest landscape on the way to the summit of Castle Rock. Here, you will enjoy a great sightline over the surface of Big Bear Lake to the north.

Continuing along the trail as it leads to the southwest, you will eventually skirt around the charming shores of Bluff Lake and keep on through the forest until you arrive at Lookout Point overlooking the mountainous terrain to the south. After taking in the beautiful views, you will make your way back to the northeast and around the shores of Bluff Lake, before meeting back up with Castle Rock Creek and following it downhill to the trailhead where you began.

Getting to the Castle Rock to Lookout Point Hike Trailhead

The trailhead for the Castle Rock to Lookout Point Hike can be found just 1.9 km southeast of the Bear Valley Dam along CA-18.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground

    No

  • When to do

    May-November

  • Pets allowed

    Yes - On Leash

  • Family friendly

    Older Children only

  • Route Signage

    Poor

  • Crowd Levels

    Moderate

  • Route Type

    Lollipop

Castle Rock to Lookout Point Hike Elevation Graph

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Castle Rock to Lookout Point Hike Reviews

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