Castle Rock Trail

Route Description for Castle Rock Trail

Featuring some steep and rocky terrain within a beautiful woodland setting, the Castle Rock Trail is still a challenging hike that will require a good level of fitness. Be sure to wear proper hiking shoes and bring hiking poles to save your knees on the descent. Additionally, the beautiful views along the trail make it a popular one, so try to arrive early to secure a parking space and make sure to have your adventure pads visible in your vehicle.

Although it is quite popular, the Castle Rock Trail is one of the best hiking routes in the Big Bear Lake area. Climbing up the steep trail through the woodland landscape, you will gain an incredible view overlooking the San Bernardino Mountains and the lake below. It is a bit of a challenge to reach the summit, but the views are well worth the effort.

Setting out from the trailhead, you will enter into the dense cover of the forest and follow along the trail as it runs to the southeast alongside Castle Rock Creek. Here, you will immediately begin to climb up the steep hillside and keep to the left as you gain elevation through the forest landscape.

After 0.9 km of uphill hiking along the trail, you will cross over Castle Rock Creek and arrive at a junction, taking the path on the right in order to climb up to the summit of Castle Rock Peak itself. Crossing once again over Castle Rock Creek, you will keep to the right and do some light scrambling over the rocky terrain in order to reach the summit. Here, you will experience sweeping views across the California landscape, including Big Bear lake to the north below.

Once you have taken in the views, head back along the same path for 0.2 km to arrive back at the junction in the trail. Keep right here and continue along the trail as it turns south through the woodland landscape for another 0.7 km to arrive at a junction. Passing straight through, you will follow the trail for another 0.3 km to arrive at the endpoint of the route at the edge of a forest service road.

From here, you will turn back along the trail to retrace your footsteps and relish in the woodland scenery on the return leg of the hike. After passing by Castle Rock, carefully descend the steep hillside on the way into the trailhead where you began your adventure on the Castle Rock Trail.

Trail Highlights

Big Bear Lake

Situated in the San Bernardino Mountains, Big Bear Lake is Southern California’s largest recreational lake, with a surface area of 2971 acres. The lake has no tributaries feeding into it, making its replenishment completely reliant on melting snow from the surrounding mountains.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Castle Rock?

The summit of Castle Rock is located in the San Bernardino Mountains at an elevation of 2,247 m.

Do I need an Adventure Pass for the Castle Rock Hike?

Yes, an Adventure Pass is required to complete the Castle Rock Trail.

Insider Hints for Castle Rock Trail

• Wear proper hiking boots with good ankle support.
• Arrive early, as parking at the trailhead is quite limited.
• Make sure to keep your dog under control or on a leash.