Cedar Lake Road to Elsie Caves Hike

Difficulty
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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.
1.5-2h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
5.0 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.
141 m
User Ratings
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Directions to Trailhead

The Cedar Lake Road to Elsie Caves Hike is a lovely adventure near Big Bear Lake in the San Bernardino National Forest that will take you uphill to some rocky outcrops. While out hiking the trail, you will make your way through a peaceful stretch of forest, climbing slightly uphill through the woodland terrain before arriving at Elsie Caves, which is a great place to sit and relax while enjoying the beauty of nature. Hikers should take note that a high clearance is recommended in order to reach the trailhead, as the road leading into it is quite rough and rugged.

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Route Description for Cedar Lake Road to Elsie Caves Hike

Whether you are looking for a quick bit of exercise or a relaxing spot to sit with a good book and revel in the beauty of the Southern California landscape, the Cedar Lake Road to Elsie Caves Hike is a great little adventure that is easily done in a few hours.

Setting out from the trailhead, you will continue along Mill Creek Road as it turns to the south and clubs further uphill through the forest. After the first bend in the road that will turn your direction to the southwest, you will keep left along the road and eventually branch off onto Osita Camp Road.

Here, you will keep left and follow the trail back to the east, where you will find the rocky outcrops of the Elsie Caves off to your left. Leaving the road behind, take some time to explore the area and appreciate its natural beauty, before heading back down along the road for the return leg.

Getting to the Cedar Lake Road to Elsie Caves Hike Trailhead

The trailhead for the Cedar Lake Road to Elsie Caves Hike can be found at the junction between Cedar Lake Road and Mill Creek Road, just 0.6 km east of Cedar Lake Camp.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground

    Yellow Post #25

  • When to do

    April-November

  • Pets allowed

    Yes - On Leash

  • Family friendly

    Yes

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    Moderate

  • Route Type

    Out and back

Cedar Lake Road to Elsie Caves Hike Elevation Graph

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Cedar Lake Road to Elsie Caves Hike Reviews

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