Hikes in San Bernardino National Forest

The Deep Creek Hot Springs Trail is a popular hiking route in the San Bernardino Forest that leads you to a series of relaxing thermal pools set along the creek. While out hiking the trail, you will traverse the rugged desert landscape until you arrive at the edge of Deep Creek where you can soak in the relaxing hot springs before heading back. Hikers should take note that the road leading into the trailhead is very rough and will require a 4x4 high clearance vehicle to safely traverse.

The Living Desert Wilderness Loop Trail is a fun adventure in Palm Desert, California that will take you through some rugged terrain for views of the Coachella Valley. While out hiking the trail, you will make your way uphill across some rocky terrain to reach a viewpoint over the valley, before descending through a small gully on the return leg of the hike. Hikers should take note that you will need to pay an entrance fee for the zoo in order to access the trailhead.

The Dogwood Campground Loop Trail is a laidback hiking route in the San Bernardino National Forest that will take you on an easy-going route with gradual elevation changes. While out hiking the trail, you will make your way through the undulating terrain and relax in the peaceful forest setting, as you work your way around the grounds of the Dogwood Campground. This hike is great when paired with a fun weekend of camping outdoors.

The Bonita Falls Trail is a short hiking route in the San Bernardino National Forest of California that will take you out to a viewpoint overlooking a waterfall. While out on the trail, you will hike the rocky terrain along the banks of Lytle Creek, before entering into the tree cover to view the cascading waters of Bonita Falls. Don’t forget to stop off at the ranger station to purchase a daily parking pass for $5.

The Jenks Lake Trail is a laidback hiking experience in the San Bernardino National Forest that will take you uphill to a charming lake. While out on the trail, you will work your way uphill through the forest alongside Frog Creek to eventually arrive at the peaceful woodland shores of Jenks Lake. Hikers should take note that parking and navigation along the trail are easy, although you will likely want to arrive early to beat out the crowds.

The Castle Rock Trail is one of the more popular hiking routes within San Bernardino National Forest, and it is for good reason. While out on the trail, you will climb up a steep and often rocky path to reach a breathtaking vantage point at the summit of Castle Rock, where you will take in views overlooking Big Bear Lake. Hikers should take note that parking is limited at the trailhead and fills up quickly, so make sure to arrive early to secure a space.

The Hurkey Creek Trail is a great family-friendly hiking route in the San Bernardino National Forest that features some rugged terrain and scenic views. While out hiking the trail, you will climb slightly uphill through some rocky terrain, where you will have some stunning views of nearby mountain peaks. Hikers should take note that wildfires in recent years have destroyed much of the shade along the trail, leaving it very exposed to the sun.

The Heart Rock Trail is a laidback adventure in the San Bernardino National Forest that will take you through the woodlands to view an interesting geological feature. While out hiking the trail, you will meander along paved and rocky paths through the forest, before arriving at the weathered, heart-shaped formation known as Heart Rock. Although the trailhead is located beyond Camp Seely, make sure not to park there as it is private property. Instead, utilize the parking lot a bit further south along CA-138 and walk the remainder of the way.

Hiking the Bear Lake Woodland Trail is a fun adventure in San Bernardino National Forest that will provide lovely forest views and the chance to learn about local plant species. While out on the trail, you will loop around the forest and stop at a number of interpretive signs that offer valuable information on the flora surrounding Big Bear Lake. Be sure to stick to the laid out path out of respect for the environment and other hikers.

The Bertha Peak Trail is a wonderfully scenic hiking route in the San Bernardino National Forest that will see you climb uphill for sweeping landscape views. While out on the trail, you will climb up the Cougar Crest Trail through the forest, before pushing up to the summit of Bertha Peak for a fantastic sightline over Big Bear Lake. While the trail isn’t overly difficult, there are some rugged sections with rocky terrain, so make sure to take your time and watch your footing.

The Will Abell Memorial Trail is a fun, albeit confusing, outdoor experience in the San Bernardino National Forest that will take you to a lookout over Lake Arrowhead. While out hiking the trail, you will meander uphill along forest paths and take in the beautiful views overlooking the lake, before continuing down the forested hillside on the return. Paths along this route are not well marked and will be tricky to navigate without a GPS.

The Pine Knot Trail to Grand View Point Hike is an exceptional adventure in the San Bernardino National Forest that will take you through forests and meadows for breathtaking views. While out hiking the trail, you will climb uphill through the woodland landscape to reach Grand View Point, where you will have an incredible sightline towards San Gorgonio Mountain and Catalina Island. Hikers should take note that this route is also popular with mountain bike enthusiasts and horseback riders, so make sure to keep an eye out and remember to share the path.

The Champion Lodgepole Hike is a spectacular excursion in the San Bernardino Mountains of California that will see you traverse a steep trail to visit an ancient tree. While out hiking the trail, you will climb uphill past Castle Rock to take in the views, before continuing on to a 450 year old, 34 m tall Lodgepole Pine tree. If you only have time for one hike in the Big Bear Lake area, then this is a great option to take in the wonderful views.

The Black Mountain Trail is a beautifully scenic, but physically demanding, hiking route in the San Bernardino National Forest that will take you to the top of the mountain for breathtaking views. While out hiking the trail, you will work your way uphill through the forest along a rocky and unrelenting slope, before arriving at the summit for views of San Gorgonio Mountain and San Jacinto Peak. Hikers should take note that it is a steady and unrelenting climb up to the summit, so make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks for the journey.

The Holcomb Valley Campground Hike is a great family-friendly adventure in the San Bernardino National Forest that will take you through a wooded valley for views of the surrounding hills. While out hiking the trail, you will leave the campground behind and make your way through the tranquil forest landscape, enjoying the views of the undulating valley terrain before turning back on the return leg. This is a great hiking route to pair with a fun weekend of camping in the area.

The Castle Rock Peak Hike is a short, but beautifully, scenic adventure in the San Bernardino National Forest that will take you on a steep climb up to a stunning viewpoint. While out hiking the trail, you will work your way uphill through the forest alongside Castle Rock Creek, before pushing on to the rocky summit for gorgeous views overlooking Big Bear Lake. The best views can be had after a short scramble up some rocks, but they are well worth the minimal effort.

The Arrowhead Pinnacles Trail is a great adventure in the San Bernardino National Forest that will take you through a bit of desert terrain for views of the surrounding mountains. While out on the trail, you will traverse rock-strewn pathways and dried up creek beds, before pushing up to the top of a small granite peak for views of the nearby San Bernardino Mountains. Hikers should take note that this is a popular trail, so try to arrive early if you hope to secure parking at the trailhead.

The Gold Mountain Trail is a long and rugged hiking route in the San Bernardino National Forest that will take you along an off-road vehicle trail in order to take in some scenic views. While out on the trail, you will climb up the rocky and forested slopes of Gold Mountain for incredible views overlooking Big Bear Lake, before looping around Holcomb Valley and back over Gold Mountain on the return. Hikers should take note that this route utilizes an off-road vehicle trail, so make sure to keep an eye out for passing vehicles and allow them enough room to safely pass.

The Devil’s Hole OHV Trail is a challenging adventure in San Bernardino National Forest that will take you to a charming location along Deep Creek. While out hiking the trail, you will traverse a rough stretch of terrain that features plenty of climbs and drops, before arriving at the picturesque area known as Devil’s Hole. Hikers should take note that this route is primarily used by off-road vehicle enthusiasts, so make sure to allow sufficient room for them to safely pass along the road.

The Hanna Flat Campground Trail is a fun hiking excursion in San Bernardino National Forest that will see you traverse some undulating terrain while enjoying scenic views of the surrounding landscape. While out hiking the trail, you will climb uphill through the forest along the lower slopes of Gray’s Peak and take in views of Big Bear Lake, before continuing across the rugged landscape on the way to the Hanna Flat Campground. This is a great hiking route if you are also looking to enjoy a fun weekend of camping in the San Bernardino Mountains.