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    San Bernardino National Forest

    Hikes in San Bernardino National Forest

    Region in California, United States

    San Bernardino National Forest encompases a vast area of 823,816 acres of wild land, which is largely split into two separate mountainous regions. These consist of the San Bernardino and San Gabriel Mountains of the Transverse Range, as well as the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains of the Peninsular Range, which make for a rugged, yet truly beautiful landscape that begs to be explored. With plenty of charming lakes, winding rivers, and low-lying valleys to break up the undulating terrain, there is always a new and exciting adventure waiting around every corner.

    With its close proximity to several high population areas in Southern California, the San Bernardino National Forest is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the entire state. Featuring hundreds of miles of hiking trails (including the world-renowned Pacific Crest Trail), beautifully scenic mountain peaks, seven designated wilderness areas, and forty-seven Yellow Post campsites, there are nearly endless possibilities when it comes to exploring this vast and beautiful part of So Cal.

    10 Amazing Hiking Routes In San Bernardino National Forest

    The diverse landscape of the San Bernardino National Forest includes rugged mountain peaks, great expanses of woodland terrain, sprawling deserts, and beautiful lakes, making it perfectly suited for exploration on foot. Not only are there plenty of terrain types that will keep you busy for countless hours, but there are trails that suit every age and skill level. So whether you are a seasoned trekker looking to navigate backcountry mountain paths, or are setting out with the family for a low key creekside adventure, you can check out the below list of amazing hiking routes in San Bernardino National Forest for inspiration.

    • Deep Creek Hot Springs Trail: A fantastic hiking route in San Bernardino National Forest, this trail will lead you through a stretch of desert terrain to reach a series of relaxing thermal pools set along the expanse of Deep Creek.
    • The Living Desert Wilderness Loop Trail: Featuring beautifully scenic views overlooking the Coachella Valley and access to the nearby zoo, this hiking route is perfectly suited for a great family-friendly adventure.
    • Bonita Falls Trail: While the Bonita Falls Trail may be a bit on the short side, it is an exceptional route that features easy-going terrain and wonderful views looking out onto a cascading waterfall.
    • Jenks Lake Trail: For those adventurers that are after a relaxing forest walk with views of a scenic lake, the Jenks Lake Trail is the perfect route that can be enjoyed with the entire family.
    • Castle Rock Trail: The Castle Rock Trail is a steep hiking route in the Big Bear Lake area of San Bernardino National Forest that will lead you uphill to a rocky vantage point with gorgeous views overlooking the water.
    • Heart Rock Trail: Another quick and easy family-friendly hike, the Heart Rock Trail is a lovely adventure through the forest that will take you to a viewpoint looking onto the Seely Creek Falls and an interesting weathered rock depression in the shape of a heart.
    • Bear Lake Woodland Trail: A lovely interpretive trail in the San Bernardino National Forest, this hike will see you traverse a short loop along laidback terrain that features informative signs to learn about the flora and fauna of the surrounding area.
    • Bertha Peak Trail: This amazing route will lead you up the rugged terrain of the Cougar Crest Trail in order to summit Bertha Peak, where you will experience wonderful views overlooking Big Bear Lake.
    • Pine Knot Trail to Grand View Point Hike: Another great route in the Big Bear Lake area, this trail will take you uphill through some beautiful stretches of forest and meadow to access the stunning lookout at Grand View Point that offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.
    • Champion Lodgepole Hike: This is a fantastic hiking route in the Big Bear Lake area that will lead you up the steep trail past Castle Rock and Bluff Lake to visit a tall Lodgepole Pine that is estimated to be around 450 years old.

    When is the Best Time to Hike in San Bernardino National Forest?

    Many of the hiking trails within San Bernardino National Forest are accessible year-round; however, some - particularly those that are at higher elevations in the mountains - are not suitable in the winter. If you are looking to get the most out of your hiking excursion in the wild expanse of the San Bernardino National Forest, try timing your trip for the spring to autumn seasons when the weather is most favourable.

    Other Outdoor Activities in the San Bernardino National Forest

    With hundreds of miles of recreational trails in the area, hiking is certainly one of the most popular activities in the San Bernardino National Forest; however, there are a wide variety of things to do outdoors if you are hoping for a different experience. In the summer, popular adventures include cycling, camping, horseback riding, fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing, as well as water sports like kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. For those who prefer the winter months, alpine activities like skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and even snowmobiling are available in the higher elevations of the nearby mountains.

    Fantastic Adventure Tours Near the San Bernardino National Forest

    While there are countless hiking trails within the boundary of the San Bernardino National Forest that are just waiting to be explored, the sheer number of options can sometimes make planning a fun hiking trip a bit confusing or complicated. If you want to visit the area but don’t want to deal with all the fuss of planning a trip, why not check out these amazing adventure tours in California and leave all of the small details to the adventure travel professionals.

    Frequently Asked Questions About the San Bernardino National Forest

    Is camping permitted in San Bernardino National Forest?

    There are a wide variety of options for camping within the boundaries of San Bernardino National Forest, including 47 Yellow Post Campsites that are free.

    What animals can be found in the San Bernardino National Forest?

    The vast expanse of the San Bernardino National Forest is home to over 440 species of wildlife, including spotted owls, flying squirrels, and black bears, although the latter are not native to the region.

    Are dogs permitted in the San Bernardino National Forest?

    Yes, dogs are permitted on hiking trails within San Bernardino National Forest, although they must be kept on a leash at all times.

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    Best Hikes in San Bernardino National Forest

    Showing 81 to 100 of 100
      Open details for Pine Knoll and Skyline Ridge Loop Hike

      Pine Knoll and Skyline Ridge Loop Hike

      Moderate
      14.6 km
      391 m
      3.5-5h

      The Pine Knoll and Skyline Ridge Loop Hike is a fantastic trail in the San Bernardino National Forest that features a variety of rugged terrain and scenic views. While out on the trail, you will climb uphill through the forest to reach the stunning vantage points at Skyline Ridge and Grand View Point, before looping around downhill on the return leg into Big Bear Lake. Be sure to have your adventure pass visible on your dash to avoid getting fined while out on your hike!

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      Open details for Tunnell Road to Sawmill Trail

      Tunnell Road to Sawmill Trail

      Moderate
      8.9 km
      269 m
      2.5-3.5h

      The Tunnell Road to Sawmill Trail is a quiet hiking route near Lake Arrowhead, CA that climbs uphill through the forest for some nice views. While out hiking the trail, you will pass through some peaceful woodland terrain, before exploring an area with remnants of an old sawmill and views of the surrounding landscape. This route does utilize a forest road for most of its length, so make sure to keep an eye out for passing vehicles and keep to the edge of the road.

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      Open details for Deep Creek Hot Springs Loop Trail

      Deep Creek Hot Springs Loop Trail

      Moderate
      22.7 km
      690 m
      6-8.5h

      Hiking the Deep Creek Hot Springs Loop Trail is a fantastic experience in the San Bernardino National Forest that features beautiful views and a relaxing reward. While out on the trail, you will traverse the rugged landscape of the Bradford Ridge Path to reach a series of calming thermal pools, before following Deep Creek to the west to reach the Mojave River Dam and looping around on the return. The terrain here can be quite difficult in places and the route is long, but the restorative waters of the hot springs are an ample reward.

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      Open details for Club View Hike

      Club View Hike

      Moderate
      9.0 km
      297 m
      2.5-3.5h

      The Club View Hike is a fun adventure near Big Bear Lake that will take you up to the top of Snow Summit for views of the surrounding area. While out on the trail, you will follow along a dirt road as it climbs uphill through the forest, before arriving at the top of the ski hill for a sweeping sightline of the San Bernardino Mountains.Hikers should take note that this route follows along a dirt road that is also utilized by vehicles, so make sure to stay off to the side for safety and keep a close eye on children and dogs.

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      Open details for Road 1N96C Hike

      Road 1N96C Hike

      Easy
      4.8 km
      119 m
      1-1.5h

      The Road 1N96C Hike is a great little adventure in the San Bernardino National Forest that is perfectly suited for the whole family to enjoy. While out on the trail, you will make your way through the woodland landscape and gain a small amount of elevation, before arriving at a beautiful grove of Sequoia trees that was planted in the 1970s. You will need an adventure pass for this hike, so make sure to purchase one and display it in your vehicle prior to setting out on your adventure.

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      Open details for Miracle Mile Trail

      Miracle Mile Trail

      Moderate
      6.6 km
      354 m
      2-3h

      The Miracle Mile Trail is a fantastic adventure in Big Bear Lake, California that will see you climb a ski slope for sweeping views of the Southern California landscape. While out hiking the trail, you will work your way uphill through a mixture of clearings and woodland terrain, before eventually arriving at the top of Snow Summit for views overlooking Big Bear Lake. Hikers should take note that this trail is not accessible during the winter months, as the hillside is used as a ski run.

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      Open details for Poopout Hill Hike

      Poopout Hill Hike

      Moderate
      7.4 km
      302 m
      2-3h

      The Poopout Hill Hike is a great family-friendly adventure in the San Bernardino National Forest that climbs gently uphill to the summit for lovely views. While out on the trail, you will make your way through a stretch of hillside that is exposed to the sun and features some scattered trees, pushing uphill to gin a beautiful vantage point overlooking the San bernardino Mountains. Be sure to have your adventure pass displayed when parking at the trailhead.

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      Open details for Plantation Trail to Grand View Point

      Plantation Trail to Grand View Point

      Moderate
      12.4 km
      308 m
      3-4.5h

      Hiking the Plantation Trail to Grand View Point is a fun excursion in the San Bernardino Mountains that will see you gain elevation on the way to a stunning viewpoint. While out on the trail, you will work your way uphill through some rocky woodland terrain to reach the Skyline Ridge, before pushing on to Grand View Point for views over the Santa Ana River Valley. You might encounter a few mountain bikers along this trail, so be sure to keep an eye out and allow others the room to safely pass.

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      Open details for Skyline, Pirates, and Fall Line Loop Trail

      Skyline, Pirates, and Fall Line Loop Trail

      Moderate
      8.7 km
      274 m
      2.5-3h

      The Skyline, Pirates, and Fall Line Loop Trail is an excellent route in the San Bernardino National Forest that will take you through a lovely stretch of woodland terrain. While out hiking the trail, you will traverse a mixture of forest, meadow, and rocky terrain, before looping back around tho the starting point of your adventure. As this is a multi-use trail, be sure to keep an eye out for passing mountain bikers and allow them enough room to safely maneuver.

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      Open details for Plunge Creek Truck Trail

      Plunge Creek Truck Trail

      Moderate
      16.7 km
      572 m
      4.5-6.5h

      Hiking the Plunge Creek Truck Trail is a pleasant excursion into the San Bernardino Mountains that will offer some scenic views of the Southern California landscape. While out on the trail, you will steadily climb uphill along a dirt track, gaining a decent amount of elevation that will be sure to tire you out a bit. Make sure to wear sunscreen and/or protective clothing, as this route doesn’t feature much shade to block out the sun.

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      Open details for Big Bear 2N05 Loop Trail

      Big Bear 2N05 Loop Trail

      Moderate
      5.1 km
      165 m
      1.5-2h

      The Big Bear 2N05 Loop Trail is a relatively short adventure near Big Bear Lake, California that will take you through some of the rugged terrain of the San Bernardino Mountains. While out hiking the trail, you will pass through the woodland terrain and climb up the hilly landscape, before looping around on the return leg. Hikers should take note that this route is poorly marked and will require a GPS or trail map in order to stay on the correct route.

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      Open details for Cloudland Truck Trail

      Cloudland Truck Trail

      Moderate
      15.4 km
      570 m
      4.5-6h

      The Cloudland Truck Trail is a great hiking route in San Bernardino, California that will take you on a steady climb with views of the surrounding landscape. While out hiking the trail, you will follow along the dirt road as it winds up the slopes of Marshall Peak to provide views overlooking San Bernardino and nearby peaks. Hikers should take note that this is a multi-use trail that is shared with off-highway vehicles, so make sure to exercise all precautions and allow vehicles enough room to maneuver.

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      Open details for Skyline and Metcalf Meadow Loop Trail

      Skyline and Metcalf Meadow Loop Trail

      Moderate
      8.7 km
      201 m
      2-3h

      The Skyline and Metcalf Meadow Loop Trail is a great moderate length hiking route in Southern California that will take you to a scenic viewpoint. While out on the trail, you will meander through stretches of forest terrain and peaceful meadows, before arriving at a viewpoint overlooking the Santa Ana River Valley. Hikers should take note that there is no real parking at the trailhead, meaning that you will need to park at the roadside. You will also need a valid adventure pass displayed in your vehicle.

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      Open details for Marshall Peak Trail

      Marshall Peak Trail

      Moderate
      4.8 km
      139 m
      1-1.5h

      The Marshall Peak Trail is a fairly short hiking route near San Bernardino that offers some beautiful views overlooking the city. While out hiking the trail, you will climb uphill along a forest service road to reach the summit of Marshall Peak, where you will have sweeping views of the Southern California landscape from a paragliding launch. Hikers should take note that there is a fair amount of trash and debris along the initial portion of the hike, but do not worry, as this is short lived and there are beautiful views beyond.

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      Open details for Indian Mountain Hike

      Indian Mountain Hike

      Moderate
      9.3 km
      379 m
      2.5-4h

      The Indian Mountain Hike follows an easy to navigate dirt road that leads up to the summit of the peak for some pleasant views. While out on the trail, you will steadily gain elevation until you arrive at the top of Indian Mountain, where you can check out the surrounding San Bernardino National Forest landscape. Hikers should take note that there is little protection from the sun and plenty of bugs along this route, so be sure to wear sunscreen and bug repellent.

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      Open details for Ponderosa Nature Trail

      Ponderosa Nature Trail

      Easy
      0.8 km
      52 m
      0.5h

      The Ponderosa Nature Trail is a quick and easy hiking loop in the San Bernardino National Forest that features a peaceful setting and easy to traverse terrain. While out hiking the trail, you will follow along a forested loop that features interpretive signs that provide information on local plant and animal life. Hikers should take note that you will need to display an adventure pass in your vehicle prior to setting out on your journey.

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      Open details for Highway 138 VOE Trail

      Highway 138 VOE Trail

      Moderate
      3.2 km
      180 m
      1-1.5h

      The Highway 138 VOE Trail is a fantastic hiking route north of the Valley of Enchantment that will see you explore a beautiful stretch of woodland terrain. While out hiking the trail, you will steadily gain elevation through the forest, experiencing the peaceful atmosphere of the woodland setting and likely catching some views of curious deer. Although some sections of this route are a bit steep, this is an excellent route that the family will enjoy.

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      Open details for Cram Peak Ridge Trail

      Cram Peak Ridge Trail

      Hard
      4.8 km
      591 m
      2.5-3.5h

      The Cram Peak Ridge Trail is a fantastic, albeit difficult, hiking route in the San Bernardino National Forest that will see you climb sharply uphill to reach a summit with awesome views. While out on the trail, you will gain over 305 m of elevation per mile, steadily working your way towards the top of Cram Peak for incredible city and wilderness views. Hikers should take note that the distance listed here is only for the out portion of the hike, so you will need to double it in order to account for the return leg back down the mountain.

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      Open details for Palm View Peak Trail

      Palm View Peak Trail

      Hard
      13.8 km
      636 m
      4-6h

      The Palm View Peak Trail is a great hiking route in the San Bernardino National Forest that features a solid elevation gain and scenic views. While out on the trail, you will climb up the steep slope of the mountain and meet up with the Pacific Crest Trail, following it up to the summit for a rewarding day on the trails. Hikers should take note that, while the summit of Palm View Peak is overgrown, there are areas close by to take in some wonderful views.

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      Open details for Bluff Mesa Hike

      Bluff Mesa Hike

      Easy
      5.1 km
      56 m
      1-1.5h

      The Bluff Mesa Hike is a fantastic adventure in Southern California that features a lovely woodland setting and can be enjoyed by the entire family. While out hiking the trail, you will follow a forest service road for a short distance, before looping around the mesa to explore the forest. Make sure to display an adventure pass prior to setting out on your journey.

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