Metate Trail Route Guide

Submit your photos of this trail to be featured

See Map

Measurement:

Table of contents

Route description
Getting there
Route information
Elevation graph
Weather forecast

The Metate Trail is a quick and easy hiking route in the San Bernardino National Forest that features a lovely forest setting and is an important historical site. While out on the trail, you will meander through the woodland landscape and gain elevation to arrive at a place where indigenous peoples once ground acorns using metates carved into local rocks. This is a great route if you are looking to take int he beauty of nature or have an interest in history.

Route Description for Metate Trail

Whether you are looking to reconnect with nature or take your family out to learn how indigenous people in Southern California once secured food for the winter, the Metate Trail is an excellent hiking route to explore.

Setting out from the trailhead off CA-173, you will make your way to the northeast and enter into the cover of the forest. Here, you will be able to take in the natural beauty of the woodland setting, while gaining a small amount of elevation.

Eventually, you will turn left along the trail to visit the Metate Rocks, where indigenous people in the area would grind acorns on the rocks as a source of food. From here, the trail continues on to the southeast, until you arrive at the endpoint near the edge of the highway. For the return leg, simply turn back and retrace your steps to the trailhead.

Getting to the Metate Trail Trailhead

The starting point for the Metate Trail can be found along CA-173, just 3.2mi northwest of Lake Arrowhead.

Route Information for Metate Trail

Backcountry Campground:
No
When to do:
Year-Round
Pets allowed:
Yes - On Leash
Family friendly:
Yes
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
Moderate
Route Type:
Out and back

Metate Trail Elevation Graph

Weather Forecast

Check Area Weather

WE ARE HERE TO HELP

Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.