Recreation: Hiking

One of San Bernardino's greatest features is its proximity to the mountains, deserts and valleys. For the experienced hiker, the best adventures await along the miles of trails that wind through the area's varied terrain. Hiking trails for the inexperienced hiker are plentiful as well, offering visitors with families a less strenuous adventure.

For wilderness hiking, a permit is required and may be obtained at one of the Ranger District Offices.

Remember Your Adventure Pass...
All visitors are required to display the Pass in their vehicle when parked on National Forest land for recreation purposes. The Pass is available in two forms: a daily pass for $5.00 and an annual pass good for one year from the month of purchase for $30.00. Passes are available at Forest Service offices, and a variety of local vendors. Call your nearest Forest Service office for the vendor nearest to you.

For information contact one of the following offices:

Trails to try

Cactus Spring Trail: A high desert trail winds through the Santa Rosa Wilderness, descending into Horsethief Creek and across the sloping pinon-covered eastern flank of Santa Rosa Mountain. Trail head is next to Riverside County Transfer Station on Forest Road 7S09.
Devil's Slide Trail: Moderately difficult trail from Humber Park (about 2 1/2 miles north of Idyllwild Forest Ranger Station) to Saddle Junction, where the Pacific Crest Trail intersects it.
For more information, call (909) 659-2117.
Fuller Ridge Trail: A moderate to strenuous 7.5-mile hike to San Jacinto Peak, following the timbered ridge above Snow Creek along a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail.
For more information, call (909) 659-2117.
Hike Inn to Inn: Hikes of various lengths through the forested San Bernardino Mountains to quaint bed-and-breakfast inns and lodges.
For more information, call (909) 867-9636.
Pacific Crest Trail: A portion of the trail winds through the Arrowhead Ranger District in the San Bernardino National Forest. Beginning near Cleghorn Mountain, the Pacific Crest Trail crosses State Highway 138, winds through the Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area, past Mojave River Dam, and ascends parallel to Deep Creek to Splinter's Cabin above Cedar Glen. From there, the trail continues toward Big Bear Lake before leaving the district several miles northeast of Crab Flats Campground, a distance of 40 miles.
For more information, call (909) 337-2444.
San Gorgonio Mountains: This strenuous, 15.6-mile hike through the San Gorgonio Wilderness in the San Bernardino Mountains is worth the effort as it puts you on a boulder pile marking the highest point in Southern California. Take the southern approach by way of Vivian Creek Trail where pines, firs and cedars surround you and bracken fern, which turns a flaming yellow after the first October frost, smothers the creek banks. Summit trail camp is available to backpackers. Permit is required for both day hiking and backpacking. Get permits at the Mill Creek ranger station at Mill Creek Road (Hwy. 38) and Bryant Street, east of the town of Mentone. Best hiking is April through November. Elevation gain is 5,700 ft. High point is 11,499 ft. Use Forest Service San Gorgonio Wilderness top map.
For more information, call (909) 794-1123
Seven Pines Trail: A moderately difficult trail that follows the North Fork of the San Jacinto River to its headwater. Drive through Dark Canyon campground to the trailhead. For more information, call (909) 659-2117.
South Ridge Trail: A moderately difficult 3.6-mile hike to the Tahquitz Peak Fire Lookout. Directions to the trailhead are available at the San Jacinto Ranger Station. For more information, call (909) 659-2117.

Easy hikes for the entire family

Do your family members love nature but can't endure the strenuous hiking trials to the more picturesque places? There are four local trails that will please your family's cravings for nature and they won't have to strain to enjoy it.

Children's Forest: The National Children's Forest, a 1/2-mile self-guided and paved trail that's handicapped-accessible, off Highway 18 at Keller Peak Road, east of Running Springs, San Bernardino Mountains. For more information, call (909) 337-2444.
Heaps Peak Arboretum: A 0.7-mile, self-guided trail that winds through the forest, three-quarters of a mile east of Santa's Village, off Highway 18.
For more information, call (909) 337-2444.
Idyllwild Park Nature Center: Trails, interpretive exhibits and programs, 1 mile northwest of Idyllwild on Highway 243. For more information, call (909) 659-3850.
Indian Rock Trail: Easy 1/2-mile hike that begins immediately east of Rock Camp Station of Highway 173, west of Lake Arrowhead, San Bernardino Mountains. For more information, call (909) 337-2444.