San Bernardino National Forest Overview
San Bernardino National Forest lies just east of the greater Los Angeles area. The forest is made up of two main divisions: the San Gabriel Mountains and San Bernardino Mountains to the north, and the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains to the south. Elevations range from 2,000’ to 11,503’ at the top of San Gorgonio Mountain, the tallest peak in Southern California. In addition to some of the best hikes in San Bernardino National Forest (see below), there are 2 incredibly beautiful scenic drives allowing visitors to experience the forest. Rim of the World and Palms to Pines Scenic Byways both contain diverse and remarkable landscapes with spectacular views.
| State | California |
| Nearest Metro Area | Los Angeles, CA |
| Area Size | 672,701 acres |
| Established | September 30, 1925 |
| Hiking Trails | 574 miles |
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Trailhead Traveler’s Best Hikes in San Bernardino National Forest
Bonita Falls Trail – 1.4 miles out and back
Easy trail to a beautiful 100’ waterfall. The falls come and go with the season so it is best to experience this hike after a rainfall or snowmelt.
Castle Rock Trail – 2.4 miles out and back
Short hike to Castle Rock, a 100’ outcropping that has earned its title. This spot is said to have the best vantage point of the Big Bear Lake area as well.
Cougar Crest Trail – 7.1 miles out and back
Steady climb up to Bertha Peak where you can see the beautiful view of Big Bear Lake to the south. The trail meets up with the Pacific Crest Trail for a short way before ending at the peak.
Deer Springs Trail to Suicide Rock – 6.6 miles out and back
Uphill hike with gorgeous views of the San Jacinto area on the way to Suicide Rock. According to legend, the name comes from a story of a Native American princess and her lover who, after being ordered to separate, instead committed suicide by jumping off the rock.
Etiwanda Falls Trail – 3.3 miles out and back
Nice out and back hike suitable for the whole family with lots of great scenery and photo opportunities. Depending on the time of year and level of recent precipitation, the falls can vary greatly in intensity.
Heart Rock Trail – 1.7 miles out and back
Gentle trail easy enough for the whole family that leads to a heart-shaped hole in a rock next to a 20’ waterfall.
Mount San Jacinto via Aerial Tramway*** – 10.5 miles out and back
5th of Southern California’s Six-Pack of Peaks: the trail to the summit of Mt. San Jacinito can be accessed by the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. If you want more of an extreme challenge, you can try hiking the entire Cactus to Clouds trail which gains more than 10,000’ elevation in under 14 miles making it one of the steepest trails in the world.
Pine Knot Trail to Grand View Point – 7.2 miles out and back
Beautiful trail that ends at the Grand View Point overlooking the mountains and the forest with views of Big Bear Lake along the way. Hikers can continue on Skyline Trail for a longer loop of the entire area.
San Bernardino Peak Trail via Angelus Oaks*** – 16.6 miles out and back
4th of Southern California’s Six-Pack of Peaks: strenuous but rewarding hike to the summit of San Bernardino Peak (10,691’). There are several camps along the way so hikers have the option of making this a long day-hike or an overnight hike.
San Gorgonio Peak Trail via Vivian Creek Trail*** – 15.8 miles out and back
6th of Southern California’s Six-Pack of Peaks: At 11,503’, San Gorgonio is the tallest peak in Southern California. The trail up Vivian Creek is the shortest and steepest way up the mountain ascending over 5000’ in just 8 miles. There are several campsites along the way if you would prefer to make this hike in 2 days.
Featured Image: San Gorgonio Wilderness, Photo by San Bernardino Nat’l Forest
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