San Bernardino Peak Trail
Trail Stats
- Distance:
- 15.8 miles roundtrip
- Elevation Gain:
- 4,691 ft
- Estimated Time:
- 9-10 hours
- Difficulty:
- Hard
- Best Season:
- June through October
- Dogs Allowed:
- Yes (on leash)
- Parking:
- Wilderness permit required (free day-use permit)
Trailhead
From Angelus Oaks, turn east off Highway 38 onto Manzanita Drive. Immediately turn left onto frontage road paralleling Highway 38. Turn right onto Forest Service Road 1W07, stay right up dirt road 300 yards to trailhead at 5,960'. High-clearance vehicle recommended. NO RESTROOMS at trailhead. Wilderness permit required for day use - register online in advance.
Get Directions →Trail Description
San Bernardino Peak Trail is one of the most challenging and rewarding hikes in the San Bernardino Mountains, summiting at 10,649 feet - one of the tallest peaks in the range. This strenuous 15.8-mile round-trip climb gains a massive 4,691 feet from the Angelus Oaks trailhead at 5,960 feet, demanding excellent physical fitness and proper preparation. The adventure begins from Forest Service Road 1W07 (a dirt road requiring high-clearance vehicles) and immediately starts climbing through three distinct ecological zones. The first section features oak and pine forest with steep switchbacks, the middle section offers gentler climbing through manzanita with increasingly spectacular views toward Big Bear Lake, and the final push involves steep scrambling to the summit via Washington's Monument. The panoramic views from the top are absolutely spectacular - on clear days you can see Mt. Baldy, San Jacinto, San Gorgonio (California's highest peak outside the Sierra), Big Bear Lake shimmering below, and the entire Inland Empire spreading to the horizon. The trail passes Limber Pine Springs, a reliable water source, though you should still carry at least 3 liters from the start. This hike requires a free San Gorgonio Wilderness day-use permit (advance registration required, 12-person group maximum). Recent conditions show some trail washouts from rain, but these are manageable with careful scrambling. Start very early (5-6am) to complete this long hike before dark and avoid afternoon thunderstorms common in summer. This is a true mountaineering challenge that showcases Southern California's high peaks at their finest.
Essential Trail Information
- Water: Bring at least 1 liter per 2 hours of hiking - Big Bear's high altitude (6,750+ ft) increases dehydration risk
- Sun Protection: Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are essential - less ozone protection at this elevation
- Weather: Mountain weather can change rapidly - bring layers even on sunny days
- Wildlife: Black bears are active in the area - store food properly and make noise while hiking
- Emergency: Download offline trail maps - cell service can be spotty on trails
- Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash and stay on marked trails
What to Bring
- Plenty of water (1 liter per 2 hours minimum)
- Sunscreen and sun protection
- Layered clothing (weather changes quickly)
- Snacks and energy food
- First aid kit
- Charged phone and portable charger
- Map or GPS device