Hiking Trail Guide: Pine Knot Trail-San Bernardino National Forest

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Pine Knot Trail-San Bernardino National Forest

Distance
6 miles

Elevation
1400 feet gain

Difficulty
4/10

City
Big Bear Lake ,CA (92315) 79.58 miles from you Weather Map

Trailhead
Travel along Highway 18 to the Big Bear Lake Dam (located on the west side of the lake)-turn right (east). Continue along Highway 18 until reaching Mill Creek Road (located in the western portion of the city of Big Bear Lake)-turn right (south). Parking for the trailhead is at the Aspen Glen Picnic Area-a Forest Service Adventure Pass (which can be purchased at the Big Bear Discovery Center or in several shops and stores along Highway 18) is required.

Description

Oaks, pines, wildflowers, and spectacular views of Big Bear Lake abound along the Pine Knot Trail, which starts at the Aspen Glen Picnic Area and continues in a primarily southerly direction until it approaches Grand View Point (7,784 ft. elev.- located about one-quarter mile beyond the intersection of the Pine Knot Trail, aka 1E01, and FS Road 2N10). The trail, though sometimes heavily inundated with bike and equestrian traffic, is usually in good condition, and is amazingly serene-switchbacking through thick forest and meadows it elevates the hiker to lofty lake vistas and ultimately to a panoramic point from which San Gorgonio and Catalina Island can be seen. Autumn colors are particularly breathtaking along this trail, and summer graces the Pine Knot path with a profusion of wildflowers. To reach Grand View Point, continue along 1EO1 beyond its intersection with 2N08-at the junction with 2N10, hike about 1/4 mile along the remaining peninsular path.

Map / Directions: