It was difficult finding this trail. The book said it was a six mile hike, but after I sauntered on a gated forest road for maybe a mile and a half, I eventually found the trail and the sign that said 3 miles to Sugarloaf.
Not to brag, but I have an uncanny sense of direction and can sniff out trails better than a bloodhound. I didn't take a single wrong step, and I wasn't on the book's path.
Take Hwy 38 East 34 miles from Redlands, 2.1 miles past the entrance to Heart Bar Campground is Forest Road 2N93, turn left and follow it for exactly 6 miles. Park and take the locked gate to your left. Follow the road past a few lesser traveled jeep roads to the trailhead sign. From here it is a rocky trail all the way up- 3 miles.
I didn't take a topo and it appears there is a shorter route, but I didn't see it until I looked at the map back home.
Description
This is a tromp through the forest, nothing spectacular, althought the views of the San Gorgonio Wilderness are superb. This trail is a good workout, but rough on the feet and ankles because of the absolute rockiness of the trail. I don't know if I've been on a rockier path in Southern California. I was really worried about my dogs' paws, but they are tough and they were alright.
You barely get any views of Big Bear Lake and the summit is forested, so no 360, but there is a barren shoulder about 1/2 mile before the top where you catch your best vistas of the trip. After resting on the top, I chilled out here for a while before heading down.
This is the highest peak in the San Bernardinos 9952' outside San G wilderness, and if you're looking for solitude and altitude, this could be your spot. Sign the register and make sure you take the right roads on the way back. I was a little unsure of myself, but my instinct never lead me astray.
Map / Directions:
Submit a correction for Sugarloaf Mountain - SBNF