Hiking Trail Guide: Cougar Crest Trail

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Cougar Crest Trail

Distance
5 miles

Elevation
1500 feet gain

Difficulty
4/10

City
Fawnskin ,CA (92333) 77.18 miles from you Weather Map

Trailhead
Travel along Highway 18 through the town of Big Bear Lake until reaching the Stanfield Cutoff-turn north, and continue to the north shore of the lake and the junction between the Stanfield Cutoff and Highway 38. Turn left on Hwy 38 and travel 1.3 miles (approximately .6 miles past the Big Bear Ranger Station) to the Cougar Crest Trailhead, situated on the right side of the road. To reach the Cougar Crest Trailhead from the city of Fawnskin, travel approximately 2.4 miles east along Highway 38-the trailhead will be on the left. A Forest Service Adventure Pass is required to park here, and can be obtained at the Discovery Center or at any Ranger Station.

Description

Breathtaking views (and a climb requiring breath to be taken!!) are "de rigeur" along the Cougar Crest Trail, located north of Big Bear Lake. The trail, well-marked and generally in good condition, continues two miles (mostly north) until reaching a junction with the Pacific Crest Trail-the approximately 2638 mile path connecting Canada to Mexico. A four-mile hike along the Cougar Crest Trail to the PCT and back to the parking area is a satisfying and cardiovascular challenge in and of itself, but many hikers like to hike beyond the trail's end, turning east (right) on a dirt road and continuing for about .6 mile to Bertha's Peak, at an elevation 8201 ft. On a clear day, the Mojave Desert can be seen in the distance, and the views of San Gorgonio, Holcomb Valley, and (of course) Big Bear Lake are absolutely awesome.

Map / Directions: