Hiking Trail Guide: Grandview Point Mountaineers loop

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Grandview Point Mountaineers loop

Distance
6 miles

Elevation
1500 feet gain

Difficulty
4/10

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

Trailhead
Drive on the 18 east into Big Bear. Turn right onto Mill Creek Rd. and follow it to Aspen Glen Picnic Area - your Adventure dollars at work. The trail starts at the northeast corner of the park. It is rocky at first and studded with wooden posts.

Climb briskly up the hill, don't turn, then descend to the remnants of a fire road. Follow it. You'll see a turnout marked "no bikes" and possibly spot the Pine Knot Trail (also posted on this site) which is the second turnoff to the left almost a half mile into your hike. I used the Pine Knot Trail to loop back from this one, it is graded and not nearly as steep.

You will know you are on the mountaineer/mountain bike trail - it is steep, very steep, but if you prefer that then this is the best way to go up. You can go down this way too, but it is much easier on the knees, toes, feet, and ankles to use the Pine Knot Trail 1E01, which is clearly marked (for the most part.)

Description

Wow! If you didn't check the latitude on this area of Big Bear, you'd swear you're in the Sierras. There is something magical about the Skyline Ridge and the South Side of Big Bear. The towering Ponderosa pines, the rugged boulders, the magnificent views, it is all incredible, and lots of people think so. This is one of the most heavily used areas in the forest; bikers, hikers, equestrian, and motorized visitors all frequent these parts. However, taking this trail will get you out of the way for at least part of the journey.

Climbing on the rocks near Grandview is another off-trail necessity, it's fun too!

The gain on this trail is for the conditioned, it is very steep. It isn't steep for very long, but still you wouldn't want a small child on this trail, instead opt for the usual route 1E01.

Map / Directions: