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Big Bear Lake
Alt Names Mountain Top Ranger District, San Bernardino National Forest, Cactus Flats, Smart Spring, Canyon Spring, Squirrel Spring, Granite Spring, Arrasire Creek
Last Known Status Open
DESCRIPTION
This high desert area offers about six miles of ATV trails and 62 miles of surrounding jeep trails. Most of the trails are dusty with loose rocks however the Joshua Tree trail is smooth, fast and has many berms. The main staging area is large and amenities include a loading ramp, vault toilets and trail maps but no shade. An Adventure Pass is required to camp or ride here and can be purchased at the nearby Lucerne Valley Market or at the local ranger stations.



LOCATION
Nearest City Big Bear City, CA
GPS Coordinates N 34º 18.881' W 116º 48.605'
Go Back To California List
Street Map
Trail MapGo To Trail Map
From: Big Bear City, CA

1) Take SR-18 east about 8 miles
2) Turn right onto FS-3N03, continue 1.25 miles
3) Turn right at fork onto FS-3N07Y, continue .2 miles
4) Stage anywhere.
AREA TYPE
Area Type Trail
Land Type National Forest
QUALITY
Pros nice staging area, decent scenery
Cons highway is tight and windy, and the access road is long and rocky, but there are not enough trails to make the trip worthwile, RVs not recomended, no shade at staging
Rating Rating    Good
Recommended Stay Full Day
TERRAIN
Square Miles 3
Miles Of Trail 6
Climate Type Forest
Elevation 6100 to 6400 ft.
Trail Maintenance Marked, Rated, Heavily Maintained
Loose Dirt This trail has some loose dirt.Some
Hard Pack The trail has mostly hard pack terrain.Mostly
Sand This trail has no sandy areas.None
Mud The trail has little mud after it rains.Little
Dust The trail has little dust on typical days.Little
Rocks This trail has some rocks.Some
Trees The trail has some trees.Some
Steep Hills This trail has few steep hills.Few
Water Crossings The trail has no water crossings.None
Small Jumps This trail has few small jumps.Few
Large Jumps This trail has no large jumps.None
Berms The trail has some berms.Some
Sand/Gravel Pits This national forest has no sand or gravel pits.None
Single Track This national forest has no single track trails.None
Roads This national forest has few roads.Few
Intersections This trail has few intersections.Few
Rider Traffic The national forest has few rider traffic on typical days.Few
Shade This national forest has some shaded areas.Some
Ranges/Gunfire This national forest has no shooting ranges or gunfire.None
Hazards This trail has few hazards.Few (hazards not marked)
Novice Terrain This trail has some beginner terrain.Some
Amateur Terrain This trail has mostly intermediate level terrain.Mostly
Expert Terrain This trail has little expert terrain.Little
REGULATIONS
Permit Required Yes CA OHMVR stickers required
Dates Open Year-Round CA OHMVR red sticker vehicles permitted from 10/1 to 4/30
Spark Arrestor Yes
Noise Limit Yes (96 dB) CA OHMVR noise limits apply (1985/older limit 101 dB, 1986/newer limit 96 dB)
Night Riding Unknown
Flags Not Required
Two Strokes Certain Times CA OHMVR restrictions apply
Cross Country Prohibited
ATVs Some Areas CA OHMVR stickers required
UTVs Some Areas CA OHMVR stickers required
4x4s (registered) Some Areas
Unregistered Cars/4x4s/Buggies Some Areas CA OHMVR stickers required
Bicycles No Restriction Not Recommended
Hiking No Restriction Not Recommended
Horseback No Restriction Not Recommended
Camping No Restriction (camp anywhere)
Campfires Prohibited
Alcohol No Restriction
Fireworks Prohibited
Firearms Prohibited
Law Enforcement Few/Periodic
FEES
Parking Fee No ($0.00)
Entry Fee No ($0.00)
Riding Fee No ($0.00)
Camping Fee No ($0.00)
Comment Adventure Pass must be bought prior to entry; $5.00 for daily or $30 for annual pass
KEY SERVICES
First Aid 5-20 Miles (SW) Bear Valley Community Hospital (909) 866-6501
Gasoline 5-20 Miles (SW) Shell (909) 866-8037
Diesel 5-20 Miles (SW) Shell (909) 866-8037
Water 5-20 Miles (SW) Big Bear Lake
RV Hookup 5-20 Miles (SW) Holloway's Marina and RV Park (909) 866-5706
RV Disposal 5-20 Miles (SW) Holloway's Marina and RV Park (909) 866-5706
Campground 5-20 Miles (NW) Big Pine Flat Campground (909) 866-3437
Conv Store 5-20 Miles (SW) Stater Brothers Market (909) 866-5211
Swim Area 5-20 Miles (SW) Meadow Park Beach Area (909) 866-9700
Water Body 5-20 Miles (SW) Big Bear Lake
Boat Ramp 5-20 Miles (SW) Big Bear Marina (909) 866-3218
CONTACTS
Contact Info Arrowhead Ranger Station
28104 Highway 18, P.O. Box 350
Skyforest, CA 92385
(909) 382-2782
www.fs.fed.us
Contact Info Big Bear Ranger Station
41397 North Shore Drive
Fawnskin, CA 92333
(909) 382-2790
www.fs.fed.us
Contact Info Big Bear Discovery Center
P.O. Box 66
Fawnksin, CA 92333
(909) 382-2790
feedback@bigbeardiscoverycenter.net
www.fs.fed.us
GPS POINTS

Big Bear Lake Trail Photo

Big Bear Lake Trail Photo

The vast majority of the trails are rocky, but not enough to take the fun out of it.
Big Bear Lake Trail Photo

Big Bear Lake Trail Photo

The Joshua Tree loop is smooth and fast, with countless turns like this.
Big Bear Lake Trail Photo

Big Bear Lake Trail Photo

Big Bear Lake Trail Photo

Big Bear Lake Trail Photo

Big Bear Lake Trail Photo

Big Bear Lake Trail Photo

This is a pretty typical piece of trail here.  You can't beat the scenery.
Big Bear Lake Trail Photo

Big Bear Lake Trail Photo

Big Bear Lake Trail Photo

Big Bear Lake Trail Photo

Big Bear Lake Trail Photo

Big Bear Lake Trail Photo

The trails are marked and rated.
Big Bear Lake Trail Photo

Big Bear Lake Trail Photo

Big Bear Lake Trail Photo

Big Bear Lake Trail Photo

The deep berms and smooth turns of the Joshua Tree trail make it worth checking out, even if you are an expert rider.
Big Bear Lake Trail Photo

Big Bear Lake Trail Photo

Big Bear Lake Trail Photo

Big Bear Lake Trail Photo

Big Bear Lake Trail Photo

Big Bear Lake Trail Photo

The black diamond trails are actually fairly tame...  Some chunk, a few sharp drops, but nothing scary.
Big Bear Lake Trail Photo

Big Bear Lake Trail Photo

Big Bear Lake Trail Photo

Big Bear Lake Trail Photo

Big Bear Lake Trail Photo

Big Bear Lake Trail Photo

Big Bear Lake Trail Photo

Big Bear Lake Trail Photo

Big Bear Lake Trail Photo

Big Bear Lake Trail Photo

Big Bear Lake Trail Photo

Big Bear Lake Trail Photo

The staging area is huge, with plenty of room to play around.
Big Bear Lake Trail Photo

Big Bear Lake Trail Photo

Big Bear Lake Trail Photo

Big Bear Lake Trail Photo

Big Bear Lake Trail Photo

Big Bear Lake Trail Photo

Big Bear Lake Trail Photo

Big Bear Lake Trail Photo

The hills surrounding the staging area have various tracks and play loops.
Big Bear Lake Trail Photo

Big Bear Lake Trail Photo

The main staging area is huge, with various play areas for all skill levels.
Big Bear Lake Trail Photo

Big Bear Lake Trail Photo

Big Bear Lake Trail Photo

Big Bear Lake Trail Photo

Big Bear Lake Trail Photo

Big Bear Lake Trail Photo

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