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| Home > California > Pine Valley |
Pine Valley
Thursday, April 18, 2024
| Other Names | Cleveland National Forest, Descanso Ranger District, Bear Valley Trailhead, Kernan Cycle Trail |
| Last Known Status | Open |
This moderately challenging 4x4 trail loop is about 18 miles long and consists of mostly hard packed terrain with a few rugged climbs. This trail is popular with 4x4s due to the close proximity to San Diego and easy access to the trailhead off I-8.
The trail heads south from the staging area but eventually curves north toward a scenic view point. There is also a connector route near this spot for machines 50 inches or less in width that eventually ties into Corral Canyon.
Paved parking, chem toilets, informational kiosk and a couple picnic tables are available at the staging area. There is no self pay kiosk but an Adventure Pass is required which can be picked up online, at the ranger station or at nearby stores in Pine Valley.
REGULATIONS
| Permit Required | Yes | CA OHMVR stickers required |
| Dates Open | Year-Round | CA OHMVR red sticker vehicles permitted from 10/1 to 4/30 |
| Other ATV Stickers Accepted | Yes | Residents of any state not listed must purchase a Nonresident OHV Use Permit. (AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, IA, ID, IN, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, ND, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, TX, UT, VT, WA, WI, WY) |
| Spark Arrestor | Yes | A spark arresting exhaust silencer or end cap is required for all vehicles. |
| Noise Limit | Yes (96 dB) | CA OHMVR noise limits apply (1985/older limit 101 dB, 1986/newer limit 96 dB) |
| Whip Flags | Not Required | |
| Maximum Vehicle Width | No Restriction | |
 Motorcycles & Dirt Bikes | Permitted | CA OHMVR stickers required |
 ATVs | Permitted | CA OHMVR stickers required |
 UTV & SXS | Permitted | CA OHMVR stickers required |
 SUVs & Jeeps (registered) | Permitted | |
| Dune Buggy & Sand Rail 4x4 (unregistered) | Permitted | CA OHMVR stickers required |
| 2 Stroke Engines | Certain Times | CA OHMVR restrictions apply |
| MX Helmet Required | Yes | helmets required by state law |
 Camping | No Restriction | (camp anywhere) |
 Campfires | ||
| Night Riding | Unknown | |
| Trail Blazing | Prohibited | riders must stay on trail |
| Rule Enforcement |
TYPE OF AREA
| Area | Motorized Trails |
| Land | National Forest |
FEES & PASSES
| Parking | Yes ($5.00) Adventure Pass Fee - $5/day or $30/year |
| Entry | (None) |
| Riding | (None) |
| Camping | (None) |
| Comment | *There are no self pay stations at the Bear Valley Trailhead; purchase of Adventure Pass is mandatory prior to entry - call (909) 382-2622. |
RATINGS
| Our Rating |  Good |
| Recommended Stay | Full Day |
| Comments | (Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments) |
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
| Nearest City | Pine Valley, CA | ||
| Address | Pine Valley Road, Pine Valley, CA 91962 | ||
| From: San Diego, CA
1) Take I-8 East to Exit 45 2) Turn right (south) off the exit ramp, staging area is straight ahead. |
OFFICIAL CONTACTS
| Contact Info | Cleveland National Forest - Descanso Ranger District 3348 Alpine Boulevard Alpine, CA 91901 (619) 445-6235 mailroom_r5_cleveland@fs.fed.us descansord@fs.fed.us www.fs.usda.gov |
ADD PHOTOS
TERRAIN
| Miles Of Trail | 18 | |
| Climate Type | Desert | |
| Elevation | 3850 to 4500 ft. | |
| Trail Maintenance | Marked, Not Rated, Lightly Maintained | |
| Loose Dirt |  None | |
| Hard Pack |  Mostly | |
| Sand | None | |
| Mud | None | |
| Dust |  Some | |
| Rocks | Some | |
| Trees |  Few | |
| Steep Hills | Some | |
| Water Crossings | None | |
| Small Jumps | None | |
| Large Jumps | None | |
| Berms | None | |
| Sand/Gravel Pits | None | |
| Single Track | None | |
| Roads | Some | |
| Shade | Few | |
| Hazards | Few | (hazards assumed marked but use caution) |
 Novice | Some | |
 Amateur | Mostly | |
 Expert |  Little |
GPS POINTS
KEY SERVICES
 Gasoline | Pine Valley, CA | |
| Diesel | Pine Valley, CA | |
 Water | Pine Valley, CA | |
 RV Hookup | Pine Valley, CA | |
 RV Disposal | Pine Valley, CA | |
| Campground | Pine Valley, CA | |
 Conv Store | Pine Valley, CA |
RIDER COMMENTS & REVIEWS