Things to Do in San Bernardino National Forest
San Bernardino National Forest is a vast national forest in Southern California, covering over 823,000 acres. Its diverse landscapes range from rugged desert floors to towering alpine peaks, with elevations spanning from approximately 2,000 feet to nearly 11,500 feet at San Gorgonio Mountain. This varied topography supports diverse ecosystems, including chaparral, mixed conifer forests, and alpine meadows, making it suitable for several sports like hiking, mountain biking, jogging, road cycling, and more. The forest encompasses the eastern San Gabriel, San…
173
Routes
4.6
(112)
Average rating
2655
People visited
5.0
(4)
57
hikers
12.2km
03:58
740m
220m
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
18
hikers
12.0km
04:30
1,290m
10m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
5.0
(1)
14
hikers
7.74km
02:22
280m
280m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
17
hikers
5.40km
01:47
780m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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1
riders
28.9km
03:08
1,020m
690m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
9.63km
02:07
970m
20m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
8.76km
00:31
40m
400m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.
5.0
(4)
50
riders
36.3km
03:31
650m
650m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
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109
riders
33.3km
01:43
480m
480m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(1)
100
riders
85.6km
04:02
1,140m
1,140m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.5
(2)
72
riders
66.3km
03:07
260m
260m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
52
riders
46.5km
01:54
270m
270m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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20
runners
16.0km
02:21
730m
730m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
14
runners
10.8km
01:34
560m
560m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
12
runners
12.2km
01:41
440m
440m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
runners
13.4km
01:57
680m
680m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.0
(1)
6
riders
49.8km
02:55
300m
300m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.80km
00:17
10m
10m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(3)
35
riders
29.0km
01:45
230m
230m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(7)
43
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Frequently asked questions
What outdoor activities are available in San Bernardino National Forest?
San Bernardino National Forest offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, jogging, and road cycling. The forest features over 300 miles of trails and routes for various skill levels.
What are the best hiking trails in San Bernardino National Forest?
The forest provides numerous hiking opportunities, from leisurely strolls to multi-day expeditions. For more information on specific routes, refer to the komoot guides for Hiking in San Bernardino National Forest and Waterfall hikes in San Bernardino National Forest.
Are there mountain biking trails in San Bernardino National Forest?
Yes, mountain biking is permitted on designated routes, forest roads, and trail networks within San Bernardino National Forest. The forest offers challenging routes for various skill levels. A komoot guide for MTB Trails in San Bernardino National Forest is available.
Where can one go road cycling in San Bernardino National Forest?
Road cyclists can explore scenic routes such as the Rim of the World Scenic Byway and loops around Big Bear and Baldwin Lake. These routes offer mountain and lake views with significant elevation changes. Find more details in the Road Cycling Routes in San Bernardino National Forest guide.
Are there easy or family-friendly hikes in San Bernardino National Forest?
San Bernardino National Forest includes trails suitable for beginners and families. The Alpine Pedal Path is easily accessible for joggers, hikers, and strollers. For specific easy routes, consult the Easy hikes in San Bernardino National Forest guide.
What are the highest peaks in San Bernardino National Forest?
The highest peak in San Bernardino National Forest, and Southern California, is San Gorgonio Mountain, reaching nearly 11,500 feet. The San Gorgonio Wilderness also features ten peaks exceeding 10,000 feet.
Are there waterfalls in San Bernardino National Forest?
Yes, San Bernardino National Forest is home to Big Falls and Bonita Falls, which are among the tallest waterfalls in Southern California. These natural features are popular destinations for hikers.
Do I need a permit to hike in San Bernardino National Forest?
Permit requirements vary depending on the specific area and activity within San Bernardino National Forest, especially for wilderness areas. Visitors should check with the USDA Forest Service for current regulations before their trip.
What is the best time to visit San Bernardino National Forest for outdoor activities?
The forest offers year-round recreational opportunities. Lower elevation trails are suitable for fall, winter, and spring, while upper elevation trails are best for summer hiking or snowshoeing in winter.
How popular is San Bernardino National Forest on komoot?
San Bernardino National Forest is a popular destination on komoot, with over 20,000 visitors having shared their experiences. The region's 376 routes have an average rating of 4.72 out of 5 stars from more than 1,100 ratings.
What is the official website and phone number for San Bernardino National Forest?
The official website for San Bernardino National Forest is www.fs.usda.gov/sbnf. The Supervisors Office can be reached by phone at (909) 382-2600.
What types of terrain can be found in San Bernardino National Forest?
The forest features diverse terrain, ranging from rugged desert floors to towering alpine peaks. It includes chaparral, oak woodlands, mixed conifer forests, and alpine meadows, with elevations spanning from approximately 2,000 feet to nearly 11,500 feet.
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