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 Reporter |
Summary: This is a great hike. The Cougar Crest trail to the PCT is very easy. Anyone should be able to undertake it, especially if you are out for relaxation and resting along the way. I was able to boost my usual climbing average from 3.0 miles per hour to an even 3.4 along this trail, so it is very evenly graded and easy to hike. The area itself is beautiful loaded with Fir, Pinyon and Lodgepole Pines. Many are dry and dying from drought and beetle infestation, so see this area while you still can, and hope that real rains will come again and in time this area will return to its former glory. Once the views open up of Big Bear Lake and the San Gorgonio Wilderness, you might think you are in heaven. Nope you are still in San Bernardino County, just a much nicer part than you may normally be used to. The peak itself is pretty non-descript. The view is not so wonderful although if you cross country a few hundred yards south, you have a much nicer overview of the lake. Trailhead: Take the 38 East two miles past Fawnskin. There is a sign 1/4 of a mile away from the turn and a sign for the parking area and Big Bear Discovery Center directly at the entrance. It is hard to miss. There is a restroom area and limited parking. Follow the paved road for a couple hundred feet and continue straight on the very wide trail. The trail stays this wide for exactly a mile. I could've easily driven my truck up it (don't - I'm sure you'll be ticketed) but I bet even a passenger car could make it up the trail almost a mile. It is very wide and easy going. Amazing views of Big Bear and San G open up about 1 1/2 miles in. Once it becomes a trail, it stays gentle and climbs to the PCT - here you must turn right and follow it past Delamar Mountain - you'll know you are passing it. Once past it, you'll come to a steep 4WD fire road - a PCT marker and cairn mark the steep road - climb it to until it becomes a mountaineer trail, and follow it to the top. (Lat:34.29089 Lon:-116.94539) Trail Guides for Delamar Mountain: San Bernardino Mountain Trails - 100 Hikes in Southern California by John W. Robinson (Wilderness Press) Best Hikes With Dogs - Southern California by Allen Riedel (Mountaineers books) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Horses, Ranger Contact: SBNF (909)659-2607 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Allen Riedel, who has posted 123 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Emeline on 5/13/2009 I agreee that the directions to the trailhead are incorrect. "San Bernardino Mountain Trails" has a good description of how to get to the trailhead. A 4WD vehicle is necessary to reach the trailhead via Forest Road 2N09, marked as Polique Canyon Rd from North Shore Drive (CA-38), just north of Serrano Campground. Past the trailhead is an off street lot, but make sure you backtrack on the road to the trailhead. Enough about directions, this hike is beautiful! We hiked this in the fall with Emerson, the great trailblazing dog. The last stretch up the Jeep Road and the steep trail beyond the very large cairn is tough, but the rock pile peak has a book to sign and the air is amazing. The best views are on the PCT portion of the trail.
Reviewed by OB1 on 6/13/2008 Great hike, with spectacular views of Big Bear and hulking San G presiding over the backdrop. The final stretch up to Delamar Mountain proper is a little nondescript when turning off the PCT, but look out for a post on the trail which marks the turnoff spot. 
Reviewed by William on 8/19/2007 You can not drive up from the parking lot, too steep and illegal! By following these directions you end up at Bertha Peak. To go to Delamar Mountain go left about six miles, when the Pacific Crest Trail goes downhill steady, go left, there is no trail, and find the highest summitt. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, San Bernardino County Hiking, San Bernardino County Trails, San Bernardino County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||