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Pine Knot Trail-San Bernardino National Forest

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Highlights:

White Fir, Jeffrey Pine, Summer Wildflowers, Spectacular Lake Views
Near:Big Bear Lake, CA
Scenery:
Distance:6 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:1400 ft
Hike Time:3.5 hours
Difficulty:Moderate
Trail Condition:OK, but a few difficult spots
HikeType:Out and Back



Summary: Oaks, pines, wildflowers, and spectacular views of Big Bear Lake abound along the Pine Knot Trail, which starts at the Aspen Glen Picnic Area and continues in a primarily southerly direction until it approaches Grand View Point (7,784 ft. elev.- located about one-quarter mile beyond the intersection of the Pine Knot Trail, aka 1E01, and FS Road 2N10). The trail, though sometimes heavily inundated with bike and equestrian traffic, is usually in good condition, and is amazingly serene-switchbacking through thick forest and meadows it elevates the hiker to lofty lake vistas and ultimately to a panoramic point from which San Gorgonio and Catalina Island can be seen. Autumn colors are particularly breathtaking along this trail, and summer graces the Pine Knot path with a profusion of wildflowers. To reach Grand View Point, continue along 1EO1 beyond its intersection with 2N08-at the junction with 2N10, hike about 1/4 mile along the remaining peninsular path.
Trailhead: Travel along Highway 18 to the Big Bear Lake Dam (located on the west side of the lake)-turn right (east). Continue along Highway 18 until reaching Mill Creek Road (located in the western portion of the city of Big Bear Lake)-turn right (south). Parking for the trailhead is at the Aspen Glen Picnic Area-a Forest Service Adventure Pass (which can be purchased at the Big Bear Discovery Center or in several shops and stores along Highway 18) is required. (Lat:34.23645 Lon:-116.9278)
Trail Guides for Pine Knot Trail-San Bernardino National Forest:
Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer,
User Groups: Hikers, Bikes, Horses,
Ranger Contact: Big Bear Discovery Center (Ranger Station)-(909) 382-2790
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Patricia Barnes, who has posted  23 other hikes on this site
Trail Reviews  Submit your own review
Reviewed by girljo on 6/5/2011
Today was a beautiful day for wildflowers too. Such a great hike! Lots of easy traversing switchbacks, an easy stream crossing, great varied scenery. The trail goes along a stream several times. The extra push to Grand View was SPECTACULAR. The bikers I encountered were very courteous.

Reviewed by D.L. on 8/17/2010
Nice hike, good workout but not too strenuous for beginning hikers. The scenery on the way is typical of Big Bear, but the views from the end of San Gorgonio and Sugarloaf are unique and memorable. You can see some of my pictures and my trip report (from Sun 8/15) here.

Reviewed by NL on 8/30/2009
This was a good hike with an easy to follow trail. Took 2 hrs and 15 minutes to complete the full 6.5 miles. The view at the top was definitely worth it.

Reviewed by NicAndTed on 7/20/2009
Moderate workout, great trail for dogs. The extra 1/4 mile to Grand View is more than worth it, so don't skip out. :) The Aspen Glen campground is right on the street, so don't think you have to go up a dirt road like we did. Very easy to find and navigate through.

Reviewed by RDB on 11/27/2006
Great hike, took the dogs on a crisp autumn day. Not too crowded early in the day. Very nice black oak, jeffrey pine and white fir forest. Trail not too steep or rocky. Long trek but very much worth the views from grand view point overlooking the Santa Ana Valley and San Gorgonio wilderness.

Reviewed by JZR on 1/30/2006
Some snow and ice, but passable with hiking shoes and poles. Nice lake views along the way, but not at the summit. Still great vistas towards San Gorgonio. Most elevation gain is in the first two miles. A good weekend workout.

Reviewed by big daddy d on 2/5/2005
Just did this trail. Great for snowshoeing, had about three to four feet of untouched snow. Nice grades, and beautiful woolands make this one a winner.


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


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