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Overview
San Bernardino National Forest spans roughly 823,000 acres across the mountains of Southern California, encompassing the San Bernardino, San Jacinto, San Gabriel, and Cucamonga ranges. It sits within a two-hour drive of the Los Angeles and Inland Empire metropolitan areas, making it one of the most visited national forests in the United States by sheer proximity to urban population.
The forest contains two federally designated wilderness areas — the San Gorgonio Wilderness and the San Jacinto Wilderness — and protects the highest point in Southern California, San Gorgonio Mountain, at 11,503 feet above sea level. Big Bear Lake and Lake Arrowhead are the two most prominent developed resort communities within the forest's boundaries.
Elevation shifts dramatically across the forest, producing distinct ecological zones. Visitors move from chaparral foothills into pine and fir forests, and then into exposed sub-alpine terrain, depending on how high they climb. This variety supports a wide range of wildlife including mule deer, black bears, bald eagles, and the endangered California spotted owl.
Because the forest is managed by the US Forest Service rather than the National Park Service, it operates under a multiple-use mandate. Hiking, camping, mountain biking, off-highway vehicle use, fishing, and skiing all coexist here, which shapes both the character of the landscape and how visitors plan their trips.
Before You Go
Adventure Pass
Most trailheads and day-use recreation areas within the forest require an Adventure Pass displayed on your vehicle dashboard. Passes are available for a daily or annual fee; verify current pricing at the official US Forest Service website (fs.usda.gov) or at ranger stations and authorized vendors before your trip. Some areas also require a separate wilderness permit.
Wilderness Permits
Entry into the San Gorgonio Wilderness and San Jacinto Wilderness requires a free wilderness permit. During peak summer months, daily quotas apply for certain trailheads, so it is strongly advisable to reserve well in advance through Recreation.gov. Walk-up permits may be available on a limited basis.
Fire and Weather Awareness
Wildfire risk is significant in Southern California, particularly late summer through autumn. Check current fire restrictions with the San Bernardino National Forest before any trip, as campfire bans and trail closures can be issued with little notice. Winter travel above 6,000 feet commonly requires snow chains or four-wheel drive; conditions change quickly and roads can close without warning.
Cell Coverage
Mobile phone coverage is unreliable in many parts of the forest, especially in canyon areas and higher elevations. Download offline maps (apps such as Gaia GPS or AllTrails are commonly used) and inform someone of your itinerary before heading into the backcountry.
Getting There
By Car
The forest is accessed primarily by private vehicle. From Los Angeles, Highway 138 and State Route 18 (the Rim of the World Scenic Byway) lead into the mountains toward Big Bear Lake and Lake Arrowhead. Interstate 10 and State Route 243 provide access from the south toward the San Jacinto Mountains. Plan for significant traffic on Friday afternoons and holiday weekends, particularly in summer and during ski season.
Nearest Major Airports
Ontario International Airport (ONT) is the closest major airport to the forest's western portions and is roughly 30–60 minutes from Lake Arrowhead or Big Bear Lake depending on conditions. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) are viable alternatives depending on which part of the forest you plan to visit. Rental cars are the most practical option from any of these airports, as public transit connections to the forest are limited.
By Public Transit
Regular public transit to most forest trailheads does not exist. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway provides a notable exception: it departs from the Chino Canyon station near Palm Springs and ascends into the San Jacinto Wilderness, and is accessible from Metrolink and SunLine Transit connections into Palm Springs. Verify current schedules and tram operating hours directly with the tramway operator.
Getting Around
A personal vehicle is essentially required to move between areas of the forest. Distances between major destinations — say, Big Bear Lake and Idyllwild — can exceed two hours by road even though they appear close on a map, due to mountain terrain and winding routes.
State Route 18 (Rim of the World Drive) is one of the most scenic roads in Southern California and connects many forest communities along the ridge. Road conditions vary significantly by season; check Caltrans (dot.ca.gov) for current closures and chain controls before driving in winter.
Within Big Bear Lake and Lake Arrowhead, local shuttles and seasonal trolleys operate; verify schedules locally as they change between seasons. Off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts should note that OHV use is restricted to designated roads and trails — check the motor vehicle use map on the Forest Service website before driving off-road.
Where to Stay
Camping
The forest offers a mix of developed campgrounds (with tables, fire rings, and restrooms) bookable through Recreation.gov, and dispersed free camping in designated areas away from roads and water sources. Popular developed campgrounds in the Big Bear area and near Idyllwild fill quickly on summer weekends; advance reservations are strongly recommended from May through September.
Cabins and Vacation Rentals
Big Bear Lake and Idyllwild both have large inventories of privately owned vacation rental cabins. Lake Arrowhead also has rental options. Search verified rental platforms and book well ahead during ski season and summer holidays.
Hotels and Lodges
Small hotels, inns, and lodge properties exist in Big Bear Lake, Idyllwild, and Lake Arrowhead. The range runs from budget motels to mid-range lakeside properties. Verify current availability and rates directly with properties or booking platforms, as the market changes seasonally.
Wilderness Camping
Overnight backcountry camping in the San Gorgonio and San Jacinto Wilderness areas requires a permit (see Before You Go). Leave No Trace principles apply throughout; pack out all waste and camp on durable surfaces where possible.
Things to See & Do
Hiking
The forest's trail network is extensive. The summit of San Gorgonio Mountain is a demanding full-day or overnight route requiring a wilderness permit; most routes start from the Vivian Creek or South Fork trailheads. The Pacific Crest Trail passes through the forest and is accessible at multiple points. Idyllwild-area trails, including those ascending into the San Jacinto Mountains, are popular and range from short nature walks to multi-day backcountry routes.
Winter Sports
Bear Mountain and Snow Summit ski resorts in the Big Bear area offer downhill skiing and snowboarding in winter, with terrain suitable for beginners through advanced skiers. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are possible throughout the forest on ungroomed terrain and some designated routes when snow conditions allow. Verify resort operating status, lift ticket prices, and snow reports directly with the resorts.
Fishing and Boating
Big Bear Lake and Lake Arrowhead both support recreational fishing. Big Bear Lake allows motorized and non-motorized watercraft; rental options are available in the town of Big Bear Lake — confirm current providers and rates locally. A valid California fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older; check California Department of Fish and Wildlife for regulations.
Wildlife Watching and Photography
The Moonridge Animal Care Center in Big Bear Lake houses non-releasable wildlife native to the forest, including California condors and black bears, and is a worthwhile stop for families. Bald eagles overwinter at Big Bear Lake and an annual bald eagle count takes place in January.
Scenic Drives
- Rim of the World Drive (SR-18/138): Offers sweeping views across the Inland Empire on clear days.
- State Route 243 (Banning-Idyllwild Road): A dramatic climb through several ecological zones.
- Glass Road (2N16): A forest road providing access to more remote areas; suitable for higher-clearance vehicles — verify current conditions with the ranger station.
Food & Drink
The forest itself has no dining facilities, but the communities within it do. Big Bear Lake has the widest selection of restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores in the forest zone, ranging from casual burger spots to lakeside dining. Idyllwild, a small arts-oriented mountain town, has a modest but well-regarded local dining scene with several independent restaurants and bakeries. Lake Arrowhead Village contains retail shops and restaurants near the lake.
Outside of these communities, services drop off sharply. If you are camping in dispersed areas or hiking into the backcountry, plan to carry all food and water from town. Bear canisters or approved bear-proof food storage are required in wilderness areas — check current regulations with the Forest Service.
Drinking water is not reliably available at backcountry trailheads or along most trails. Carry sufficient water and a filtration system for any backcountry travel. At developed campgrounds, water availability varies by site; confirm with the campground host or reservation system.
Practical Information
Ranger Stations
The San Bernardino National Forest has several ranger district offices. Key contacts include the Big Bear Discovery Center in Fawnskin, the Idyllwild Ranger Station, and the Mill Creek Ranger Station near Mentone. Hours vary; verify current hours on the Forest Service website before visiting.
Emergency Services
Dial 911 for emergencies. Cell service is unreliable in many areas. Inform someone of your plans before entering the backcountry. The San Bernardino County Sheriff and Riverside County Sheriff respectively cover rescue operations in their jurisdictions.
Leave No Trace
The forest absorbs enormous visitor pressure given its proximity to urban Southern California. Pack out all trash, stay on designated trails where signed, and avoid picking plants or disturbing wildlife. Campfire regulations change frequently — always check current fire restrictions.
Altitude
Visitors not accustomed to high elevation should be aware that peaks above 10,000 feet can cause mild altitude sickness. Symptoms include headache, nausea, and fatigue. Ascend gradually, stay hydrated, and descend if symptoms worsen.
Safety
Wildlife
Black bears are active throughout the forest. Store food in bear-proof containers and never leave food in vehicles, as bears in heavily visited areas like Big Bear have learned to associate cars with food. Keep a respectful distance from all wildlife; do not feed animals.
Wildfire
Wildfires pose a serious risk, particularly from August through November. Monitor the CAL FIRE website and local news during your visit. Know your evacuation route when camping. Campfire and smoking restrictions can change day to day.
Flash Floods and Weather
Thunderstorms are common on summer afternoons at elevation. Canyon areas can flood rapidly. If hiking in exposed terrain, aim to be off ridges and summits before midday during monsoon season (roughly July through September). Winter driving in the mountains carries risk of ice, snow, and whiteout conditions.
Trail Safety
Many trails are poorly marked above treeline. Carry a physical map and compass or a downloaded offline GPS map. Tell someone your planned route and expected return time before any backcountry hike.
