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| Home > California > Big Bear Lake |
Big Bear Lake
Saturday, September 21, 2024
| Other Names | Mountain Top Ranger District, San Bernardino National Forest, Cactus Flats, Smart Spring, Canyon Spring, Squirrel Spring, Granite Spring, Arrasire Creek |
| Last Known Status | Temporarily Closed (due to Line Fire Closure Order) |
This high desert area offers about six miles of ATV trails and about 62 miles of surrounding 4x4 trails. Most of the trails are dusty with loose rocks however the Joshua Tree trail is a smooth, fast and narrow twisty with many berms.
The main staging area is huge and amenities include a loading ramp, vault toilets and informational kiosk with trail maps. Camping is permitted but there is no water or shade so come prepared.
An Adventure Pass is required to camp or ride here which must be obtained prior to arrival since there is no self pay station. The pass can be purchased online, at nearby Lucerne Valley Market or at the local ranger stations.
***ANNOUNCEMENTS***
* Temporary Closure
This area is temporarily closed due to the Line Fire Closure beginning September 20 through November 30, 2024. For more information call (909) 382-2790.
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 | Yes (50 inches) | has entrance gate or posts |
 Motorcycles & Dirt Bikes | Permitted | CA OHMVR stickers required |
 ATVs | Permitted | CA OHMVR stickers required (maximum width 50 inches) |
 UTV & SXS | Permitted | CA OHMVR stickers required (maximum width 50 inches) |
 SUVs & Jeeps (registered) | Some Areas | permitted on surrounding 4x4 roads |
| Dune Buggy & Sand Rail 4x4 (unregistered) | Some Areas | CA OHMVR stickers required (maximum width 50 inches) permitted on surrounding 4x4 roads |
| 2 Stroke Engines | Certain Times | CA OHMVR restrictions apply |
| MX Helmet Required | Yes | helmets required by state law |
 Camping | No Restriction | (camp anywhere) |
 Campfires | Prohibited | both wood and charcoal campfires are prohibited |
| Night Riding | Unknown | |
| Trail Blazing | Prohibited | stay on trails |
| Alcohol | No Restriction | |
| Rule Enforcement | Few/Periodic |
TERRAIN
| Approx Size | 1,920 acres (3 sq mi) | |
| Miles Of Trail | 68 | |
| Climate Type | Forest | |
| Elevation | 6100 to 6400 ft. | |
| Trail Maintenance | Marked, Rated, Heavily Maintained | |
| Loose Dirt |  Some | |
| Hard Pack |  Mostly | |
| Sand |  None | |
| Mud |  Little | |
| Dust | Little | |
| Rocks | Some | |
| Trees | Some | |
| Steep Hills |  Few | |
| Water Crossings | None | |
| Small Jumps | Few | |
| Large Jumps | None | |
| Berms | Some | |
| Sand/Gravel Pits | None | |
| Single Track | None | |
| Roads | Few | |
| Intersections | Few | |
| Rider Traffic | Few | |
| Shade | Some | |
| Ranges/Gunfire | None | |
| Hazards | Few | (hazards not marked) |
 Novice | Some | |
 Amateur | Mostly | |
 Expert | Little |
TYPE OF AREA
| Area | Motorized Trails |
| Land | National Forest |
KEY SERVICES
 Gasoline | 5-20 Miles (SW) | Shell (909) 866-8037 |
| Diesel | 5-20 Miles (SW) | Shell (909) 866-8037 |
 Water | 5-20 Miles (SW) | Big Bear Lake |
 RV Hookup | 5-20 Miles (SW) | Holloway's Marina and RV Park (909) 866-5706 |
 RV Disposal | 5-20 Miles (SW) | Holloway's Marina and RV Park (909) 866-5706 |
| Campground | 5-20 Miles (NW) | Big Pine Flat Campground (909) 866-3437 |
 Conv Store | 5-20 Miles (SW) | Stater Brothers Market (909) 866-5211 |
FEES & PASSES
| Parking | (None) |
| Entry | Yes ($5.00 per vehicle) Adventure Pass Fee - $5/day or $30/year |
| Riding | (None) |
| Camping | (None) |
RATINGS
| Pros | nice staging area, decent scenery |
| Cons | highway is tight and windy, and the access road is long and rocky, but there are not enough trails to make the trip worthwile, RVs not recomended, no shade at staging |
| Our Rating |  Good |
| Recommended Stay | Full Day |
| Comments | (Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments) |
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
| Nearest City | Big Bear City, CA | ||
| Address | Smarts Ranch Road, Lucerne Valley, CA 92356 | ||
| From: Big Bear City, CA
1) Take SR-18 East about 8 miles 2) Turn right on FS-3N03, continue 1.25 miles 3) Turn right at fork on FS-3N07Y, continue .2 miles 4) Stage anywhere. |
OFFICIAL CONTACTS
| Contact Info | San Bernardino National Forest - Big Bear Ranger Station 41397 North Shore Drive Fawnskin, CA 92333 (909) 382-2790 mailroom_r5_san_bernardino@fs.fed.us www.fs.usda.gov |
| Contact Info | Enjoy the Mountain Off Road Adventures 29121 Hook Creek Road Cedar Glen, CA 92321 (844) 386-6691 info@enjoythemountain.com www.enjoythemountain.com |
| Comment | Guided OHV tours and rentals. |
Big Bear Lake Trail Photo
The vast majority of the trails are rocky, but not enough to take the fun out of it.
Big Bear Lake Trail Photo
The Joshua Tree trail is smooth and fast, with countless turns like this.
Big Bear Lake Trail Photo
Even advanced riders will have a blast going through the Joshua Tree loop.
Big Bear Lake Trail Photo
From the trail you can see the San Bernardino Mountains. The dry valley in this photo is the Mojave Desert.
Big Bear Lake Trail Photo
This is a pretty typical piece of trail here. You can't beat the scenery.
Big Bear Lake Trail Photo
The staging area is huge, with plenty of room to play around.
Big Bear Lake Trail Photo
The deep berms and smooth turns of the Joshua Tree trail make it worth checking out, even if you are an expert rider.
Big Bear Lake Trail Photo
Big Bear Lake Trail Photo
Big Bear Lake Trail Photo
The black diamond trails are actually fairly tame... Some chunk, a few sharp drops, but nothing scary.
Big Bear Lake Trail Photo
Big Bear Lake Trail Photo
Most of the trails look like this - hardpacked with some loose chunk rock and occasional sand. Good place for ATVs and side by sides.
Big Bear Lake Trail Photo
Big Bear Lake Trail Photo
The Cactus Flats Staging Area has plenty of turnaround room for big trailers, plus plenty of space for beginners.
Big Bear Lake Trail Photo
The main staging area is huge, with various play areas for all skill levels.
Big Bear Lake Trail Photo
The hills surrounding the staging area have various tracks and play loops.
Big Bear Lake Trail Photo
The Joshua Tree loop has nice flow with moderate to deep berms. Joshua and pine trees, various scrub brush and the occasional cholla cactus line the trail.
Big Bear Lake Trail Photo
Big Bear Lake Trail Photo
Big Bear Lake Trail Photo
Big Bear Lake Trail Photo
Big Bear Lake Trail Photo
Big Bear Lake Trail Photo
Big Bear Lake Trail Photo
Most of the trails have slight to moderate elevation changes but nothing too steep.
Big Bear Lake Trail Photo
Some of the trails are wide and sandy.
Big Bear Lake Trail Photo
The high desert scenery here is really unique. A large portion of the trails are surrounded by Joshua trees and yucca shrubs.
Big Bear Lake Trail Photo
The trails are marked and rated.
RIDER COMMENTS & REVIEWS