Seven Summits of Big Bear

Group Hike: Saturday, Sept 3 at 7am. Meet at the Sugarloaf trailhead, which is off  fireroad 2N93.

Sugarloaf is the highest peak that you can reach in the Big Bear Valley, and is a lasting favorite among local adventurers. In addition to great views of Big Bear Valley and the San Gorgonio Wilderness, the trail has an epic feel to it that’s much harder to describe than to enjoy. The trail is drawn out and rocky, and the forest steeped with character – ages of weathered resistance against the elements. Even a casual observer will notice several different types of rocks and trees present, and the trained eye will be able to unravel some of the stories of this legendary mountain. This is a hike not to be missed, nor to be taken lightly.

Quick Facts

Length: 10 miles round-trip, 4+ hours of hiking
Elevation: Start at 7400′, peak at 9952′
Difficulty: Strenuous

Directions to Trailhead

Take Hwy 38 south toward Onxy Summit past State Lane. Turn right on Forest Road 2N93, which turns quickly to dirt. There is a sign that tells you the Sugarloaf trailhead is straight ahead in 1½ miles. Proceed up the dirt road. The earth in this area is very rocky and despite efforts at maintenance, the road is very bumpy. If you have a low profile car or one that doesn’t fair well on rocky dirt roads, you can park just off the pavement and walk or hitch a ride up the dirt road (if you have a map, you can also take a shortcut to the left that goes through Greenspot Group Campground and then picks up a single track trail the brings you to the trailhead). Drive up the main road for a mile and a half until you come to the trailhead, where there is a tiny parking area on the right side of the road. Parking is somewhat limited, and it’s okay to park on the side of the dirt road above and below the trail. Please do not block the road with your vehicle – make sure a fire truck can easily get by (yes, that really happened one year…)

Trail Directions

You will see a nice sign that points right to the trail and indicates that it is 5 miles to the summit. As you look at the sign, you’ll see to a road closure immediately to your right with a place for hikers and horses to go around. That’s the start… go for it! The entire trail is a mix of single track and old fire road and makes for a nice trek up the mountain. The first intersection you will come to is approx 2 miles into the hike. You will pass through a downed tree (the middle has been removed by chainsaw so it did not block the trail) and then within 15 yards you’ll start to notice the many indications you’re at the intersection – rock arrows,  stick arrows, cairns, a post marker, a sign on a tree, and sometimes even a log dragged across the way not to go. Now, I’ve heard Dan McKernan missed it once. Something about seeing the markings but curious about what was down the other path… ask him about it sometime. After taking the right fork and heading uphill, the next intersection is at a ridge and is even more clearly marked with a sign (the trail is much smaller at this point and the sign is pretty much in your face) that points you on a right turn, southwest toward the summit. There are no more detours from the main route after this intersection, though the route winds, dips, switchbacks, meanders and climbs along it’s way to the top! You’ll be treated to some beautiful views of the San Gorgonio Wilderness and the Big Bear Valley as you hike, but the  summit is a wide dome perfect for lunch or a snack. Enjoy it; you’ve earned it!

Questions & Comments

Post questions, trail info, or your hike story in the “Leave a Comment” section below (might as well read other people’s discussion before posting a new question!).