+ 8
San Bernardino Peak
Running Route
Details
15.75 mi
4,737 ft
San Bernardino tops out at a respectable 10,649 feet. Hiking/running from Angelus Oaks, this 16-mile out-and-back trail climbs over 4,600 vertical feet. The first challenge with this hike is finding the key is to look for the fire station (it’s on Manzanita). Turn towards the station, then an immediate left on the frontage road. That’s where you’ll see what might be the most detailed road sign I’ve ever seen.
You’ll drive about 1/4 mile along a bumpy dirt road. You can take a passenger car up there driving slowly, or we just rather add that section onto the run, great warmup.
The trailhead parking requires an Adventure Pass.
There are three distinct sections to this trail. The first section climbs steadily up well-engineered switchbacks through oak and pine forest. You gain a lot of elevation quickly, but the trail is smooth and not too steep, with the great views out toward the Inland Empire and north towards the snow-capped Mt. San Antonio (aka Baldy).Eventually you emerge at Manzanita Flats — the main junction along this trail. Note: read the trail signs, and head toward Limber second section gently climbs through manzanita, with beautiful views to the north towards Big Bear. The trail beings to climb up the final slope as you near Limber Pines. There is a small seasonal creek that you’ll cross about 1/2 mile before Limber Pines is where the weekend backpackers often setup camp, and it makes a great place for a break before your final climb. The third and final section follows switchbacks up the steep slope to Washington’s Monument, then parallels the ridge to the top of San Bernardino Monument is the tongue-in-cheek name for a what is really little more than a pile of rocks with a pole stuck in the middle. In 1852, Colonel Henry Washington and his Army survey party were directed to erect a monument atop San Bernardino Peak. The monument was the east-west reference point from which all future surveys of Southern California were Washington’s Monument, the trail follows the ridge for another 3/4 mile to the summit, where you can take in the 360 degree views.
You’ll drive about 1/4 mile along a bumpy dirt road. You can take a passenger car up there driving slowly, or we just rather add that section onto the run, great warmup.
The trailhead parking requires an Adventure Pass.
There are three distinct sections to this trail. The first section climbs steadily up well-engineered switchbacks through oak and pine forest. You gain a lot of elevation quickly, but the trail is smooth and not too steep, with the great views out toward the Inland Empire and north towards the snow-capped Mt. San Antonio (aka Baldy).Eventually you emerge at Manzanita Flats — the main junction along this trail. Note: read the trail signs, and head toward Limber second section gently climbs through manzanita, with beautiful views to the north towards Big Bear. The trail beings to climb up the final slope as you near Limber Pines. There is a small seasonal creek that you’ll cross about 1/2 mile before Limber Pines is where the weekend backpackers often setup camp, and it makes a great place for a break before your final climb. The third and final section follows switchbacks up the steep slope to Washington’s Monument, then parallels the ridge to the top of San Bernardino Monument is the tongue-in-cheek name for a what is really little more than a pile of rocks with a pole stuck in the middle. In 1852, Colonel Henry Washington and his Army survey party were directed to erect a monument atop San Bernardino Peak. The monument was the east-west reference point from which all future surveys of Southern California were Washington’s Monument, the trail follows the ridge for another 3/4 mile to the summit, where you can take in the 360 degree views.
Created By
Ann O
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| First 1000' to the SGW sign | 1.45 mi | 1,001 ft | 13.0% |
| San Bernardino Peak full climb | 7.92 mi | 4,465 ft | 10.7% |
| Up to where the trail splitteth (Manzanita jct) | 3.98 mi | 2,339 ft | 11.1% |
| San Bernardino Peak Divide Trail Climb | 0.67 mi | 272 ft | 7.6% |
| Manzanita jct to SB summit | 3.82 mi | 2,215 ft | 11.0% |
| San Bernardino Peak Divide Trail Climb | 1.22 mi | 679 ft | 10.6% |
| Summit to lot | 7.89 mi | -4,469 ft | -10.7% |
| Hurry down, they're breaking into your car | 4.11 mi | -2,323 ft | -10.7% |
| Round the Tree and switchbacks | 1.92 mi | -1,260 ft | -12.4% |