San Bernadino Peak via Angelus Oak

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Features Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Spring · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

A great run to San Bernardino Peak. The long distance of the run requires stamina more than technical running ability.

"Reference Map" address brings you to San Bernardino's fire station, which following the brown trailhead signs will lead you down a single dirt road {#1W07} for 5 minutes. High-clearance cars are not necessary, but there are a couple dips and big rocks; just take your time until you get to the open parking lot. Here you need a parking pass (National Parks Pass, Adventure Pass, or $5 day permit from the Mill Creek Visitor Center). There is water.

Loose dirt and rocks in some areas, but the steady incline/decline makes it good for pacing. The trail is marked easily and there are pretty evenly spaced out rest stops/landmarks for a break. If you start in the morning, the sun rises from behind the mountain, so you get a good amount of shade (even at the summit) well into the afternoon. If you are ending closer to the evening, take a couple minutes at Limber Pine Campground to fathom the breathtaking sunset landscape!

From Angelus Oaks, turn east off Highway 38 onto Manzanita. Then turn to the immediate left onto the frontage road that parallels Highway 38. Turn right onto FS road 1W07 and stay to the right up the dirt road 300 yards to the trailhead (5,960').

Columbine Camp (water usually available-8,000') is 4.7 miles from the trailhead just beyond Manzanita Flats. The camp is to the right (south) of the trail and 0.7 mile and 300 vertical feet below it. Two miles beyond Columbine Springs Junction is Limber Pine Bench Camp (9,200'). Water is obtained from a spring 0.3 miles beyond the camp.

Two and two-tenths miles further beyond Limber Pine Camp located on the San Bernardino Peak Divide Trail is San Bernardino (10,624') and San Bernardino East (10,691') Peaks. Another two miles east along the Peak Divide Trail is Trail Fork Springs (water available near trail junction-10,400'). The San Bernardino Peak Trail and the Divide Trail both offer outstanding views in all directions. The flatlands of the Inland Empire lay nearly 10,000 vertical feet below Limber Pine Camp and the trail above.

The initial climb through oak trees and chaparral is very beautiful, with views of the San Gabriels, Santa Anas, and the Santa Ana River Valley. Once you get past San Bernardino Peak, it's somewhat monotonous rolling hills, and because of the rounded shape of the ridge there is not usually a view.

The forest is home to many types of wild animals including gray squirrels, black bears, mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, foxes, bighorn sheep, and mule deer.

Fall presents crispy, orange leaves you can crunch on.