National Forest Foundation | San Bernardino National Forest

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San Bernardino National Forest

The San Bernardino National Forest, located in California, ranges from desert floor to alpine peaks, from flowering cactus to eagles soaring above tall pines.

Whether you're walking in the footsteps of Native Americans or exploring the remnants of Southern California's biggest gold strike, the mountains of the San Bernardino National Forest offers a fascinating glimpse into the past.

The Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument provides a world-renowned scenic backdrop to the desert communities of the Coachella Valley. The National Monument's mountains rise abruptly from the desert floor to an elevation of 10,834 feet at the top of Mount San Jacinto. Visitors may take the breathtaking Palm Springs Tramway to access the high elevations.

Deep Creek Hot Springs are located in the Deep Creek drainage, outside the city of Hesperia. Deep Creek is home to the Southwestern Arroyo Toad, an endangered species that lives in the sandy shore of the creek. The toad is a small (2.2-2.9 inches), dark-spotted and light-olive green or gray to tan with dark spots and warty skin. The toad lives from the confluence of the Mojave River up to an elevation of 4,300 feet.

The San Bernardino National Forest has five designated Wilderness Areas: San Gorgonio, Cucamonga, San Jacinto, Santa Rosa and Bighorn Mountain.

Recreation is plentiful in the San Bernardino, including a wide variety of hiking trails.Horseback riding, mountain biking, and hunting are other popular Forest activities. Wildlife watching can be enjoyed any month of the year and the Forest offers a number of suggested locations to see wildlife.

The Forest has miles of streams and several reservoirs where you can cast your line. Whether you choose to fish along one of our wild trout streams, or try your luck from a fully-accessible fishing pier, the Forest offers an outdoor adventure for the entire family.

San Bernardino is home to a variety of campgrounds and remote camping locations—each with its own unique character and services.

When the snow flies, this Forest is chockfull of winter recreation activities: downhill skiing and snowboarding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and othersnowplay.

There are a number of accessible recreation opportunities available to serve persons with disabilities. Wheelchair accessible sites are available in many of the Forest's campgroundsand picnic areas, there are two handicapped fishing piers, as well as paved trails andscenic drives.

Contact

909.382.2600

Statistics

State(s):

California

Nearest Large Urban Area:

Los Angeles

Notes & Conditions:

Research campground locations and amenities at the U.S. National Forest Campground Directory. The Web site is full of pictures and detailed descriptions to help you plan your next trip.

If you want to experience a guided recreation trip in a National Forest, visit Adventure Vacation to learn about whitewater rafting, canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding, camping, hiking and fishing trips.

Maps:

Visit the U.S. Forest Service Map Directory to see what maps are available for this Forest and others you may want to visit.