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San Bernardino National Forest
4.7 ★★★★★ 18,077 Google reviews · Running trail in Big Bear, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from San Bernardino National Forest's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Mountain destination for outdoor recreation, with scenic roads, multi-use trails & camping.
What runners say about San Bernardino National Forest
“Tons of shade, babbling brooks, clean lakes and quiet areas to just relax.”
“Conditions were perfect, the views were absolutely stunning, other hikers very friendly, and the whole experience highly recommended.”
“Dogwood is very primitive campsites but beautiful trees and privacy and quiet.”
Dogwood campground is very near lake Arrowhead. But it's like night and day. Dogwood is very primitive campsites but beautiful trees and privacy and quiet. Janet not only greeted us at the entrance but told us she was a campground host.
We drove through here between Running Springs and it was gorgeous! We missed that there is a redwood grove but we saw one on a roadside stop! Lots of flowers in re covering fire area - good to see. It made the fire not totally depressing.
I enjoy Butler's peak for a couple reasons. A great 9 miles round-trip that is great exercise for me and my dogs. The fresh air, the pine forests, the granite boulders, and the look out tower. I recommend it highly.
I camped Serrano at end of November, it got -6°C over night. Be prepared to make a nice fire and extra layers of clothes. Bertha's peak (7 Mike hike) is just ¼ mile from the camping ground. The town is very charming and they had all the pine trees illuminated as Christmas trees.
Trail conditions & character
“Conditions were perfect, the views were absolutely stunning, other hikers very friendly, and the whole experience highly recommended.”
“Dogwood is very primitive campsites but beautiful trees and privacy and quiet.”
“Always keep your dog on a short leash and within your site as there are bears and coyotes.”
“There are CLEAN showers and restrooms scattered throughout the park.”
Plan your run at San Bernardino National Forest
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitefs.usda.gov
- Phone(909) 382-2600
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–1 PM, 2–4:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–1 PM, 2–4:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–1 PM, 2–4:30 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–1 PM, 2–4:30 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–1 PM, 2–4:30 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Running trails near Big Bear
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Wildwood Canyon State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 340 reviews
Hiking, biking & equestrian trails wind through 900 acres of Native American & historic ranch lands.
Bogart Park Ridge Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 148 reviews
Easy and challenging trails loop through this serene park with scenic views.