New fire restrictions that went into effect on May 29, 2020, include a prohibition about internal combustion engines, such as generators, and changes the clearance needed when using a California Campfire Permit for a stove or other device with a fuel shut-off valve.
There are currently no ignitions or plans for new ignitions at this time at the Bluff Mesa project site, which is located to the southwest of Big Bear Lake near Bluff Lake, Castle Rock and the Champion Lodgepole. Smoke and flame in the project site may be intermittently visible. Crews are on scene daily to monitor the area.
Northbound PCT hikers should expect snow and ice starting in the Spitler/Apache peaks area of Section B. This is located in the San Jacinto Mountains and is likely the first significant snow/ice conditions encountered by northbound PCT thru-hikers. Proper foot traction devices are highly encouraged, if not skipping the snowbound high country altogether.
San Bernardino National Forest is closing offices and implementing virtual services to protect the health and safety of employees and members of the public during the COVID-19 outbreak in accordance with guidance from federal and state authorities. For more information, read the news release.
RECREATION PASS INFORMATION
Passes can be obtained at local businesses, online or over the phone
Interagency Passes (Annual interagency, Lifetime Senior, Annual Senior, Access)
Interagency passes, except for Military and Every Kid Outdoors (4th Graders), can be purchased online or by mail at https://store.usgs.gov/pass.
Military and Every Kid Outdoors Passes
Call (909) 382-2682 and leave a message to arrange obtaining a pass by mail.
Please be aware that new vehicles types are now allowed on a five-mile section of Coxey Rd. (3N14). OHVs that require a California DMV-issued identification sticker (e.g. green sticker) are now allowed to use the road between Holcomb Valley Rd. (3N16) and Grapevine Canyon Rd. (4N16). This section was previously only for highway-licensed vehicles. Please share the road and be safe!
Multiple hikers reported on May 24, 2019, that a rock slide has made the trail impassable at this location, which is between Antsell and South peaks in the San Jacinto Mountains.
According to the PCTA, "If it’s impassable, northbound hikers can return to the Spitler Trail near mile 168.5 and take that west down the mountain, to the trailhead and then walk Apple Canyon Road to the highway in order to exit. Southbound hikers would return to the South Ridge Trail or Devil’s Slide Trail and exit to Idyllwild."
This following information is for when the campground is open. As of Thanksgiving weekend, the site is closed. For more information, see the Closures section below.
The campground was partially reopened (27 sites) on May 24, 2019. The rest remains closed as staff continue to repair damage from the 2017 Blue Cut Fire.
The PCT is open from Splinters Cabin to the Mojave River Forks Dam in Deep Creek, the slide has been cleared, the whole segment is passable and in moderately good shape. HOWEVER, THIS SEGMENT IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR STOCK.
Northbound Equestrians can bypass this segment of 3N34c, by traveling west on 3N34 and north on SR173, rejoining the trail at the SR173/PCT crossing.
Due to public safety, Deep Creek will be closed between Splinters Cabin and Devils Hole, including Aztec Falls, beginning Friday, May 22, 2020. More information can be found on the closure press release.
Developed recreation sites, such as picnic areas and many campgrounds, are closed through June 18.
Trailheads and OHV staging areas remain open, however if the they have a picnic area, those facilities are closed. Camping at staging areas is also not allowed at this time.
Except for Keller Peak Yellow Post sites, yellow post sites around the forest are open. Check for road closures before heading out.
Many campgrounds in the San Bernardino Mountains are slated to open May 22.
Follow CDC guidance on personal hygiene and social distancing before and during your visit to the forest and please avoid visiting if you are sick and/or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
San Bernardino National Forest is closing offices and implementing virtual services to protect the health and safety of employees and members of the public during the COVID-19 outbreak in accordance with guidance from federal and state authorities. For more information, read the news release.
The sites are currently closed due to numerous downed trees and branches that fell during the Thanksgiving Weekend storm. There is no estimated date for reopening the sites.
Grays Peak Trailhead, the lower section of the Grays Peak Trail and Grout Bay Picnic Area are closed by Forest Order from December 1, 2019 to July 31, 2020 to protect bald eagle habitat during nesting season.
The Big Bear Discovery Center will be closed as of November 11, 2019, for renovations. It is expected to reopen in summer 2020.
Adventure Passes can be purchased in the area at 30 local businesses, which are listed here (search for Big Bear and Fawnskin separately in the "Search all columns" box).
For America the Beautiful, The National Parks and Federal Recreational Land Passes, (Interagency Passes: Senior, Annual, Military, Access, 4th Grade-Every Kid Outdoors) please contact Forest Headquarters 909-382-2601.
Wood permits can be purchased by appointment at the forest headquarters in San Bernardino by calling 909-382-2600 or by completing the Feedback Form on the Forest's Contact Us webpage.
More information on the project can be found here.
An off-trail area around one of Southern California’s tallest waterfalls will be closed to the public beginning on the 4th of July. Visitors will still be able to hike the Big Falls Trail (1E13) to the waterfall overlook, but areas beyond the railing will be closed for safety.
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