Exploration Trail 2W09X

Area Status: Temporarily Closed
Mountain and forest views from the Children's Forest Exploration Trail

The Exploration Trail is a family friendly, non-motorized 4.5 mile trail with a 12% grade. This trail was designed by children along with the U.S. Forest Service personnel and other professionals. There are interpretive panels located throughout the 0.75 mile Interpretive Trail Loop section near the Upper Exploration trail. During winter, the trail offers an exciting snowshoe or cross country skiing trek.

See species that have developed unique survival techniques to combat harsh conditions. Conifer trees, like the Sugar pines are the tallest pine species in the world. Manzanita is a fire-adapted shrub that requires the intense heat of a fire to open the tough seed coat in order to regenerate.

Parking is available at the Children’s Forest Visitor Center during their open season. The Children’s Forest Visitor Center is located adjacent to Deerlick Fire Station on State Highway 18 in Running Springs, 1 mile east of State Highway 330.

For more information call the Children’s Forest Visitor Center 909-382-2773 Weekends- May through September.

At a Glance

Area Amenities:
  • Interpretive Site: Upper Exploration Trailhead
  • Toilets: At Children's Forest Visitor Center
  • Accessible: 1 mile of accessible trail
Closest Towns: Arrowbear and Running Springs
Restroom: Flush at Children's Forest Visitor Center
Information Center:
Mountain Top Ranger District | Big Bear Discovery Center
40971 North Shore Drive, Highway 38
P.O. Box 69
Fawnskin, CA 92333
1-909-382-2790 Thursday thru Monday. (Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays) Children’s Forest Visitor Center 909-382-2773 Weekends- May through September.

General Information

Directions:

Take State Highway 18 or 330 to Running Springs. Go past the village and immediately after the Deerlick Fire Station turn right on Keller Peak Road (1N96)


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Mountain Biking

Day Hiking

4.5  miles

Viewing Scenery

Visit the Keller Peak Fire Lookout nearby. Lookouts are open to the public 9am-5pm daily from Memorial Day to mid-November.

XC Skiing/Snowshoeing

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Latitude : 
34.202416

  Longitude : 
-117.086628