Spanning nearly 679,000 acres across Southern California’s dramatic mountain ranges, San Bernardino National Forest offers a striking escape from the desert and urban landscapes below. Established in 1907, this forest encompasses the San Bernardino and San Gabriel Mountains to the north and the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa ranges to the south, with elevations climbing from 2,000 feet to 11,499 feet at the summit of San Gorgonio Peak—the highest point in Southern California.
The forest’s seven designated wilderness areas provide exceptional backcountry experiences, including the popular San Gorgonio and San Jacinto Wilderness zones. Hikers can tackle challenging alpine terrain or find easier trails through pine and fir forests that seem worlds away from nearby San Bernardino, just 30 miles to the west.
Camping remains a major draw, with 30 developed campgrounds scattered throughout the forest. Dark Canyon Campground offers streamside sites in a shaded canyon setting, while Marion Mountain provides a base for San Jacinto Peak adventures. Horse Springs Campground accommodates equestrians, and Pineknot serves as a family-friendly option near Big Bear Lake. Lobo Group Campground handles larger parties seeking a shared wilderness experience.
The best visiting season runs from late spring through fall for most areas, though lower elevations remain accessible year-round. Winter brings snow to higher terrain, transforming the landscape for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Highway 18 and Highway 38 provide the primary access routes into the forest’s northern section, with Highway 243 serving the San Jacinto area to the south.
Explore Nearby
- Wildwood Canyon — State Park in California
- San Gorgonio Wilderness — Public Land in California
- Sand to Snow National Monument — Public Land in California
- San Timoteo Canyon — State Park in California
- Joshua Tree National Park Dark Sky Park — Dark Sky Site in California
