Being the Offroad Trippers, we couldn’t take paved roads all the way to Big Bear. We had to add in a little off-roading on our way in too. We opted to use Clarks Grade (1N54) as our main route up the mountain and a perfect path to some great dispersed camping spots in the San Bernardino National Forest.
We started from California State Route 38, turned off at Mill Creek Road (1N09), hit Seven Oaks Road for a moment and then found the Clarks Grade trailhead.
Our Path on Google Maps
Clarks Grade is rated as a moderate trail due to a couple of tricky off-camber spots, one of which happens to be right next to a cliff. I spotted Michael through that spot just to ensure we didn’t tip and fall all the way down the mountain with the overland gear throwing off our center of gravity. Other than that, it is a pretty easy trail.
We enjoyed this trail for its stunning views throughout. It was also the perfect way to transition from a desert ecosystem into the pines of Big Bear. All in all, it took us about two hours to go from Route 38 to the end of Clarks Grade: Clarks Summit.
Pingback: We Went to Big Bear & Broke an Axle on Gold Mountain (3N69)