Cougar Crest Trail(edit)

based on 70 tracks & routes | |

MODERATE

#45 hike out of 495 in San Bernardino National Forest |

MODERATE

6.9 mi

Distance

3 hrs 40 min

Time

1,299 ft

Elev Gain

Overview

This is a moderate out and back trail in San Bernardino National Forest. This is a pleasant out and back hike that is family friendly. I did this with my parents who are in their 60s and this trail is easily reached from downtown Big Bear. This trail can comfortably be done in August without overheating, you have some shaded segments throughout and nice spots for breakout picnics.

Getting Started

There is a small parking lot at the trailhead, but does fill up quickly. There were vehicles parked along side of the road as well. Not sure if permitted, but they were there. I went into the parking lot that was full, but made one loop and there was a group leaving so I was able to park there. As I was getting ready for the hike there were several other vehicles that left. So if you are not in a hurry you can wait a bit and you should be able to park there during the week. On the weekends the ranger told me it gets very full. Normally you could also park at the Big Bear Discovery Center until 6pm, but they have been closed since November of last year for renovations and have not reopened as of yet so that parking lot is closed. You will need to display an adventure pass to park anywhere there. The trailhead is easily viewable from the parking lot and only a matter of feet from you car. There is a restroom at the trailhead if needed.

Taking Children

I felt the hike was fairly easy to do with children. My kids 6 and 8 enjoyed the hike and did well on it. Just make sure to keep them hydrated and take snacks and a lunch if you plan to go all the way up. The trail is very well maintained and no hazards for little ones. Highly recommend as a family hike. Once you hit the PCT to Bertha Peak then the climb becomes a bit more challenging. My kids did not go that far, only I did. That may have been a bit too much for them, I think. We started late when the sun was hottest and directly above us.

Sights to See

Cougar Crest Trailhead

Rate this Hike

★★★★★

Temecula_Dan 3 months, 1 week ago

Solo day hiked Fri 1/5/24 – Cougar Crest-Bertha-Delamar-Little Bear Peaks in very powdery snow. Wanted to start on Polique Canyon Road where it crosses the PCT but the snow was just a little too much for the car. Instead, I started at Cougar Crest TH and used the well beaten path up to the PCT junction after which I headed east on the PCT until finding a good, short cross country route leading up to Cougar Crest Peak. Heading further east on the PCT to Bertha Peak Road and up to the summit in time to see a great sunrise. Nice views off Bertha Peak, especially the Snow Summit runs lit up (before sunrise) from across the lake. A longer trek NW in fres, untracked snow on the PCT eventually led to the start of the use trail going up Delamar Mtn which is well marked with an upward arrow carved into a log and a 2 ft high cairn stack. It’s a steep, direct and fun route up that was my only use of micro spikes for the day. Continuing further west on the PCT, Little Bear Spring Rd, and Little Bear Spring Spur Trail led to the Little Bear Peak summit. The spectacular views of the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Ranges made Little Bear Pk worth the effort. For the last 3 miles up Little Bear Pk, I followed the largest mountain lion tracks I’ve ever seen in all of the SoCal mtn ranges. The R-L pad width was 4-1/2 inches and deep as were the center tail dragging marks in the snow. They led all the way up to the Little Bear summit and then down easterly to the valley. Would’ve been nice to see that cat from a distance! Also found an 8 ft fir tree off the PCT with a red star on top. Saw several deer on the way out but no fellow hikers until the Cougar Crest Trail on which I passed 35 people. Great to see everyone enjoying the snow before it gets deeper. Some mild snowfall on Little Bear mid morning, clearing to blue skies by noontime. Even just doing the Cougar Crest Trail would be great right now, just don’t plan on using the trailhead porta- potties as they’re disgusting and all 5 lack toilet paper. Left a roll behind from the car but it probably didn’t last too long! Logged 20.8 miles/3271 vertical ft. with Gaia.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

cachetes73 3 years, 8 months ago

Easy hike with gradual climb up until you hit the PCT. Soon after you begin a more aggressive climb to Bertha Peak. At that point I would say it becomes a moderate trail due to the climb. Not much shade throughout the trail. Wear plenty of sunscreen and go earlier during the day or later in the afternoon if you go during summer months. It was 82* the day I went. Temperature was fine, but the sun felt more intense. Take plenty of water if going to Bertha Peak, you will need it if you dehydrate easily like I do. My wife and kids, 6 and 8, climbed up with me until PCT and I continued on by myself after that to Bertha Peak. Met up with them on my way back down. Not many people on the trail that day, Friday. Almost everyone was wearing a face mask or would put one on as we approached. The trail was clean. Some rock and tree roots along the way, but overall very well maintained. Beautiful views from up top of Big Bear and surrounding areas. There are places along the trail to stop and have lunch. There are a few benches along the way to sit and take in the views as well. Overall great hike.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

JP 4 years, 6 months ago

This hike is erroneously classified as "Difficult". It is actually quite easy with a nice moderate elevation gain. Only the last .75 miles is a bit harder on the dirt road to Bertha Peak.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★