Getting a Piece of the Rock Closer to Home

Many are the legends that swirl around Castle Rock in the San Bernardino Mountains. As one story goes, a young, star-crossed Native American princess waited in vain atop the rock for her husband’s return. Perhaps she waits there still, and that sound that hikers hear is not the sigh of pine boughs in the wind but the soft moan of the sad princess.

Less romantic and more realistic accounts of the rock’s use by the native Serrano center on its excellent strategic position. It would have been a fine vantage point to scout for game or keep an eye on approaching strangers.

At any rate, the multi-knobbed fortress long known as Castle Rock is the most distinct of the granite outcroppings on the wooded slopes.

The trail to the storied rock ascends steeply among jumbo boulders and tall ponderosa pines. With the ascent come ever more expansive views of well-named Boulder Bay and Big Bear Lake.

Directions to the trail head: From California 18 at the dam on the far west end of Big Bear Lake, drive one mile east. Look for the signed Castle Rock Trail on the right and a turnout for parking 50 yards farther on the left (lake) side of the highway. Park in the turnout and carefully cross the highway to the start of Castle Rock Trail.

The hike: The path climbs along the east side of a seasonal creek through a woodland dominated by impressive ponderosa pines. The pines, along with a scattering of fir, incense cedar and big boulders, frame vistas of Big Bear Lake.

At about 0.7 mile, you’ll notice the first of several trails leading to and around Castle Rock. The main trail continues its ascent to a saddle and signed junction. Decline the invitation to trek a mile southward to Forest Road 2N86 and follow Castle Rock Trail another 0.2 mile to a point near the top.

Scramble up one of the great rock’s ramparts or outcroppings (don’t exceed your rock-climbing abilities) and enjoy the lake views. You can retrace your steps or improvise a route back to the main trail via one of several connector trails descending from the rock.

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Castle Rock Trail

WHERE: Big Bear Lake.

DISTANCE: To Castle Rock is 2 miles round trip with 700-foot elevation gain.

TERRAIN: Forested slopes above lake’s south shore.

HIGHLIGHTS: Commanding lake vistas from unique rock promontory.

DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: Short but steep.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: San Bernardino National Forest, Big Bear Ranger District, P.O. Box 66, Fawnskin, CA 92333; tel. (909) 866-3437.