Although Sugarloaf Mountain, at 9952 feet, is the highest point in Big Bear Valley, this mountain peak is often overlooked by hikers today. That's good news for you because the Sugarloaf Mountain Trail is rarely crowded, offers a good climb with excellent views, an old-growth forest, and another peak to add to your list. And while the summit doesn't have a viewpoint, you do get some of the best panoramas of the San Bernardino high peaks along the way.
In this Guide:
Video and Turn-by-Turn Directions for the Sugarloaf Mountain Trail
How to Get the Start of the Sugarloaf Mountain Trail
Sugarloaf Trail is set back from the paved road by about a mile or so, up a rocky Forest Service road which is tough on most cars. So the safe bet is to park just off the (paved) Rt-38 at the beginning of the Forest Service Road 2N93, and then walk up the road to the official start of the trail.
There's not an address for the parking area, so use this lat/lon: 34.231438, -116.806414
Gear For the Hike
This is a mountain hike so bring clothing and a shell for changing conditions.
I bring 3L of water which is on the conservative side.
Trekking poles will help on the steep sections.
In the winter the trail can be covered and ice and snow. If you're familiar with the trail already, it's best not to do the hike in those conditions.
Gear That I Love Right Now
Nothing is sponsored or promoted, just the actual gear that I use.
One of the neat things about this hike is that once you leave the Forest Service Road, you are actually on the Sugarloaf National Recreation Trail (NRT). NRT Trails are part of the National Trails System Act of 1968, the same one that created the (official) PCT and AT. You can read a more about the history of the NRT trail system in my guide to the Gabrielino NRT.
Wildhorse Meadow, where this road goes, was named after World War 1 when the US Cavalry realized that modern warfare made fighting on horseback obsolete. They decided to let their horses go, and the herd settled in the meadow southeast of Sugarloaf Mountain.
Have a question about the guide or want to see what other people are saying/asking? View the Youtube comments for this video. Leave a comment and I will do my best to respond.
When planning, always check the park website and social media to make sure the trails are open. Similarly, check the weather and road conditions.