Big Bear Wild Burro Territory Hike

A hike through the Big Bear Wild Burro Territory, Located in the eastern San Bernardino Mountains, offers an excellent chance to spot these beautiful animals in the wild, as well as some pristine mountain scenery. The territory is about 50 square miles, and in this guide, I'll take you on a route through some of the hot spots where the wild burros can be found. We'll add in a trip to Onyx Peak as well, so you can bag a summit along the way. I'll also share a map with alternative locations where the wild burro can often be found.

When planning, always check the park website and social media to make sure the trails are open. Similarly, check the weather and road conditions.

What is the Big Bear Wild Burro Territory?

Although common in the Southwest USA, wild burros, aka feral donkeys, are not native species. The donkeys that you find pretty much anywhere in the world are descendants of the African Wild Ass (now critically endangered), first domesticated around 3000BC. Donkeys were first brought to North America by Spanish explorers in the 1500s.

There are a few theories on how wild burros got to Big Bear. Some say they were released by miners, common in the region from the 1850s-1940s. Others say they were let go from movie sets after the shoot. And some speculate that they were released from fox farms that collapsed during the Great Depression. Fox farmers would capture burros in the desert and then use them to feed foxes. They could have also migrated up from the desert in search of food and water.

In 1971 the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act protected the burros as "living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West" which "contribute to the diversity of life forms within the Nation and enrich the lives of the American people." The burros became protected and a herd of about 60 peacefully lived the area around Rose Mine in the eastern part of Big Bear, away from civilization.

But by the 1980s, many burros had migrated into the developed areas of Big Bear, where life was easier. They would dig through garbage, eat flower gardens, and would sometimes be fed by residents. And while they were cute, there was a darker side. There were many car fatalities. Burros would choke and die on plastic bags. Some were mauled in dog attacks. It was clear that something had to be done.

In 1997 the BLM and Forest Service created the Big Bear Wild Burro Territory (WBT), a 35,000 acre area in the east of the Big Bear area, to permanently give the wild burro a home. Burros from residential areas were relocated to the territory or put up for adoption. Today the heard is around 60 strong, and is slowly decreasing.

Seeing Burros On a Hike

So there are about 60 burros and 50 square miles of territory. You have no guarantee of seeing a burro. So what I've done in this guide is given you a nice 12 mile loop that will take you past some of the places that you are most likely to see a wild burro (and where I've seen them). I've also included waypoints for other wild burro hotspots in the map below if you want to explore on your own. Even if you don't see a burro on the hike, I've routed it so that it's still a pleasant wilderness experience.

Your best bet to spot a burro is in the early morning or early evening. They generally travel in small groups. In this area, the burros are used to people and will generally glance at you and continue grazing or just walk away. Don't approach too closely, they will kick with their hind legs if they feel threatened. But don't worry, burros are very intelligent and will usually size you up pretty quickly as non-threatening, as long as you keep your distance.

Where is Big Bear Wild Burro Hike?

For this hike, we are going to start at the massive parking area at Onyx Summit, which is really a pass, not a summit. Use this trailhead address:
Onyx Summit, Big Bear, CA, 92314

You do not need a parking pass here.

Gear For the Hike

This is a backcountry hike and I'd recommend proper hiking gear, with 2-3L of water. In the winter there can be snow and ice, and the area can become impassable. Trekking poles will help on the steeper slopes. And if you have binoculars, this is the hike to bring them on.

My Latest Gear Picks

As a hiking guide, I test lots of hiking gear. On my picks page, I'll show you all of the gear that I actually use. I don't accept paid promotions or talk about the stuff that doesn't make the cut. It's just the gear that works best, so you don't have to waste your money.

All My September 2023 Top Gear Picks

Wild Burro Hike Trail Maps

This route takes us on a scenic stretch of the PCT, and then on some lightly used Forest Service roads. Toward the end we'll bag Onyx Peak, at 9113 feet, before closing the loop and ending up back at Onyx Summit. I've included another walk along Arrestre Creek, an estimated area of the territory, and some other waypoints on the map. You can use this info to piece together your own hike if you'd like.

Explore Map on CalTopoView a Printable PDF Hike MapDownload the Hike GPX File

Best Smartphone Apps to Navigate: AllTrails | GaiaGPS | OnX

Elevation Profile

3D Map

Big Bear Wild Burro Hike Directions

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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.

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