Sugarloaf Mtn.
| Trail Quick Facts | |
| Length | 10 miles, roundtrip |
| Elevation | 7,400 ft - 9,952 ft |
| Difficulty | Strenuous |
| Notes | |
| Closed to bikes With the possible exception of a muddy stream near the start of the hike, there is no water on this hike. |
|
Trail Description
Sugarloaf Mountain is a hiking and horse trail on the east side of Big Bear Lake. It climbs Sugarloaf predominantly from the north and east, offering views in both of those directions above 8,500 ft, and views of San Gorgonio to the south as you get even higher. There is no water. Trail is very, very rocky. Sunset is can offer amazing views west, as long as you're careful of the hike down. The summit is rounded and you sneak up on it. It's not very spectacular, however satisfying!
Winter offers great snowshoeing, although it would take most of the day to complete the trail to the summit in deep snow.
There is another approach from the west that starts at the top of Bear Peak / Sugarlump and marches along their common ridge, although that approach is not covered in this description.
What to Bring
In addition to your normal safety gear, you may want hiking poles for all the rocks. When we scouted the trail, the gaiters we wore seemed to help keep from kicking small pebbles into our shoes. Water is a necessity, as there is none after the snow melts in the early spring.
Getting There
Take Hwy 38 south toward Onxy Summit past State Lane. Turn right on Forest Road 2N93, which turns quickly to dirt.
There is a sign that tells you the Sugarloaf trailhead is straight ahead in 1 ½ miles.
Follow the sign up the dirt road, but note that this road is not the best maintained forest road and is pretty rocky. If you have a low profile car or one that doesn’t fair well on rocky dirt roads, you can park here and just walk up the road. You can also park here and walk up a shorter route to the trailhead by headed up the road to the left that goes to Greenspot Group Campground which then has a single track trail the brings you to the trailhead. Otherwise just drive up the main road for 1.5 miles till you come to the trailhead, where there is some parking on the right side of the road right before the trailhead.
Trail Directions
You will see a nice sign that points right to the trail and indicates that it is 5 miles to the summit.
You will come to a road closure immediately that you simply go around.
The entire trail is a mix of single track and old fire road and makes for a nice hike up the mountain.
The first intersection you will come to is approx 2 miles into the hike. You will know you are there when you pass through this downed tree.
It is pretty clearly marked with rock arrows and a log down over the way you shouldn’t go...
...and also marked with a post and even a sign on a tree.
This is the way you should head up.
The next intersection is at the ridge and is again clearly marked with a sign that points the direction west or to the right.
Also keep you eye out for these markers in the trees along the trail.
You experienced hikers might recognize these as common trail markers used in many forests. You will know you have made the true summit when you come upon this.
Congratulations you have reached the highest peak within the Big Bear Valley!
Enjoy the views which you can see by walking around the rim of the peak. To get back to the trailhead, simply walk back, just remember to make the turns back to the Green Canyon Road 2N93.
