California Travel

California Travel

SAN BERNARDINO NATIONAL FOREST CALIFORNIA

658,664 acres. San Bernardino National Forest consists of two tracts in southern California. Terrain here includes high peaks and ridges, rock gorges and canyons, hilly lowlands, and desert. Highest point is 11,502-foot San Gorgonio Mountain.

There are rivers and creeks, mountain meadows, areas of chaparral, and forests of ponderosa and lodgepole pine, white and Douglas fir, along with juniper and pinyon. Mule deer, black bear, bighorn sheep, mountain lion, coyote, and bobcat are among the wildlife.

This National Forest has five designated wilderness areas: the 54,162-acre San Gorgonio Wilderness, the 31,680-acre San Jacinto Wilderness, 14,200 acres of the 20,000-acre Santa Rosa Wilderness, the 8,581-acre Cucamonga Wilderness, and 2,560 acres of the Sheep Mountain Wilderness.

Activities: Backpacking and hiking are available on 526 miles of trails, including a section of the Pacific Crest Trail (see entry page 000). Difficulty varies from easy to strenuous.

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are possible on some trails in winter. Horseback riding is allowed on most trails. Fishing is also available. Hunting is permitted during the appropriate season.

Camping Regulations: Camping is allowed throughout the National Forest, except near public use areas or where otherwise prohibited. A fire permit is necessary in order to have a campfire or use a stove from May 15 until approximately December 15. Some regions may be closed to entry during this period.

A free wilderness permit is required to camp in designated wilderness areas. Daily quotas are in effect. Permits are available in person or by mail up to three months in advance.

For Further Information: San Bernardino National Forest, 1824 South Commercenter Circle, San Bernardino, CA 92408; (714)383-5588.

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