Rock Camp Loop

One of the easier hikes in the Lake Arrowhead area, the Rock Camp Loop trail follows a mostly easy course for about 1.2 miles in the arid mountainous section of the forest along Highway 173. The trail passes through oak and pine chapparal forest with granite stone and manzanita dotting the landscape and gently rolling slopes and grassy meadows along the path. Several small creekbeds are crossed, however they are often dry during the warmer seasons.The trail is actually composed of two interjoined loops, and those looking for a shorter hike can easily cut one of the shortcuts to reduce the total distance here. One feature along the hike is the bedrock mortars used by the Serrano Indians to grind acorns into flour. The Serrano people visited here in the spring annually for the abundance of acorns that could be found here. Generally, the Rock Camp Loop hike is an easy path with just a couple steep spots crossing the streambed. There is a good amount of shade along the hike, and few other visitors to the area during most times. Parking is available in the dirt lot signed for the Metate Trail. The Rock Camp Trail is located directly across the highway from the parking area. While lying in the San Bernardino National Forest, there are no amenities along the trail, so the Forest Adventure Pass is not necessary to park here.