Bee Canyon

Trail Overview

Bee Canyon Truck Trail is a solid choice for beginner to intermediate off-roaders looking for a moderate challenge close to Hemet, California. Winding through the San Bernardino National Forest, this trail combines scenic canyon views with varied terrain, making it one of the more accessible dirt trails off Highway 74. Expect a surface mix of dirt, decomposed granite, and loose gravel, with occasional rocky patches and potential mud after rainfall. While generally rated easy to moderate for high-clearance 4x4s, trail difficulty can increase quickly after storms due to erosion or washouts. The trail is legally designated as Forest Road 5S07 and is open to street-legal 4x4 vehicles, as well as OHVs like motorcycles, ATVs, and UTVs--though seasonal access rules apply, and certain segments may restrict OHVs depending on current designations. It typically opens from late spring through fall, but closures for weather or fire danger are common, so check with the San Bernardino National Forest for updates before heading out. Navigation can get tricky where the trail intersects other Forest Service roads, so bring a reliable GPS or consult the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM). Wildlife is around--rattlesnakes are common--and flash flooding is a real risk in the canyon areas during sudden storms. Pro tip: After a rain, the decomposed granite surface can become deceptively slick, but airing down tires slightly can help with traction without chewing up the trail.

Photos of Bee Canyon

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Difficulty

Main trail is rated a 3 for difficulty based on uneven dirt and rain rutted surfaces. The area will be harder to pass after a big rain. Most seasons can be traveled with high clearance 4x4 or AWD vehicle. There is one offshoot that can be bypassed completely, which would be rated closer to a 4 or 5 based on its steep climb with rock and dirt mixture. The trail is double wide mostly, however, closer to its intersection with San Jacinto Ridge Trail (FS 5S09) single wide.

History

Many of the trail includes recreational shooting sites within Bee Canyon. You may only shoot in specific, signed areas, not anywhere in the canyon. Shooting is not permitted year round and depends heavily on daily fire danger ratings. Permits are required. Check the San Bernardino National Forest Recreation Page for full details.

Technical Rating

Bee Canyon can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SxS (60")
• ATV (50")
• Dirt Bike