Trail Overview
Running along the southern ridgeline above Big Bear Lake, Camp Osito Road (FS 2N17) is part of the broader Skyline Drive trail system, offering some of the most panoramic views in the San Bernardino National Forest. It connects directly with Mill Creek Road (FS 2N10) to the west and Knickerbocker Road (FS 2N08) to the east, making it an ideal scenic connector or cool-down route after steeper climbs. The trail takes its name from the historic Camp Osito, a Girl Scout summer camp that operated here from the 1920s through the mid-2000s. Much of the route runs adjacent to or above the old camp property, offering a mix of forest serenity and open ridge vistas that capture the best of Big Bear’s alpine beauty. This is an easy trail—graded, generally dry, and perfect for high-clearance SUVs, 4×4s, dual-sport bikes, or even adventurous crossover drivers.
Difficulty
This trail is mostly graded dirt and compacted soil, featuring gentle climbs and wide turns with a few slightly rocky spots near the ridge. It is suitable for high-clearance vehicles or soft-roaders in good weather. During winter or after storms, sections may become muddy or temporarily gated.
History
Founded in 1927 by the Girl Scouts of Los Angeles, Camp Osito Rancho grew into one of Southern California’s most beloved mountain camps, featuring horse trails, cabins, a swimming pool, and craft lodges nestled among tall pines. For decades, campers accessed the site via this same forest road—then just a wagon-wide dirt route. After declining attendance and fire concerns, the camp closed in the early 2000s, leaving behind a legacy intertwined with the Big Bear trail network. Today, this trail continues to carry that heritage—once a supply road for campers, now a gateway for recreationists exploring Big Bear’s ridgeline.
