Clarks Summit

Total Miles
29.5

Elevation

2,472.82 ft

Duration

5 Hours

Technical Rating

5

Moderate

Best Time

Spring, Fall

Trail Overview

Explore the back side of Snow Summit Ski Area in the picturesque San Bernardino National Forest. The upper portion of Clarks Summit offers spectacular scenic lookouts and connects with Skyline Drive (Trail #73), which leads to the Radford Truck Trail. Views of Sugarloaf Mountain, the highest point in the San Bernardino National Forest, are the reward for reaching this point. This trail is only for street-legal vehicles. There are some narrow sections, but the road is typically well-graded. Be aware of hikers and mountain bikers, as well as other vehicles. The San Gorgonio campground in Big Bear is a great spot for making this an overnight adventure. Reservation are required through recreation.gov.

Photos of Clarks Summit

Clarks Summit
Clarks Summit

Difficulty

Moderate: Steep and narrow in sections, especially on the descent from Clarks Summit. A couple of spots are so narrow there is barely enough room to get out of your vehicle. Tight brush in places for wide vehicles. OK for most stock 4x4 SUVs with skid plates.

Technical Rating

5

Access Description

Take Highway 38 east from San Bernardino or south from Big Bear Lake to Forest Road 1N04 at mile marker 30.97.

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