Trail Overview
Sand Canyon (FS 2N27) is primarily a hard-packed sand and rocky gravel road. It is an easy ride in the summer months; however, there is no winter maintenance. During times of rain, snow, and ice, the road can become more rutted and harder to travel on. Sand Canyon is within the San Bernardino National Forest. There are numerous spots to stop along this road and enjoy the foliage and possible wildlife. There are a few camp sites located along this road to choose from. This region of California is a great place to explore via vehicle or on foot. The full beauty of the National Forest is on display. Sand Canyon has gates on both ends and could be closed. Please check with the Forest Service before traveling in this area.
Difficulty
Sand Canyon (FS 2N27) is an easy-to-intermediate ride in the summer months; however, there is no winter maintenance. During times of rain, snow, and ice, the road will become harder to travel on. It can become washed out and heavily rutted in the spring thaw. Parts of the trail are all 3 to 4-inch gravel rock, where all the sand has washed away.
History
Originally, the forest was home to Native Americans, long before recorded history. Mexican and European settlements occurred sporadically for the first half of the 19th century, but the chain of events that led to the creation of the National Forest in 1893 really began after California became part of the United States in 1848 (it had been part of Mexico since 1822). In 1855, gold was discovered in the San Bernardino mountains. Over the second half of the 19th century, mining, timber, and grazing grew quickly, taking a heavy toll on the land. By the end of the 19th century, significant sectors of the forest had been felled and overgrazed. Streams and rivers were silting in, and water quality was declining. Meanwhile, a growing population and a thriving citrus industry made increasing demands for clean drinking and irrigation water.
