Trail Overview
Santa Ana Divide (FS 2N11) is a scenic forest ridgeline route just outside Big Bear Lake within the San Bernardino National Forest. The trail offers a relaxed dirt drive through tall pines with occasional openings that reveal surrounding mountain views. The route is mostly smooth and easy to follow, with a creek crossing and seasonal puddles adding light variety. Along the way, you’ll find some pullouts ideal for day use, photos, or dispersed camping. A spur road branches off, giving you options to explore quieter, more secluded areas. The trail ends at a Yellow Post (cul-de-sac) site #28, where large boulders and open terrain create a natural hangout spot. From here, short walks can lead to elevated viewpoints overlooking the surrounding San Bernardino mountains.
Difficulty
This trail consists mostly of a well-maintained dirt road with generally shallow creek crossings and puddles along the route. Obstacles and technical driving are minimal, though mud or slick sections can develop after rain or snow, and some less-traveled spurs may contain slight ruts or uneven patches. Overall, this is an ideal trail for beginners, families, or anyone looking for a low-stress forest drive.
History
Santa Ana Divide (FS 2N11) is part of the historic forest road network within the San Bernardino National Forest, originally developed for fire access, logging operations, and land management. Its position along a divide made it useful for monitoring fire conditions and accessing remote sections of the forest, especially in the rugged terrain surrounding Big Bear Lake.
