Trail Information
Length (Approximately): 16.5 miles
Trail type: Straight Through
Duration: About 3 hours
On the north end of a trash laden dirt lot accessed by an unassuming residential street, lay the entrance to what I consider one of my favorite mountain trails in Southern California. Whether it’s the aforementioned dirt lot entrance, the very low difficulty rating, or some other reason that escapes me, 2N49 Bailey Canyon Road has always seemed to be devoid of traffic. I’ve driven this mountain road many times throughout the seasons and always felt alone in all the right ways.
Should you wish to explore this trail, I recommend starting on the south end of it and traveling north toward Silverwood Lake. This trail is an extremely easy route, most of which is graded and well maintained, though there are areas where the brush may cause pinstriping on larger vehicles. After heavy rainfall there may be rutting or washouts, so it is best to contact the Front Country Ranger District to learn the current trail conditions before your trip.
You’ll begin your drive through the iconic California chapparal landscape, bracketed by dense brush as you wind your way up the mountainside. Your constant companions will be the wildflowers and stunning views of the San Bernardino valley below. Keep climbing to eventually find yourself amongst Ponderosa pines, Douglas fir and Western Juniper trees to name a few. The entire length of the trail is dotted with vista points and offshoots, giving you plenty to explore and take in. The trail eventually ends west of Silverwood Lake, giving you easy access to the highway home, diners for lunch, or further adventures among the many trails in the mountains surrounding Big Bear Lake to the east.
Bailey Canyon Road can be accessed off the 215 Freeway and Palm Ave, south of where the 215 and 15 freeways intersect before the Cajon Pass. If starting from the north end, Cleghorn Road at Highway 138 near the Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area is where you’ll need to begin.
You can locate the trailhead on the south side HERE.