Bear Necessity

Summit Bear Divide Trail San Gabriel Mountains

Some hiking secrets are a bear to keep! With nothing to mark the start of the Bear Divide Trail on the west side of the San Gabriel Mountains, few people know that this secluded trail leads toward a stellar 4,000-foot summit. The peak's elusiveness may be because it was part of an air defense network during the Cold War. See for yourself on a 4.5-mile (round-trip) trek. The trail launches into a steep and challenging climb before tapering to a friendlier grade, ascending a pine-covered slope that offers early views over Santa Clarita and canyons to the north. At the top of the trail you'll reach Santa Clarita Truck Trail just outside a Los Angeles County Fire Department fire suppression camp. Though hiking on pavement may not be desirable, make an exception in this case and take the road through the fire station camp and up to the summit to the west. You'll find striking panoramic views: the high peaks of the San Gabriels dazzle; Antelope Valley serves up a taste of the desert. The Santa Susana and Santa Monica Mountains rise and shine. Even the ocean can be seen on a clear day, along with LA's downtown skyline. Bear hug the big views before returning the way you came.

From I-5 take CA-14 north for 2.6 miles to the Placerita Canyon exit. Go east on Placerita Canyon Rd. for 5 miles, turn right on Sand Canyon Rd. and drive another 3 miles up to an intersection by Bear Divide Picnic Area. Turn right up Santa Clarita Truck Trail and drive 0.2 mile to a dirt pullout, where the trail starts near the road. Hike 1.5 miles up Bear Divide Trail and turn right on the paved road at the top. Walk on the road through the fire station area and then bear left at the split to reach the summit. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

    View
  2. Golden Gate's Blue Heron

    Golden Gate Park’s Blue Heron Lake is home to birds of many feathers, turtles lounging on rocks, visitors from afar, and locals who love this urban oasis in San Francisco. Try the "Boats and Breakfast" rowboat or pedal boat deal.

    View
  3. This Is Paradise

    Granite mountain-scape, superb sunset views, crystal lakes, and shoreline campsites … the trip to Paradise Lake in Tahoe National Forest lives up to its idyllic name.

    View
  4. Aloha from California

    Say Aloha without leaving California with a 7-mile out-and-back hiking adventure to Lake Aloha in El Dorado National Forest. You can also camp here, a premier place for stargazing.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Walking the Los Angeles River Trail Through Frogtown

    Frogtown Strutter’s Stroll

    Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i

    View
  2. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

    View
  3. Underground Garden

    Looking to escape the summer heat? Head to Fresno and discover its cool secret: the Forestiere Underground Gardens–an enchanting garden and architecture oasis like no other.

    View
  4. Sequoia Re-opens Crystal Cave

    Step inside Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park's hidden world by visiting the newly re-opened Crystal Cave—the only cave in the parks open to the public. Closed for four years, this rare marble karst cavern is welcoming visitors once again, but only through the summer season!

    View