Big Bear Today May 2019

Page 4—May 2019
Flowers to grizzlies, see it on PCT
Pacific Crest Trail’s motto has long
been “Find Yourself on the PCT” but
really it should be “See it All.” And
we’re not even referring to the 57 major
mountain passes it crosses through three
states and touching as many countries, five
national monuments and another five state
parks, or six national parks.
There’s plenty to see in Big Bear
alone, along the 39 miles of trail that passes
through the Valley. Hikers wander through
historic Holcomb Valley, site of Southern
California’s largest gold rush, past wildflowers
that grow here and nowhere else
in the world, and near Serrano Indian sacred
site “Eye of God.”
The nation’s premier long distance
trail, which runs 2,638 miles from the
Mexican to Canadian borders, also serves
up spectacular views of 11,502 ft. Mt. San
Gorgonio, Big Bear Lake and the High
Desert. Plus the nearby Bighorn Mountain
Wilderness and second, lesser-known
Southland aspen grove, Arrastre Creek.
And let’s not forget grizzlies and African
lions. At one time Big Bear Valley
was teeming with grizzlies, but now the
only ones to be seen are at Alpine Zoo and
Predators in Action, a facility which trains
exotic animals for photo shoots and movie
productions, off a section of PCT a souple
miles south of Onyx Summit. The company
is founded by Randy Miller, renowned
for his work with exotics. He was
a stunt double working with lions on the
movie “Gladiator” and has been profiled
in many newspaper stories.
There’s so much to see along PCT in
Big Bear, from gurgling creeks to trail
camps for those pitching a tent. PCT is also
popular with equestrians, including
Baldwin Lake Stables, which leads guided
horseback rides along the trail.
Walk the whole route and go through
terrain that ranges from fiery desert to dripping
wet rain forest. PCT winds into 24
federal forests and 33 designated wilderness
areas—including skirting the nearby
San Gorgonio Wilderness. It passes a thousand
lakes and tarns and descends into 19
distinct canyons, traversing some of
America’s most majestic mountain ranges
including the Sierra Nevada and Cascades.
You don’t have to walk all the way to
have a good time on the PCT, as several
local sections make great family day hikes,
no permit needed. Most are basically level
with only a few killer climbs, suitable for
all ability levels. Just be careful: you might
have so much fun it’s hard to turn back!
The PCT enters Big Bear Valley at the
top of Onyx Summit immediately east of
Hwy. 38, and there’s a big turnout for parking
too. Catch the trail up the hill about
100 yards east of where you park, then head
either north or south on the path. Go south
(toward Mexico) and you’ll start a gradual
descent as beautiful views of the San Gorgonio
Wilderness and its snowcapped
namesake peak unfold. Head north and
there’s a panoramic view spot with vistas
stretching 180-degrees over a mile in.
Another good place for a PCT day
hike can be found on Hwy. 18 at
Big Bear Today
Views for miles and wildflowers up close on Pacific Crest Trail
Cushenbury Grade, as the
road descends to Lucerne
Valley. Park on the east
side and catch the trail going
either direction as it
crosses the highway. North
is especially dramatic,
with crest views of the
desert and good wind and
sun protection. Walk a
couple miles and you’ll
come to Holcomb Valley
Rd.. Unfortunately hikers
have to detour here since
PCT remains closed after
the 2017 Holcomb Fire.
South on the trail
from Cushenbury leads toward Shadow
Ranch, and along the way serves up more
great views of the Mojave Desert, Baldwin
Lake and Bighorn Wilderness. The walking
starts with a climb, descends and continues
two miles where it accesses the
quartz rock formation known as “Eye of
God,” sacred to the Serrano Indians.
For less convenient parking but more
adventurous hiking, drive out to Holcomb
Valley on Van Dusen Canyon Rd. off North
Shore Dr. The PCT intersects the dirt road
about 2.4 miles in; find a place to park and
check out the great hiking in either direction.
South climbs up the ridge immedi-
ately to the east and can be quite a hump.
North also dishes up some uphill, and
after a few miles the PCT connects with
Cougar Crest trail. Get someone to drop
you off on Van Dusen and you can hike
the PCT to Cougar Crest, ending up at the
Discovery Center for pickup. Or just park
at Discovery Center—no Adventure Pass
required—and hike the half-mile connector
to Cougar Crest Trail, a nice walk
through the trees that shaves off the first
dusty part of the popular hike anyway.
Call Big Bear Discovery Center at
(909) 866-3437.