Castle Rock Trail is a 2.6 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Big Bear Lake, California that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
There is very limited parking on the north side of the highway, 50 yards east of the trailhead. There are no facilities at the trail head.
San Bernardino National Forest Big Bear Discovery Center (NFS) 41374 North Shore Drive, Highway 38 Fawnskin, CA 92333 Mailing address: PO Box 290 Fawnskin, CA 92333 (909) 382-2790 (voice) (TDD/TTY dial (800) 735-2922)
Castle Rock trail begins 1.1 miles east of the dam on Hwy 18.
February 21, 2021Very steep and def need proper hiking boots And hiking staffs due to the slick ice and steep climb. Saw at least 10 people fall. Highly trafficked.
February 20, 2021Was definitely some fun, and great views of the lake! I would recommend some micro spikes or crampons as there is a lot of slick ice still. Well worth it though.
February 14, 2021Warning: If you do not own hiking boots you have no business doing this hike It is essentially a giant hill of ice. Very fun but a tad scary
February 10, 2021So fun! Lots of snow and a couple slippery parts, but bring crampons and you'll be fine. Fairly easy hike up and good views at the top.
February 8, 2021We loved this trail! Even though there was plenty of snow on the trail, it had been flattened by hikers with snowshoes, making the trail easy to follow and fun. The trail weaves through beautiful pine trees and boulders. Lots of small critters to spot. We went all the way up and climbed Castle Rock with it's beautiful view. We went on a Saturday, but still only met three other groups on the way. There were icy bits on the way down, but had no problem navigating it (though it may be challenging for little ones).
February 7, 2021Fun little hike before leaving Big Bear. Today it was icy but in most places there was enough space to walk around through the snow. I would definitely recommend hiking boots and a pole helped me. Parking seems tough but plenty of space when I arrived at 0730.
January 26, 2021Fun in the snow! Nice short trail, walking through ~4 inches of snowfall on top of previous snow/ice, but it wasn’t icy. (Or maybe I just had some good boots on!) Beautiful snowy scenery. Was a bit confusing to follow the trail sometimes since it was covered in snow, but there are large rock piles and yellow arrow signs on trees. Walked all the way to Bluff Lake using the AllTrails map. We saw 1 coyote, and lots of coyote tracks. A few other people were on the trail after us but mostly empty because it was snowing! *No parking at the trailhead, you have to find somewhere up the main road to park and walk over.
January 19, 2021BE CAREFUL OF ICE during the winter. Nearly the entire trail is covered, crampons highly recommended. Overall though, amazing trail with a view of the lake, and a few trad routes if you have the equipment.
January 19, 2021I don’t recommend this trail this time of year. In the summer I think it would be great! Amazing views. But I tried it mid January and found it to be way too icy and steep for it to be fun. I’m shocked I didn’t sprain my ankle coming down the mountain! Definitely worth a try when it’s warm though!
January 10, 2021Awesome
December 30, 2020Trail was nice. A bit icy but easy to navigate. A little crowded at times but all in all it was great!
December 28, 2020Visited a week ago - very fun & breathtaking trail. Kid & dog friendly. There are some icy areas on the trail because of the season. I noticed a review that mentioned there are also some steep parts of the trail - that is true; we found some "hiking sticks/staffs" from dead tree branches at the beginning of the trail, and it was really helpful using those during the hike. Once you get to the top there are a lot of fun areas you can explore (climbing rocks, taking in views, etc...). We ourselves packed some snacks to eat, so we found a nice place (rock lol) to sit down & have a little picnic at. Lots of groups were climbing rocks & just staying there to have nice conversations/take in nature/relax :) Would highly recommend for groups, partners, or families :)
December 28, 2020The beginning of the trail is a lot steeper than I was expecting but once you get past the first mile or so it gets a lot easier. Beautiful views!
December 25, 2020Slippery but it was nice.
December 24, 2020Quite icy, I slipped twice. So decided to return before reaching the top.
December 19, 2020icy in a few spots. nice hike.
December 13, 2020Amazing view
December 11, 2020Challenging but exhilarating hike. Lots of huffing and puffing at the first 1/3rd of the hike. Climbing to the top of the rock is tough too but I made it and was rewarded with an incredible view.
December 7, 2020Nice views for a short, moderate climb. some icy spots I wouldn't try in a pair of Converse. went around 10:30 on a Monday and had it pretty much to myself the way up. Passed a few groups heading up on my descent. Please carry out your dog poop so the puppers can continue to enjoy the trail too. I picked up a bunch of bags laying around on my way out.
December 6, 2020Fun trail. Lots of people out. Pretty views of the lake. As of 11/30/20 it’s was very icy and I saw mannnny people fall. Recommend wearing good shoes/boots and getting there early because parking fills up along road.
December 4, 2020can be done in less than 2 hours, superbe!
November 30, 2020Just beautiful sights ! Be careful the trail is slippery Recommended
November 28, 2020Good hike, got here around 10am. It wasn’t too crowded. Certain parts were icy so be careful. My friends and I slide down certain parts to avoid falling. Boots or shoes with good traction recommend. If you have spikes I would suggesting bringing them.
November 27, 2020I went to Castle rock on November 27th with my family. It was good, because there was a big rock that we climbed, and there was a spectacular view of the lake. We went on a 6 mile hike before, but we never finished castle rock. (We couldn't see the famous rock!) But that was because there was a lot of ice and danger of tripping. And there was the most dangerous ice-black ice, too. But there wasn't a lot of people! And most of the people were wearing masks.
