Castle Rock Trail [CLOSED] 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.
![Castle Rock Trail [CLOSED] Map](https://cdn-assets.alltrails.com/static-map/production/at-map/19291557/trail-us-california-castle-rock-trail-at-map-19291557-1599787344-414x200-1.png)
As of September 2020, trails in this area are closed due to wildfire. See park page for more information.
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.
September 13, 2020It was a nice trail, but a lot of inclines and we did get lost at one point but we’re still really close to the trail. It was mainly our fault for not noticing the signs, haha. To get to the very top of castle rock you do have to climb some big rocks but the view is amazing!
September 10, 2020We really enjoyed this trail. It was exactly as described in the reviews below--steep for the first part and then levels out with a steady incline. Look for the man made pillars of rocks to guide your way!! Took us a bit under 2 hours to complete and we are beginner hikers. Wasn't too busy either when we went. Great experience
September 8, 2020September 6, 2020I really enjoyed this trail. Lots of challenges, some easy parts, some really hard parts, really good work out and a variety of terrain. The first part of the trail off the 18 is super tough, gain elevation fast and it’s steep. After that the rest has a moderate incline. The trail was highly trafficked but the signs were scarce and hard to follow. Because hikers have left the trail so many times, it’s hard to tell which one is the main trail. It was easier for me to follow the man-made pillars made of rock, this helped me know the main path. When I got to the foot of the actual castle rock face I missed the turn off to the right to climb the rocks and reach the summit. I kept going, which was a treat for me, I ended up hiking a little further to bluff lake. Wow what a sight!!!! It was absolutely beautiful, serene and breath taking. On my way back I laughed when I saw the turn off I missed but I guess nature had a different plan for me on this day. Start early, before the heat, wear good shoes, pack enough water! Getting here early ensures parking, solitude and no heat!
September 2, 2020September 1, 2020one of the best trails I've done lately. very beautiful with the trees and rocks
August 31, 2020August 31, 2020High elevation. Steep. The end of the trail is farther up than Castle Rock itself.
August 29, 2020Good up hill bit from the road but a little crowded. Once you’re up it’s pretty desolate around the lake. Only a few parked cars and small groups of people.
August 29, 2020Great high altitude hike. Amazing views and challenging inclines. Most hikers socially distancing and had masks at the ready. Only downside were few dogs owners with dogs off leash and some dummies with Bluetooth speakers. No one wants to hear your music, “bro”.
August 29, 2020Great family-friendly hike once you get past the steep part upfront. Dogs welcome but bummed to see so many poop bags along the trail. What a shame but thankfully didn’t ruin the gorgeous views.
August 28, 2020August 28, 2020August 27, 2020August 26, 2020Loved the protected lake at the end. So gorgeous. Initial steep climb up. Great hike overall!
August 26, 2020August 24, 2020Great trail! Of course like everyone has said, pretty steep. But there are so many spots to stop and rest, so bring enough water! I brought my dog along with me and he loved climbing all the different slopes! Beautiful views of castle rock!
August 24, 2020A good hike to get a good sweat in. We were on the trail by about 4:30pm and the weather was perfect. Not too hot and had a good shade. Follow the rock towers to stay on the trail .... we definitely didn’t do that right away and found ourselves off the trail for quite some time but found our way back. Great views
August 23, 2020August 22, 2020perfect way to spend an hour and a half while in Big Bear. gorgeous views and just enough incline to break a sweat.
August 21, 2020So nice! Very wide and views are great
August 20, 2020Green, peaceful, quiet and beautiful. A good incline that will give you a good sweat.
August 18, 2020Get here early! We rolled in around 7am and there was already a fair amount of vehicles parked. The trail itself wasn't too busy going up. It's steep at the start so a good workout for your glutes and quads. We went up to the rock and scrambled around. Beautiful early morning views. The trail got pretty crowded coming down.
August 16, 2020August 15, 2020Good incline hike. The top of the trail gets to pack. If you want to climb to the top of the rocks I would recommend doing the trail early.
August 15, 2020August 15, 2020Heavily trafficked trail at castle rock trail, once you get to the bluff trail it has great views and nicely shaded hike. The lake was very beautiful.
August 15, 2020GET THERE BEFORE 8. So many people start showing up. We got there at 7ish and there were quite a few cars already but it was still quiet. The hardest part of the trail is the beginning because of the steep incline. Once you get to the top to the road for the campgrounds, it’s all flat. Make sure you have the app on the map so you don’t miss one of the turns if you take the road to the right. Lots of birds, gorgeous views.
