Hike Sugarloaf Mountain via Sugarloaf National Recreation Trail San Bernardino National Forest, CA

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Despite Sugarloaf Mountain being a major summit within the San Bernardino Mountains, it's far less visited than other trails in the region. The summit has excellent views of Mount San Gorgonio and the surrounding area, but the hike itself is mostly forested and doesn't have the same alpine appeal that the taller peaks of the range offer. The summit can be reached from a number of trailheads, but Amanda and I chose the longer approach option, the Sugarloaf National Recreation Trail from the north.

We parked on the side of CA-38 at a locked gate, hiking southwest along a dirt road until it bent southeast. Unfortunately, the first mile or so of this hike is along this road. On our right, the Sugarloaf Mountain Trailhead appeared, and I assume at certain times of the year the locked gate is open and you can just drive to this point.

The Sugarloaf Mountain Trail begins by passing a locked gate, ascending through the forest and following Green Creek, which was flowing nicely on our visit. The trail was in good shape overall, with only a downed tree here or there. After the somewhat steep climb, we made it to the eastern ridge of Sugarloaf Mountain. From here, we picked up the trail heading toward the summit, with occasional views of the surrounding area and toward Mount San Gorgonio. There were a couple of bumps along the way and one dip of about 200 feet of elevation loss that reached the base of Sugarloaf Mountain.

The final ascent took us to the high point, where the views were somewhat obscured, but we did get to see the edge of Big Bear Lake and Baldwin Lake. We were happy there were views along the way since none really existed at the summit.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)

Peaks on hike

Elevation

Prominence

Sugarloaf Mountain

9952 ft

1952 rise

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Sugarloaf Mountain seen above. We hiked from this locked gate to the trailhead.

Along the dirt roads.

The Sugarloaf NRT locked gate at the trailhead.

Ascending the Sugarloaf NRT.

Green Creek was flowing nicely.

Mostly a forested hike up the Green Creek drainage.

No views along the way up, but it was a pretty hike to the ridgeline.

Approaching the ridgeline.

Junction, where we headed west.

Along the ridgeline to Sugarloaf Mountain.

View back, Baldwin Lake seen top left.

The trail was in great shape along the ridgeline.

Lots of nice overlooks, Mount San Gorgonio seen on the left.

View back along the ridgeline.

A small boulder field along the way.

Back through the forest.

Sugarloaf Mountain seen ahead, but the trail drops a couple hundred feet to its base first.

Ascending from the dip.

Sugarloaf Mountain ahead.

Final ascent to the summit.

View back.

A nice open section a bit before the summit.

View back.

Nearing Sugarloaf Mountain's summit.

Sugarloaf Mountain.

Hint of a view of Baldwin Lake from the summit.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!