The best road cycling routes in San Gorgonio Wilderness

No, bicycles are generally not permitted within the designated San Gorgonio Wilderness Area itself, as this area is reserved for non-mechanized activities. However, the surrounding San Bernardino National Forest and adjacent areas offer excellent road cycling opportunities, allowing you to experience the region's stunning natural beauty.

The region offers diverse terrain, transitioning from desert landscapes to high mountain environments. You can expect a blend of rolling foothills, canyons, and pine forests. Routes feature significant elevation changes, from gentle gradients around lakes to challenging ascents towards mountain summits.

Yes, there are easy routes perfect for beginners and families. For instance, the Baldwin Lake – Big Bear Lake loop from Bear Mountain is an easy 20.8-mile trail offering scenic views around the lakes with gentle gradients. Another easy option is the Wooden path Stanfield Marsh – Cougar Crest Trailhead loop from Bear Mountain, which is 12.5 miles long.

For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, the Mill Creek Visitors Center to Onyx Summit route is a difficult 62.6-mile path with substantial elevation gain, ascending over 7,400 feet towards Onyx Summit through mountain landscapes. Another difficult option is the Duck Pond – Bryant Street loop from Mill Creek Visitor Center, covering 29.4 miles with over 3,000 feet of climbing.

While cycling, you can enjoy diverse desert scenery, pine forests, and mountain vistas. Nearby attractions include the Mount San Gorgonio Summit (visible from many points), San Bernardino East Peak, and the San Bernardino Peak. The Whitewater Preserve, though not directly on all routes, is a beautiful desert oasis with diverse desert scenery and opportunities to see wildlife.

The region experiences diverse weather due to its elevation changes. While winter brings snow to higher elevations, making it popular for skiing, spring and fall generally offer pleasant temperatures for road cycling. Summer can be warm, especially in lower desert areas, but higher mountain routes provide cooler conditions. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.

Yes, several loop routes are available. Popular options include the Baldwin Lake – Big Bear Lake loop from Bear Mountain, the Wooden path Stanfield Marsh – Cougar Crest Trailhead loop from Bear Mountain, and the Roadbike loop from Mill Creek Visitor Center.

This guide features 5 highly-rated road cycling routes, offering a range of difficulties from easy to difficult, to help you explore the diverse terrain around the San Gorgonio Wilderness.

Road cycling in this area is characterized by significant elevation changes. Routes can range from gentle, almost flat sections around lakes with only a few hundred feet of gain, to challenging mountain ascents like the Mill Creek Visitors Center to Onyx Summit route, which climbs over 7,400 feet.

While general road cycling on paved roads outside the designated wilderness area typically doesn't require special permits, it's always wise to be aware of regulations, especially if you plan to venture near or into areas managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). You can find more information about the San Gorgonio Wilderness and its regulations on the BLM website.

Due to the largely undisturbed nature of the surrounding areas, there are ample opportunities to observe local wildlife. The region is home to diverse species including bear, deer, mountain lions, and bighorn sheep, particularly in areas like the Whitewater Preserve and Mission Creek canyon.