Top 6 Mountain Passes in San Bernardino National Forest

The San Bernardino National Forest features several prominent mountain passes. Among them are Wellman Divide, a high-elevation trail junction, and Icehouse Saddle, another key trail junction in the Cucamonga Wilderness. For those seeking scenic drives, Onyx Summit is the highest paved pass in Southern California, offering impressive vistas.

Many passes provide excellent viewpoints. Onyx Summit, located on State Route 38, offers stunning vistas of dense forests, rugged mountain terrain, and expansive valleys, especially rewarding for those traveling toward Big Bear Lake. The Rim of the World Scenic Byway, which connects Cajon Pass to San Gorgonio Pass, also provides spectacular wide views of the San Bernardino Valley and Big Bear Lake from various overlooks like the Silverwood Lake Overlook.

Yes, Cajon Junction, part of the broader Cajon Pass area, is considered family-friendly. It's known for its desert views and active train lines, which can be fascinating for all ages. Additionally, it offers convenient stops for travelers.

The mountain passes in San Bernardino National Forest showcase diverse natural beauty. You can expect to see dense forests, rugged mountain terrain, and expansive valleys around Onyx Summit. Cajon Pass offers unique desert landscapes, while San Gorgonio Pass is remarkable for its dramatic geological features and sheer depth, dropping into the Coachella Valley and bordering the San Gorgonio Wilderness.

The San Bernardino National Forest offers a wide range of outdoor activities near its mountain passes. You can find numerous hiking opportunities, including challenging routes like the San Jacinto Peak trails and easier options such as the Icehouse Canyon Trail. The region is also popular for camping and wildlife viewing. For more hiking ideas, explore the Hiking in San Bernardino National Forest guide.

Onyx Summit holds the distinction of being the highest paved pass in Southern California. It sits at an elevation of 8,443 feet (2,573 meters) above sea level and is located on State Route 38.

While not specifically historical sites, passes like Cajon Pass have long served as critical transportation routes, connecting different regions and facilitating movement through the mountains for centuries. Cajon Pass is also notable for its active train lines, making it a popular spot for train enthusiasts.

The San Bernardino National Forest is a year-round recreation destination. However, the best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. Summers are generally hot, while winters can be stormy and chilly, with tire chains sometimes necessary on routes like the Rim of the World Scenic Byway. For hiking, spring and fall often offer more moderate temperatures. Always check local weather and road conditions before your visit.

San Gorgonio Pass is unique due to its dramatic geological features and exceptional depth. It is one of the deepest mountain passes in the United States, exceeding the Grand Canyon's depth by over 2,000 feet. It forms the southeastern boundary of the San Bernardino Mountains, dropping dramatically into the Coachella Valley, and is part of the San Gorgonio Wilderness.

Yes, the San Bernardino National Forest offers challenging routes. For instance, the area around Wellman Divide provides access to trails leading to the San Jacinto Summit, which are considered difficult. Similarly, Icehouse Saddle is a junction point for various scenic and challenging summits within the Cucamonga Wilderness. The climb to Onyx Summit is also described as a legendary and challenging ascent.

The Rim of the World Scenic Byway is a spectacular 110-mile route that traverses the rim of the San Bernardino Mountains. It connects significant passes, running from Cajon Pass to San Gorgonio Pass. While not a single pass itself, it offers some of the most stunning vistas in Southern California and provides access to several scenic overlooks.