Sunday fun day on San Bernardino Peak!

Hike clocked in (AllTrails) at 16.5 miles with 4,730 ft elev gain (peak elev 10,649) and it was absolutely glorious.

We had a permit for Saturday but switched to Sunday after seeing thunder & lightening storms & possible snow in the forecast.

The mountain has reopened this year after the El Dorado fire and there are reminders at almost every turn how destructive the fire was. However, there is beauty sprouting up everywhere and life is beginning again.   Even the twisted and charred manzanita remains were a sight to see.

We were in awe of the sea of clouds that appeared to go on forever and stayed that way for the entire day.

It was so cool to see Big Bear Lake across the valley, complete with sailboats!

The only downside (well, other than aching feet) was the ginormous, coiled & raised rattlesnake that was about a ft away as we rounded a bend and let us know VERY loudly we were in his way!  This was truly the largest rattler I’ve seen and I’ve seen plenty on trails in So Cal.  He was very dark and blended in with the charred landscape. Just a reminder to stay alert.

On the topic of safety in the mountains…on the way up the trail Sunday morning, we were dumbfounded to see a few people descending after camping up the mtn Sat night.  Weather forecasts had shown thunder & lightening on Sat even a few days before.  The campsites on this mountain are very exposed and lightening is something you just don’t take chances with.   Check the weather and check it again.
We checked several times Saturday and again Sunday morning to make sure the storm had passed before we attempted this hike.

San Bernardino is definitely a site to see. Even with all of the fire damage and charring, for me, it was stunningly beautiful.