Cleghorn Ridge Trail

Cleghorn Ridge Trail follows the spine of the San Bernardino Mountains for 23 miles, offering views that stretch from the Mojave Desert floor to the Pacific Coast on clear days. The trail starts near Silverwood Lake and winds through mixed pine and oak forests, crossing several technical sections including the notorious Cleghorn Pass where loose rock and off-camber situations separate capable drivers from weekend warriors. Most of the route follows old logging roads dating back to the early 1900s, but don’t expect easy going — elevation changes and weather can turn this scenic drive into a survival exercise.

Moderate difficulty with some technical sections requiring good ground clearance and 4WD capability. Trail conditions vary dramatically with season; what’s passable in summer becomes impassable with snow and mud in winter. Best tackled May through October when the high country is accessible. No permits required, but bring recovery gear and extra fuel since gas stations are sparse once you leave the main highways. What you earn is genuine backcountry solitude just an hour from Los Angeles, plus camping opportunities that few people know exist.