Onyx Peak to Big Bear — San Bernardino Mountains Crest Road
9,000 feet and two seas in one view.
Forest Road 2N93 climbs from the north side of Big Bear Lake up through dense stands of white fir and lodgepole pine to the flanks of Onyx Peak — at 9,093 feet one of the higher summit approaches in the San Bernardino National Forest accessible by vehicle. The road gets narrow fast, with shelf sections carved into the granite ridge and loose rock scattered across the tread where seasonal runoff has done its work. At the upper elevations the trees thin and the world opens up on both sides — on a clear winter day you can see the Salton Sea glittering to the southeast and the coastal haze above the Pacific to the southwest. The descent back toward Big Bear drops through several switchbacks that demand slow, controlled driving on the way down.
Stock 4WD with decent clearance handles this in dry summer conditions, but the upper crest sections above 8,500 feet collect snow early and hold it late — October storms can close this route overnight with zero warning. Check with San Bernardino National Forest before committing, especially in shoulder seasons. An Adventure Pass is required for parking at trailheads accessed from this road. Fuel and services in Big Bear Lake town. No reliable water on route. This is a half-day run best combined with a campsite at Bluff Lake or one of the Big Bear dispersed zones — don’t rush it when the air is that thin and that clear.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Rock |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 12 mi / 19.3 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 9093 ft |
| Best season | June-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Big Bear Lake, CA |
| Land manager | San Bernardino National Forest — Front Country Ranger District |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | fs.usda.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Tacoma handle this trail without any mods?
Yes — a stock 4WD high-clearance vehicle like a 4Runner, Tacoma, or 4WD Jeep Cherokee can run this trail. Lifted rigs will have more margin on the rockier shelf sections, but it's not required for a careful driver.
When does the trail typically open after winter and when does it close?
June through October is the reliable window. Snow can close the upper crest road well into May, and early storms can shut it down by November. Check road conditions with the San Bernardino National Forest Front Country Ranger District before you go — they update closures on the SBNF site.
Do I need a permit or pass to drive this trail?
Yes. An Adventure Pass is required to park on San Bernardino National Forest land — $5 daily or $30 annually. No additional permit is needed to drive the trail itself, but dispersed camping requires following SBNF fire and camping regulations.
What's the hardest section and what does it actually throw at you?
The rocky shelf sections near the crest are the most demanding — narrow, loose rock, and limited room for error with exposure on one side. It's not extreme, but it demands focus and a driver who isn't guessing their line.
Is there water available along the trail, or do I need to carry everything?
There's no reliable water source on this route — carry everything you need for the day and any overnight stay. Big Bear Lake town is your last resupply point before you head up.
Trail track
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