Medium to Difficult Hike - 7 miles round trip
Bertha Peak is located in the San Bernardino mountains in Bear Valley. There are 3 main ways to get there. From the Los Angeles basin the most direct route is from Highland via HWY 330. If you tend to get a little car sick from twisty turny roads I recommend HWY 38 from the Redlands or coming up from the desert side via Lucerne Valley.
When you arrive you will find a quaint village and TWO ski resorts, one of which are mountain biking destinations in the summer - Snow Summit. Lodging is easy to find. I recommend Big Bear Vacations - a vacation rental management company with over 300 options to choose from ranging from Luxury to rustic Lakefront Cabins. My favorite is Shore Acres Lodge; a cluster of 11 cabins right on the lake with a pool and spa in the summer time.
The trail itself if very dynamic with a big altitude change the first two miles. The trail-head is marked Cougar Crest Trail. There is parking and bathrooms. Hikers should be prepared for high traffic at the bottom since this is a fitness mecca and many folks use these trails for high altitude training. That also means dogs should be leashed for the first portion for sure since they will meet other pets on the trail.
The first two miles bring the hiker through a Alice in wonderland forest as I like to describe it. The sun will filter through the trees as you wind up the switchbacks up the mountain. At the top there are benches where a snack and a drink are ideal as you enjoy the majestic view of the valley below.
The intersection at the top of the trail is actually a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail. You will head east and follow the signage for Bertha Peak. This next 1.5 miles is quite lovely as the trail travels along the ridge over white rocks and flowers in the spring. It can be a little dry in late summer.
The final leg of the journey is a massive climb - approximately 0.3 miles of a grueling climb. You will be above 8000 feet here so stay hydrated and do not be afraid to take breaks to avoid altitude sickness if you are sensitive or inexperienced at these heights.
The reward is sweet as you reach the top and indulge the irresistible desire to take too many pictures and selfies. The view is magnificent. In spring you will see the snow capped peaks of San Gorgonio behind the ski resorts. There is also a Fire Lookout a the top that makes for some great photo ops.
A NOTE: Smaller dogs may need help at the top and tire out before you finish the whole 7 miles. I like to bring a pet backpack for my fur babies so they can take a rest on the way down.
Know before you go:
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