Pine Knot Trail to Grand View Point Hike

Route Description for Pine Knot Trail to Grand View Point Hike

The Pine Knot Trail to Grand View Point hike is an extremely popular route that is usually populated by mountain bike enthusiasts and horseback riders, in addition to the many hikers along the trail. Try to set out as early as possible if you are hoping to secure parking and enjoy a bit of peace and quiet along the trail. Terrain along the route is also quite varied, featuring a mixture of woodland landscapes and meadows, so make sure to wear proper hiking footwear with good support. Lastly, you will need to purchase an Adventure Pass and display it in your vehicle in order to access this trail.

While it is certainly a busy hiking route, it is for good reason, as the wonderfully serene woodland atmosphere and peaceful meadows along the trail will provide beautiful wildflower views in the summer months, and a splendid array of colors in the autumn. After arriving at Grand View Point, you will be inundated with breathtaking views that reach out to nearby San Gorgonio Mountain and the much further Catalina Island. This is a spectacular hike if you are looking to spend a day out on the trails of the San Bernardino National Forest.

Setting out from the trailhead, you will make your way south through the Aspen Glen Picnic Area to arrive at a fork in the path after 0.5 km. Keeping left here, you will continue along the trail as it traverses the undulating woodland terrain to the southeast. Take your time here, as you meander through the tranquil forest setting and reconnect with nature.

Keeping straight along the trail for the next 3.2 km, you will continue working your way uphill through the cover of the forest until you arrive at the edge of a road. Here, you will make your way straight across and pick up the trail on the opposite side in order to keep on to the south.

Once you have passed by the Deer Group Campground, follow the trail as it continues uphill to the southwest for 0.64mi, where you will meet up with Forest Service Road 2N10. After heading straight through the junction, you will immediately be met with another.

Here, you will take the second path on your right and follow it on a brief uphill climb to the lookout at Grand View Point. Take some time here to appreciate the breathtaking views that extend southeast to San Gorgonio Mountain and southwest across the California landscape to Catalina Island just off the coast. After taking in the views, you will make your way back downhill along the same route to the trailhead having completed the Pine Knot Trail to Grand View Point Hike.

Trail Highlights

San Gorgonio Mountain

San Gorgonio Mountain, also known as Old Greyback, is the tallest peak in Southern California at 3,506 m. Situated in the San Bernardino Mountains, the peak has a distinctive pyramid shape and is the 18th most prominent mountain in the United States. It was named after Saint Gorgonius by Spanish Missionaries in the 17th Century.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Pine Knot Trail to Grand View Point Hike dog friendly?

Yes, dogs are permitted to use the Pine Knot Trail to Grand View Point, although they will need to be kept on a leash.

Is the Pine Knot Trail a multi-use route?

Yes, the Pine Knot Trail to Grand View Point is a multi-use trail that is also popular with mountain bikers and horseback riders.