So, its March…that means if you have been here from the start of the year, you’ve been dealing with codes and homesick students for 19 weeks.  You’ve probably read the Wump World at least 10 times and walked to and from Cedar Valley who knows how many times. You’ve been living and working with the same people day in and day out for something like 133 days.  Same lessons, same trails, same students different faces for six months…

With three months to go, your supervisors keep telling you don’t get burnt out!  But your brain starts to make plans for the summer and the coming year, you begin looking forward to new experiences and new scenery.  Pretty normal stuff, but how do you fight the flight and remain grounded here at High Trails?  How do you stay motivated and present throughout the end of the year?  How can you combine the experience you have now with the excitement you had in weeks one and two?  How do you keep things fresh after weeks of doing the same routine?  My answer, love where you live!

San G from Dry Lake

Never stop exploring, I’m pretty sure that is the slogan for some overpriced outdoor gear, but it is always a good motto to apply to any place you live.  The great thing about where we live is that there is no shortage of new things to see and do. The San Bernardino National Forest covers more than 670,000 acres.  Unlike Joshua Tree and Yosemite in the spring, it is not uncommon to go a whole day of hiking in these mountains and not see another human being. 

Don’t get bored with these mountains.  Take the time on the weekend to go out and bike new trails or summit a new peak.  Not only will it save you money, but it will inspire you during the week.  You will be surprised what energy spring will bring you if you enjoy your time as the trails start to melt out.  Here’s a list of springtime suggestions, must see’s and do’s before leaving Big Bear!

So you’ve summitted San Gorgonio…sweet! 
Now, conquer the seven summits of Big Bear: Bertha Peak, Grey’s Peak, Gold Mountain, Delamar Mountain, Sugarlump/Bear Peak, Sugarloaf Mountain, and San Gorgonio…you can even get a little booklet at the Discovery Center and stamp it at the top of each of these summits. Other peaks, San Bernardino Peak (10,649), Jepson Peak (11,205), Anderson Peak (10,840), Shield’s Peak (10,680), or Chris’ favorite Tip-top Mountain.

Now that you’ve climbed in Holcomb Valley, go to The Pinnacles, Onyx Summit or Castle Rock.  Castle Rock is also an excellent place to scramble on rocks or bring a crash pad and boulder around.  While up at Castle Rock be sure to stop by and see the Champion Lodgepole Pine. Want to learn about wildflowers of the San Bernardinos? Go to the Heap’s Peak Arboretum near Lake Arrowhead to learn about local plant life.  Then, take local trails like the Aspen Grove Trail or walk along Fish Creek, Forsee Creek, or the Coon Creek areas to identify spring blooms.

Melissa Fitzgerald

On the way back from the Arboretum, go to the fire tower at the top of Keller’s Peak road to talk to a volunteer ranger, learn how to spot a wildfire, and look out on civilization through a pair of borrowed binoculars.  Then take a stroll through the Children’s Forest to see what a bunch of students can do when they appreciate nature. Take out a bike and ride downhill to Mountain Home Village via the Santa Ana River Trail, hike up Big Falls waterfall in Forest Falls, the tallest waterfall in So. Cal, or ride from Sugarloaf to the Wild Horse Trail.  Take a leisurely cruise on the Pedal Path or get a map of all the fire roads that weave and connect through our mountains. 

The possibilities are endless.  Enjoy the spring in these mountains.  It really is the best time of the year! 

For additional information visit the Big Bear Discovery Center and buy a map.  Or borrow one from someone else, like me!  Also useful, San Bernardino Mountain Trails, 100 Hikes in Southern California published by Wilderness Press.