Overview
Butler Peak Lookout is one of the best rides in Big Bear Lake in the San Bernardino Mountains. It is a fireroad ride up to the still active fire lookout tower on top of Butler Peak which stands at 8535 feet. From the summit there is expansive views of the entire San Bernardino Mountains, Big Bear Lake, western Mojave Desert, Inland Valley Empire, and the San Gabriel Mountains.
Trail Description
From downtown Fawnskin turn left onto 3N14 and ride for 1.3 miles, the road turns to dirt after about .5 miles. At 1.3 miles you reach a fork with 2N13 on the left, take the left, also signed Butler Peak Lookout. At 2.4 miles there is a fork on the left keep right. At 3.9 miles another fork, turn left onto 2N13C. At 4.1 miles another fork keep right and continue all the way to the roads end. Walk up the steep path and stairs to the tower. Please respect the tower and it's staff. The staff are full of information and love to show you around the insides of the tower.
Getting There
Take the 215 Freeway through San Bernardino to SR 30. Drive east on SR 30 to the junction with SR 330. Drive north on SR 330 to SR 18 in Running Springs taking SR 18 all the way to the Big Bear Lake Dam. At the dam take SR 38 on the left to Fawnskin.When to Bike, Red Tape, and External Links
You will need a Adventure Pass for parking at the turnout.For camping information and current conditions go to the San Bernardino National Forest for current conditions website.
For more fire lookout information check out the National Forest Association.
For more information on mountain biking in the Big Bear area check adventurehostel.com.
Check Weather Underground for a current forecast.
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