Butler Peak (Big Bear)

Trail: Butler Peak

Miles: 9.6

Type: Out and Back

My Time: 3 Hours

Elevation Gain/Loss: 1640 ft.

Difficulty: Easy

Parking Permit: Yes, Adventure Pass

Location: San Bernardino National Forest

This by far is the coolest Fire Lookout in all of Southern California! The 360 views from here were phenomenal. I was pleasantly surprised to see Lake Arrowhead in addition to seeing Big Bear Lake. Also could see Mount Baldy, San Gorgonio, Santiago Peak and all surrounding areas for as far as the eye can see. One thing did shock me though! And this was how close it was to Highway 18. It’s almost like you were looking straight down over it. Out of all these years I’ve never looked up to spot this fire lookout, but if you know where to look…you can spot it!

Fun fact I did find out this is an active post during the summer for volunteers.

This hike isn’t super challenging but…it is just shy of 10 miles round-trip. The day we hiked, it was really hot! So the trail seemed like it was never ending lol. When you make a left turn onto the second fire road, the trail becomes more sandy, which slows you down. And gets you really dusty! This hike does not require you to wear hiking boots. You can easily get away with running shoes or whatever you choose to walk 10 miles in.

To access this trail, it is located on the North side of Big Bear Lake nearest to Fawnskin. It is located off the Rim of the World Road headed towards Hannah Flat Campground. This trail head is not extremely noticeable, you will have to know where exactly you are going and what you are looking for. We were searching for a closed fire road gate on the left hand side. I used the AllTrails app to locate where the trail began to make sure I was driving in the correct direction. Luckily I had been on this dirt road before, so I was familiar with the area. There is a sign that says no parking off to the left, but there is a small parking area on the right hand side of the turnout. It is not far up the dirt road off to your left-hand side.

It is a very quiet hike compard to other things in Big Bear. We did not see a single hiker on this entire trail! We only encountered two guys on dirt bikes. From other reviews I have read this is a very low trafficked hike, and we confirmed it! To be completely honest the hike itself isn’t the most exciting, especially because it’s a fire road. But the fire lookout itself was well worth making the trip! I can only imagine what sunrise or sunset would be like from here!! I would like to make a trip back up for one of these options. Other than that, I don’t see myself trekking along this 10 mile fire road again during the day. We did see one male deer towards the end of the hike. I was bummed to not see any other wildlife as it was super quiet on the trail.

There is almost no shade so make sure you bring plenty of sun protection and water. I am not 100% positive if it is dog friendly but because there are no signs I would suggest you decide if you want to take that chance or not. But if you do bring your pups along make sure you have water for them because they have the same sun beating on them. Also as you can see in the picture off to the left, be careful on the steep stairs!!

Don’t forget to respect nature and pack all your trash out!

Instagram: @likes.to.hike