4.5
(4)
95
hikers
15
hikes
Hiking in Mojave River Forks Regional Park offers a diverse landscape where the San Bernardino Mountains transition into the Mojave Desert. This unique environment features a blend of mountain foothills, high desert vistas, and the riparian corridor of the West Fork of the Mojave River. The park's elevation is approximately 3153 feet, providing varied terrain for exploration. Hikers can experience sweeping views and a mix of desert and mountain flora and fauna.
Last updated: July 7, 2026
3
hikers
14.1km
03:58
310m
220m
The Pacific Crest Trail: Mojave River to Silverwood Lake offers a captivating journey through California's high desert, transitioning from arid landscapes to stunning lakeside vistas. You'll traverse unique terrain marked…
1
hikers
6.97km
01:56
150m
90m
This easy 4.3-mile (7.0 km) out-and-back hike to Rainbow Bridge via the Pacific Crest Trail offers a delightful journey through varied landscapes, taking about 1 hour and 56 minutes to…

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2.73km
00:51
140m
30m
The Mojave Forks River Dam Overlook Trail offers a fantastic blend of mountain foothills and high desert vistas, giving you a quiet desert expanse to explore. You'll traverse undulating terrain…
5.0
(1)
11
hikers
19.8km
05:57
620m
620m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2.91km
01:16
250m
10m
The Arrowhead Pinnacles Trail offers a unique, desert-like hiking experience near Lake Arrowhead, despite being in the San Bernardino Mountains. You'll traverse rugged, rocky pathways and dried-up creek beds, encountering…
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Popular around Mojave River Forks Regional Park
This ~4-mile round-trip trail gains about 1,000 feet, with sandy dirt paths, boulders, and some short scrambles marked by cairns and posts—so bring a GPS or offline map. Park near the small dirt lot off CA‑173 (permit required) by the rifle range. The route starts in shady forest but opens to granite outcrops with Joshua Tree–style views. Wear sturdy boots, carry plenty of water, and start early to beat the heat—there’s little shade, but you’ll be rewarded with sweeping mountain and desert vistas from the top.
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At the dead-end of CA highway 173 is a trailhead staging area for hikers using the Pacific Crest Trail. About 5 hours north are interesting hot springs along the trail. There are objects here to lock the bike to, though the bike might be safer a few miles further up the trail where the access is less easy for potential thieves with cars.
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At the end of the road a trail continues northeast along the creek, heading upstream to wonderful riverside hot springs, about 4 hours walk upstream. Officially the trail is not for biking, though it is mostly reasonably flat.
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Paved, car-free Saddle Dike embankment road affords a scenic loop into Mojave River Forks Regional Park to this dam spillway.
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Great car-free access for bikes through the locked gate into Mojave River Forks Regional Park along the road on top of the seasonal dike embankment.
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Great view from the PCT onto the valley and Deep Creek. The views stay with you for a while as you stay high above the valley.
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A short spur trail leads from the PCT down to the Deep Creek pools, formed by the falls where water drops for thousands of years over a slowly eroding edge, particularly after snow melt upstream.
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This is the nearest official trailhead if you like to visit the infamous Deep Creek Hot Springs. It is a 12-mile out and back hike. This section is also a part of the iconic Pacific Crest Trail. Keep in mind that you have to ford the Deep Creek itself just under a mile from here. It Rainbow Bridge spans over the Deep Creek, but some miles further down the trail.
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There are 5 hiking routes available in Mojave River Forks Regional Park, catering to various skill levels from easy to difficult. These trails offer a diverse experience, from mountain foothills to high desert vistas.
The park is situated at approximately 3153 feet elevation, offering a unique blend of mountain foothills and high desert landscapes. You'll find varied terrain, including riparian areas along the Mojave River, and trails with significant elevation changes, such as the difficult Deep Creek Hot Springs – San Bernardino National Forest route with over 600 meters of ascent.
Yes, the park offers access to several significant natural attractions. Hikers can reach the Deep Creek Hot Springs, explore distinctive rock formations on The Pinnacles trail, or experience the riparian corridor of the Mojave River. The park also provides access to the renowned Pacific Crest Trail.
The park experiences significant temperature swings. While specific recommendations vary, it's generally advisable to be prepared for hot summer days and rapidly cooling evenings. Strong winds are also common in the afternoons. Spring and fall often offer more moderate temperatures for hiking.
Yes, there are trails suitable for families. For an easier experience, consider the Lake Silverwood North Shore via PCT route, which is rated as easy and offers access to Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area.
While the park is a popular outdoor destination, specific regulations regarding dogs on trails can vary. It's always best to check the official park website for the most current rules on pet access and leash requirements before your visit. You can find more information at sbcounty.gov.
Yes, you can find loop options such as the Pilot Rock loop — San Bernardino National Forest, which is a moderate 15.7 km trail offering a comprehensive experience of the local landscape.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars. Reviewers often praise the unique transitional landscape where mountains meet the desert, the diverse natural features, and the sense of seclusion despite its accessibility.
While the park offers a sense of seclusion, public transportation options directly to the park may be limited. It is advisable to check local transit schedules or plan for private transportation. For general park information, you can visit sbcounty.gov.
The park itself offers basic facilities, serving as a gateway to outdoor adventures. For amenities like restaurants or cafes, you would typically need to venture into nearby towns or communities, such as Hesperia. There are no specific establishments within the immediate park vicinity.
Generally, permits are not required for day hiking on the main trails within Mojave River Forks Regional Park. However, for specific activities or access to certain areas, especially within the broader San Bernardino National Forest, it's always best to verify current regulations with the park or forest service directly.


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