Trail · San Bernardino National Forest
Champion Lodgepole Pine Trail review
Champion Lodgepole Pine Trail is an easy interpretive walk to a large, old lodgepole pine, about 5 miles from Snow Summit's main address. The Forest Service listed the trail closed as of September 21, 2026 under a Line Fire order, so readers should check with the Forest Service before going.
- Status: closed
- 1 mi round trip
- Easy
At a glance
- Easy 1-mile round trip
- Champion Lodgepole Pine Trailhead via Forest Roads 2N10 and 2N11
- Closed under a Line Fire order
- About 5 miles from Snow Summit's main address
- Best for: a short family walk when reopened
What it is known for
The Forest Service describes an easy one-mile round trip with 14 numbered interpretive posts leading to one of California's largest recorded lodgepole pines.
Visitors focus on the tree and quiet meadow rather than expansive scenery. The direct trail is different from the longer route that reaches the tree from Castle Rock.
Strengths and limits
Pros
- Short, easy interpretive route
- Distinctive record-size tree
- Quiet forest and meadow setting
Cons
- Currently closed
- Rough forest-road access
- No broad viewpoint
Before you go
Is Champion Lodgepole Pine Trail open?
No. The Forest Service trail page listed it closed as of September 21, 2026 under a Line Fire order cited through September 30, 2026. Check the Forest Service before going.
How difficult is the trail?
The Forest Service rates the direct interpretive trail easy and describes it as approximately one mile round trip.
Where it is
Nearby alternatives
Who reviewed this
Jenna Whitcomb
Local guide editor
Jenna Whitcomb edits Near Big Bear. Every trail on this page was checked against the US Forest Service and OpenStreetMap on the date below.
- Updated
- September 22, 2026