Guide: Bear Canyon/Bear Ridge Loop

Route: EveryTrail

I have this problem. I need to be hit over the head several times to learn a lesson. For example, there are days I resist the idea of hiking somewhere we've already been, especially if we've been there many times. Of course this stubbornness misses one of the great truths of getting out into nature - it's a dynamic environment. Every hike, even in the same place, is different.

Laura wanted to see some plants that were expected to be in bloom, and a great place to do this was a trail we'd hiked often; Bear Canyon. So I dragged my backpack along the ground like a big baby and went, wishing we'd found some place that would kill both the "blooming" bird and the "new trail" bird with one stone. Turns out it was a great hike. Whaddayaknow?

We got a bit of a late start for a trail that's pretty popular, but were lucky with the crowds until the last quarter of the hike when several couples, a few family groups, and one horde of about twenty streamed up the hillside. We were nearly down so it mattered little, but it's something to keep in mind for hikes out of this area on the weekend. There's a reason people sometimes crowd these trails, they're worth it.

Things were pretty spectacular almost from the trailhead. The flowering Ceanothus lined sections of the trail such that in some places it was like walking through an arbor. These plants sometimes shade to pink, along with the ubiquitous white, and have an aroma the effect of which Laura and I differ on. She likes it. To me it smells like something I'd use to clean grease off of my grill. In any case, they are certainly stunning when in full bloom as they were this day. Some of the hillsides where blanketed with white.

We left the display as we climbed but still enjoyed the rest of the hike. After ambling through Bear Canyon the path reaches a junction called Four Corners - a bit of a misnomer as there are five trails leading away from this spot. If you're not familiar with this area be careful to check the markers for the Bear Ridge return loop (and be sure to bring a map as the markers have a habit of walking away now and then). Heading up over the first half of Bear Ridge presents red soil trail that reminds you of Utah's Color Country. (Also this is a good spot for Horned Lizards, so keep your eyes peeled for movement on the side of the trail.)

There are several sites with rock piles along the ridge that provide great places for a snack or meal break, as well as views of mountains both near and as far away as San Gorgonio in the San Bernardino National Forest (~50 miles). After completing the lollipop part of this loop hike, we took our time on the way back down to the trailhead, enjoying the views and the Ceanothus display again.

At least as it applies to the natural environment, the cliche "Everything old is new again" really is an apt reminder of why we go hiking in the first place. Maybe I'll remember this the next time I'm reluctant to revisit a familiar trail. More likely Laura will have to slap me around a bit, but as long as her arm doesn't get too tired it'll all probably work out.

Info: Distance - 6.8 miles. Elevation - net gain of about 885’, moderate, consistent grade. Rating - moderate.

Full Photo Set: Flickr