calipeaks.com

Art Smith Trail

San Bernardino · Managed by San Bernardino National Forest (USFS) · Region: San Bernardino NF backcountry
Difficulty 40/100 · Moderateout and back#usfs#backcountry#sanbernardino
Distance
16.6 mi
Days
3–4
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires allowed seasonally

Overview

Art Smith Trail is a 8.3-mile trail (one way per the Forest Service; out-and-back mileage listed) in San Bernardino NF backcountry. Difficulty is estimated from distance (Moderate); the Forest Service trail page carries the official description.

Highlights

  • 8.3 miles of trail per the Forest Service trail page
  • No entrance fees on national forest land

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Art Smith Trail Trailhead
  • Water: Streams and springs; treat all water and confirm flows.
  • Resupply: None nearby; plan a self-supported trip.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for an out-and-back.
  • Bear canister required.

Permits

  • Agency: San Bernardino National Forest (USFS)
  • Reserve or apply on fs.usda.gov
  • Quota: Wilderness permits are required for overnight stays in the San Gorgonio and San Jacinto Wildernesses; quotas apply to many trailheads.
  • Reservation window: San Gorgonio permits are quota-based — reserve ahead of time.

Campfires & stove regulations

Campfires allowed seasonally. Fires are allowed only in established rings, and seasonal forest-wide restrictions are common — check current alerts. A California Campfire Permit is required for camp stoves. Current fire restrictions. Rules change with conditions — always confirm with the managing agency before your trip.

Best time to go

Best months: May, June, September, October.

Snow: Snow clears by late spring at most trail elevations.

Heat: Summer afternoons can be hot at lower elevations.

Bugs: Mosquitoes in early summer near water.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • Check current fire restrictions and forest alerts before your trip
  • A California Campfire Permit is required even for a stove
  • Bear canisters are required in the San Bernardino Mountains wilderness areas.
  • Water sources are seasonal — confirm flows before you go

Sources & citations

Data compiled 2026 from public agency and reference sources. All descriptive text on this page is original; verify current conditions with the managing agency before your trip.

  1. Art Smith Trail. San Bernardino National Forest (USFS). https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/sanbernardino/recreation/trails/art-smith-trail. Accessed 2026-09-11. License: Public domain (US government work). Trail distance (8.3 mi one way) per the Forest Service trail page.
  2. Hiking — San Bernardino National Forest (USFS). San Bernardino National Forest (USFS). https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/sanbernardino/recreation/opportunities/hiking. Accessed 2026-09-11. License: Public domain (US government work). Forest hiking overview and trail index.
  3. Passes & Permits — San Bernardino National Forest (USFS). San Bernardino National Forest (USFS). https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/sanbernardino/passes-permits. Accessed 2026-09-11. License: Public domain (US government work). Permit requirements for the forest and its wilderness areas.