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Bear Canyon Trail Loop

San Diego · Managed by Cleveland National Forest (USFS) · Region: Cleveland NF backcountry
Difficulty 25/100 · Moderateout and back#usfs#backcountry#cleveland
Distance
13 mi
Days
2–3
Permit
Not required
Campfires
Campfires allowed seasonally

Overview

Bear Canyon Trail Loop is a 6.5-mile trail (one way per the Forest Service; out-and-back mileage listed) in Cleveland NF backcountry. Difficulty is estimated from distance (Moderate); the Forest Service trail page carries the official description.

Highlights

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

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Bear Canyon Trail Loop Trailhead
  • Water: Seasonal streams; treat all water and confirm flows.
  • Resupply: None nearby; plan a self-supported trip.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for an out-and-back.

Permits

No wilderness permit is required for this route (per Cleveland National Forest (USFS)).

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: October, November, March, April, May.

Snow: Snow is rare; most trails are open year-round.

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
  • Poison oak is common in canyon bottoms.
  • 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. Bear Canyon Trail Loop. Cleveland National Forest (USFS). https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/cleveland/recreation/trails/bear-canyon-trail-loop. Accessed 2026-09-11. License: Public domain (US government work). Trail distance (6.5 mi one way) and trail number (5W09) per the Forest Service trail page.
  2. Hiking — Cleveland National Forest (USFS). Cleveland National Forest (USFS). https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/cleveland/recreation/opportunities/hiking. Accessed 2026-09-11. License: Public domain (US government work). Forest hiking overview and trail index.
  3. Passes & Permits — Cleveland National Forest (USFS). Cleveland National Forest (USFS). https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/cleveland/passes-permits. Accessed 2026-09-11. License: Public domain (US government work). Permit requirements for the forest and its wilderness areas.