How to get by car to Tip Top Mountain in California?
Tip Top Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,295m (7,529ft) above sea level, located in San Bernardino County, in the US state of California. The road to the summit is rocky, with some great inclines and large, sharp rocks that require a little skill to maneuver. High-clearance 4WD vehicles only.
Where is Tip Top Mountain?
The peak is located roughly midway between Big Bear and Pioneer Town, north of Onyx Summit, in the southern part of California, within the San Bernardino National Forest. Bring plenty of water, protect yourself from the sun, and avoid this route in the hottest summer months.
Why is Tip Top Mountain famous?
The peak was home to a silver, lead, and gold mine back in the late 1800s up through the early 1900s. The trail follows numerous remnants of California's mining heritage. Today you can still find the mines throughout the area, but many are unsafe to explore, and the Forest Service has blocked many of the mine entrances off.
Is the road to Tip Top Mountain unpaved?
The road to the summit is totally unpaved. It’s called Tip Top Mountain Road - Forest Road 2N90. It is usually in very poor condition and may not be passable with many 4WD vehicles. 35" tires, rear and front lockers, and 3" lift are highly recommended. There are some spots where you'll need to get out to get a better view of the trail before proceeding. The shelf-road is narrow, wide enough for only one vehicle, and has only a few pull-outs. The road is rutted in many areas and is recommended for high-clearance 4WD vehicles only.
How long is the road to Tip Top Mountain?
Starting from the paved CA-18 Road, the road to the summit is 15.12 km (9.4 miles) long. The drive may be challenging or even dangerous for inexperienced off-road drivers due to the narrow, rutted shelf-road.
Is Tip Top Mountain worth the drive?
Set high in the Bighorn Mountains, the drive offers an exhilarating driving experience, with great views. The summit is one of the true hidden treasures in this area. The top has a 360-degree picturesque view, with diverse scenery ranging from the sun-drenched desert landscape to the lush, and at times snow-capped mountains of the San Bernardino National Forest.
Pic&video: Steven Rockwell