3N10 – John Bull (3.54 miles away)
Big Bear, California
Monarch Flat
Scout Route
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Carving its way up Blackhawk Mountain, Monarch Flat is an up-and-back road in the Mountain Top Ranger District of the San Bernardino National Forest (SBNF). Along the way, majestic views north and east only get better as the trail climbs in altitude. The trail eventually reaches 6,700 feet atop Silver Peak, where the abandoned Silver Mountain Mine with its shuttered mine shaft remains. Official maps may show the trail extending beyond Silver Peak, but the trail has long been forgotten and reclaimed by nature. The trail is moderately difficult and made up of loose rock and narrow, twisty shelf roads. A high-clearance four-wheel drive vehicle with an experienced offroad driver is recommended to manage this trail.
This trail offers several excellent dispersed camping locations, especially at its namesake, Monarch Flat, about 1.2 miles from the trailhead and again at the trail's end with its magnificent views. Dispersed camping is permitted when following the SBNF Dispersed Camping Guidelines. Be sure to follow all Current Fire Restrictions and Related Prohibitions and obtain a California Campfire Permit before camping.
