Our bodies were getting restless and our minds overworked. We needed an adventure to restore our sanity! We headed to Big Bear, California where hiking is abundant and the trails were calling our names. Little did I know, the next 7.4 miles would change my life. Let’s get into the deets!
Location: Pine Knot Trail – San Bernardino National Forest, Big Bear, California
Parking: You must have an America the Beautiful Pass or a daily adventure pass hanging from rearview mirror.
You can purchase daily passes in town for $5.00 per day – checkout this link for more information on the adventure pass. Alternatively, if you frequent national parks like we do, it is worth $80 to purchase an annual American the Beautiful Pass. For more details on this pass, visit this website.
Distance: 7.4 miles to the Grand View Point from the Pine Knot Trail.
We enjoy using Alltrails to map out our trail. As you can see from the image below, this app will track your distance, time, elevation and calories burned. Even better, if you get lost, just follow the red line back to where you started!
Trail Rating: 4 of 5 stars
The trail was well marked and the path well worn. There was no guess work when it came to where you were headed. Several trails split off from Pine Knot and each split provided an easy to read sign with trail names and distances. We hiked mid-morning but realistically you could hike throughout the day because Pine Knot is shaded off and on throughout the entirety of the trail. This trail can be quite the butt burner but rest assure there are several places to stop and rest along the way!
Surprise Ending: What about Pine Knot changed my life?
Well, in addition to the Grand View Point at the end, I received my dream proposal! I had no idea. It turned out to be a perfect and intimate moment between us and nature. Even the ring box was made from nature! She ordered a ring box made from an acacia tree, found in the steeps of Ukraine. The processing was all natural and she even had our initials carved on the top. Without a doubt, I said YES!
Would I do this hike again? Yes*
*I will note I am biased toward this trail due to the proposal but if you haven’t had a chance to do this trail, it is still worth it.
If you have any questions regarding this trail, feel free to ask!
The Art of Forest Bathing 
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