Exploration Trail

Parking is available at the Children's Forest Visitor Center, which is conveniently located near the Deerlick Fire Station. This serves as a good starting point for your hike.

Yes, the trail is dog-friendly. However, please ensure your dog is kept on a leash, as this is a general regulation within the San Bernardino National Forest to protect wildlife and other hikers.

The trail offers a diverse experience throughout the year. While it's great for hiking during warmer months, it can also be used for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in winter. For expansive views and comfortable hiking, late spring to early fall is generally ideal, but be prepared for varying conditions.

While the trail is located within the National Children's Forest, there are typically no specific permits or entrance fees required for day hiking on the Exploration Trail itself. However, it's always a good idea to check the U.S. Forest Service website for any current alerts or regulations before your visit.

The trail is generally considered to be of moderate to strenuous difficulty for hiking. It features a 12% grade and includes rocky, bouldery, and steep sections. About half of the hike is exposed, so be prepared for sun exposure.

You'll experience diverse terrain, from natural ground with rocky and bouldery sections to forested areas. The scenery includes towering sugar pines, fire-adapted manzanita shrubs, and black oak forests. As you ascend, you'll be treated to expansive vistas of the high San Gabriel Mountains, and panoramic views of the Angeles National Forest, including peaks like Cucamonga, Mount Baldy, and Ben Pal, from a clearing near the end of the trail.

The trail leads to Keller Peak, where you can find the oldest standing fire tower in Southern California, built in 1926 and still in use. There's also a 0.75-mile Interpretive Trail Loop section near the Upper Exploration trail with educational panels, offering insights into the local environment.

Yes, the route primarily follows the Exploration Trail, but it also passes through sections of Mill Peak Road, Dry Creek Trail, and Trail of the Phoenix.

This trail has a unique origin story: it was designed by children in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service and other professionals. This design philosophy is reflected in the educational aspects, such as the Interpretive Trail Loop, making it a special experience within the National Children's Forest.

The full hike, covering approximately 21.5 km (13.4 miles), typically takes around 6 hours and 20 minutes to complete, depending on your pace and stops for enjoying the views.

Given its moderate to strenuous difficulty and length, the full trail might be challenging for very young children or beginner hikers. However, the 0.75-mile Interpretive Trail Loop section near the Upper Exploration trail, with its educational panels, could be a more suitable and engaging option for families looking for a shorter, more accessible experience within the National Children's Forest.