Big Bear Lake, CA, August 13, 2013 – After countless hours of trail building by volunteers, the Skyline Trail is ready for its public debut. The grand opening is scheduled for Saturday, August 17 at 10 a.m. at the trail head located at the intersection of Forest Service Roads 2N10 and 2N06. The event will include a ribbon cutting ceremony, refreshments, and brief statements from leaders of the Trail project — including Big Bear Valley Trails Foundation Chair Phil Hamilton and San Bernardino National Forest Mountaintop District Ranger Scott Tangenberg. After the ceremony, leaders of the Big Bear Cycling Association will christen the trail by leading bike rides for beginner, intermediate and advanced riders. There is also a hike scheduled for anyone who prefers to walk.
Skyline is a new multi-use trail for mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding, designed to become the backbone of a new South Shore trails system. Located on the backside of Snow Summit, it parallels the 2N10 as it snakes from east to west, and offers views of Mount San Gorgonio. It currently extends eight miles to the Forest Dream single track trail west of 2N10, but ultimately it will meander through the forest for a 15-mile loop, with connections to existing and future trails.
The trail can be accessed by car or bike via 2N10 at the top of Clubview Drive. Another option is to ride up the Snow Summit Scenic Sky Chair then make the short walk or bike ride to the trailhead.
Following Saturday’s Grand Opening Ceremony, a three-hour “Build Day” will be held on Sunday, August 18th. Volunteer hand crews in cars are invited to meet at the Aspen Glen Picnic Area at noon; cyclists can meet at 12:15 p.m. where Skyline Trail crosses 2N10 just above Forest Dream Trail. Those interested in helping transform Skyline from a machine rough-cut to a smooth single-track — learning the science of trail building in the process — should RSVP online.
