3N24 - Desert Front

Desert Front is on the eastern boundary of the 200,000-acre Front Country Ranger District of the San Bernardino National Forest. Desert Front straddles the transition between the rain shadow caused by the San Gabriel Mountains and the beginning of the Mojave Desert. A leisurely drive along its 12-mile path brings you to several spots to enjoy the expansive views. The San Bernardino and San Gabriel mountains are seen from here and make up the major portion of what is known as the Transverse Ranges, the only California mountain ranges that are oriented east-west. The movement of the San Andreas Fault system has uplifted the surrounding mountains and ridges and down cuts formed the surrounding valleys and the Cajon Pass. Views to the east span Cajon Valley and follow Cleghorn Ridge to the San Bernardino Mountains. Looking to the southwest and across Stone Basin is the panorama of the Lytle Creek Ridges framing Mt Baldy and the snow-capped San Gabriel Mountains. As far as you can see, the Mojave Desert is to the north. Protected restoration areas to the north of the road have flourishing Joshua Tree forests taking hold and abundant wildlife whose tracks can be found on the soft sandy road. Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash.