Lucerne Valley,
California
(San Bernardino County)
Last Updated:
03/18/2023
Trail Information
Status
Open
Distance
3.78 mi
Nearest Town
Lucerne Valley
Management Agency
Bureau of Land Management
District
Barstow Field Office
Highlights
High on the southeast slope of East Ord Mountain lie a chain of three abandoned gold and silver mines from the early 20th century. Ford Mine to the south west, Grand View Mine in the middle and Ord Belt Gold Mine to the north east. Each mining site has plenty to offer providing stunning views and old mill site ruins to explore. The trail will ascend over 2000' above the valley floor showcasing panoramic views of Anderson Dry Lake and the San Bernardino Mountains. Majority of the trail can be enjoyed by most using a standard 4x4 SUV but the last section of the trail will require a more capable vehicle and an experienced driver.
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From downtown Lucerne Valley - head east on Hwy 247 Old Women Spring Road for about 6 miles to Camp Rock Road. Turn left heading north on Camp Rock Road. Stay on Camp Rock Road for 4 miles then turn right to stay on Camp Rock Road. The paved road will turn into dirt in about 2 miles. Stay on well groomed dirt road for about another 4 miles to trailhead at Anderson Dry Lake.
There might be a lot of confusion lately with the San Bernardino National Forest order ( No. 05-12-00-23-03 ) closing almost all forest trails in southern California. This trail is still open.
This trail is totally worth venturing off of Camp Rock Road. The downhill leading to Ford Mine is treacherous (4lo with a locker and good articulation) after quite a bit of rain. There is a spot to park if you don't want to take the trail down the hill and you can hike to Ford and Grand View Mine. Well worth the 10 minute walk. I'd say this trail is probably the 3 rating at this point.
Trail is currently open, however you will see some red trail closure signs posted on some side trails that are not part of the open route marked trails in the BLM Ord Mountain Subregion. Stay on designated trails with only open route markers. You may see biologist in this area studying the desert tortoise, so please be respectful. Trail conditions are the same - no major changes.
Beautiful day - clear and only a slight wind. Made for great views on top of Ford and Grand View Mines. All of trail is open.
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G. Martin, gm4x4 on Youtube , is a California native, born and raised in northern California and now living and wheeling in southern California. He enjoys exploring new trails and setting up camp in the remote outdoors.
You may come across him in the middle of the Mojave Desert, the mountains of Big Bear, in the central Sierras near Shaver Lake or any other dirty, rocky road in the southwest.
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