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Quill Springs Lookout

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5/5 (6 reviews)
Lucerne Valley, California (San Bernardino County)
Last Updated: 03/18/2023

Trail Information

Highlights

Nestled high up in a remote canyon situated between Goat Mountain and West Ord Mountain lies a hidden spring known as Quill Springs. The spring supports an old cottonwood tree that offers plenty of shade during the spring and summer months, providing a good location to take a break. Further up the trail you will be treated with a grand view overlooking the Ord Mountain range to the northeast and the San Bernardino Mountains to the south. Scattered along the trail are remnants of old mining establishments and Indian petroglyphs to discover. High canyon walls and interesting rock formations along with spectacular vistas make this trail a must visit.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

5/5 (6)
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Official Crew
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81650
Open
Visited: 03/18/2023

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.
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 05/22/2021

Very cool well marked out and back trail. First time on this trail and our 27 year old jeeps on 33's had no issues. Buddy in 4 wheel drive Tahoe didn't chance the least push up the rocky hill and hopped in. Overall easy trail with some great canyon wall squeezes and a big reward at the end. The view is amazing. Planning this trail as a night op on our next trip to the LV. Can't wait!!!
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Official Crew
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81650
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 01/27/2019

Quill Springs Lookout is an interesting trail! From the beginning of the trail, it doesn't look like much, but once you get into the canyon, after Waypoint 4, things start to change. Plenty of unique scenery and some easy, but fun rock obstacles along the way.
Trail Review: Quill Springs Lookout - G. Martin
Trail Review: Quill Springs Lookout - G. Martin
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1100
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 12/26/2018

Superb viewpoint at the end. The more difficult part is towards the end so you can leave your car there if you don’t want to try it. You can hike the last mile or so to the viewpoint. Totally worth it. Note that if you want to connect to the other trails in the area from this website, you can shortcut on the BLM road that goes East at (34.6359406, -116.8931449)
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2350
Not Reported
Visited: 06/08/2018

Trail is open and the trail conditions are the same as the original write up. Be aware of some recent red BLM trail closure signs in the area and stay on only Open Route trails. The cottonwood tree at waypoint 8 is in full bloom and full of green leaves. I always like to bring a couple gallons of extra water and use it to water the cottonwood, keeping it looking good. I'm sure the tree would appreciate a little water love from all visitors as well.
Trail Review: Quill Springs Lookout - Ben Stone

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