Quill Springs Lookout

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.

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!!!

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.

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)

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.

The up and back Quill Springs route was great. Directions were easy to follow, and direct and to the point turn by turn. The spring was wet, and the canyon driving up was fun. There were several rocky places we had to creep over sharp and layered rocks slowly, but nothing my Tacoma 4WD was challenged by. We hiked up an amazing side canyon (to the left just before entering the spring area) and took dozens of photos of the blooming flora. Very little fauna that day: it was cold and windy and cloudy. In our first trip there last year we saw chuckawallas and much insect and reptile life. I hope to go back again and hike all the way up the side canyon next year. We did not go up to the look out this time, but turned around at a likely spot along the way.