1N09 - City Creek

Nice easy trail lots of blooming wild flowers. Good box canyons for shooting. Unfortunately lots of trash left behind.

Fun trail! Super easy with just enough at the end to keep you from getting board! Small but beautiful water crossings and if you take the connector road back to the pavement there is a nice waterfall!!!! Any 2WD with a bit of clearance should be fine.

I wanted to have lunch by Bear Creek with some friends. We added a little shooting to our overlanding picnic with a little river dunking trip. Bear Creek (a few miles below Big Bear Lake Dam) was flowing really nice with a couple small pools you could get all the way underwater. The road west of the river crossing is easy with only one place I needed to go into 4wd for 20 yards. The road east of Bear River is graded and was driven by a 2wd minivan down to the river. This is an easy day trip.

My brother and I did this trail on a Sunday. There were hardly any other vehicles on the trail that day. We did have some light rain, which was nice as it kept the dust down. The trail was very scenic and colorful, most likely to our heavy rain season. It was an easy trail and we did not run into any obstacles that a stock 4x4 could not do. This is a good trail for beginners and even experienced offroaders.

Trails are officially open https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1095216.pdf

The forest service has deemed the San Bernardino Forest unsafe for public off-roaders to use until June 30th. For more information on this: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1095216.pdf If you disagree with the complete forest closure, please call (909) 382-2682 and ask to speak to the head ranger. You can also contact the head office in Washington,DC, and voice your concern there. (202) 912-7055 Another person you could contact your senator and express your feeling - (949) 598-5850 (Alex Padilla) or (202) 224-3121 (DC switch board) If you are unhappy with this at all, please make sure you sign up for the local off-road collations (Cal4wheel, and Corva). Feel free to reach out to them and ask what you can do. Cal4Wheel - (916) 381-8300 CORVA - 916-710-1950

Visited the trail again and today upon arrival there was a Forest Ranger who we spoke to and he said this trail, as well as many other trails in the San Bernardino National Forest, are closed until Jun 30th for public safety due to recent weather and incidents of people getting stuck. ***As per Forest Ranger; CLOSED until Jun 30th***

Ran this in my 2011 JKU Sport on 4” lift, 35 MT’s, and 5.13 gears, along with my dad in his 2015 JKU Rubi on a 3” lift with 35 MT’s. Did some shooting before we explored the trail, ended up only doing about 1/4 due to it being completely blown out from the storm that recently came through SoCal and we didn’t have time anyways. Lots of deep trenches from water run off and thick mud as well as several water crossings. We also ran into a downed tree which hadn’t been completely clear so I used my handsaw to clear the rest of the tree from the path. I rated this trail as harder simply because the state it is in right now is not an easy rating and I would not personally try to drive this in a stock vehicle, although you could probably make it. Bring some sort of saw and shovel if you do plan on attempting this trail all the way through just in case you need it.

First time taking this trail with family on board, my wife and kids plus dog. Definitely not as easy as mentioned in the rating and description. Not sure a 2wd can make it all the way through any more. There are several large ruts along the way. Possibly due to recent rains from early January 2023 or could be even prior to that. I would probably say this is more like a 4 now, more like Moderate. I have a 04 Jeep Grand Cherokee with a 7" lift so I had enough clearance and solid axles front a back made a big difference with articulation. The Jeep is built to handle this trail but we definitely expected the trail to be easier. There were a few spots that were sketchy to say the least. Also, I felt uneasy when passing the folks shooting as I could hear ricochet as we drove by. The trail feels long but that's most likely due to taking my time to go through it, nice and easy. Definitely some nice spots and views along the way. And yes there are several water crossings. When you get to pin point 19 by the camping spots its smooth sailing after that. The road is more maintained passing pin point 20. Overall, I recommend the trail if you have the right equipment to traverse it.

long voyage so have your snacks ready, also if you're taking it to get to big bear make sure the other trails are open, routes to big bear are usually closed during winter. Be prepared for amazing views

Ok so this trail is definitely not a 2 or easy. Lots of ruts now from all the rains. Trails off road I love you guys but your video is nothing what the trail is like now. You need to seriously do another video amd show the steep hills and downhills, rutted out areas. With out decent clearance and most definitely need 4WD on some sections now. Took us 3 hours going west to east into Seven Oaks. This is more a 4 now and plan a good day if you plan to stop and sight see the overlooks. Weather was perfect today after Thanksgiving. I have a 14 silverado 1500...35" tires,6"BDS suspension. Maybe because I was in a full size truck but he'll no is this an easy trail. From Bear creek to Seven oaks sure that's not even considered here but not the middle 12 miles.

Great trail, easier than anticipated. The updated new construction of the road from Bear Creek (waypoint 20) onward is great, smooth, quick to get through. Lots of great places to stop and have a picnic. Incredible views from many parts of the trail. Any 2WD with a little clearance would get through this trail.

trail is open

Always a beautiful trail! It is now fully open... ahead of schedule!

1N09 TO CLOSE FOR CONSTRUCTION IMPROVEMENTS City Creek Road, known as Forest Road No. 1N09, will be partially closed for construction improvements starting April 18 and projected to last until mid-June of 2022. Construction will start in the Seven Oaks area, off the intersection of Clarks Grade (1N54) and Seven Oaks Road, then continuing for approximately six miles west to Bear Creek, after Seven Pines Road (1N64). This area will be closed with locked gates for the safety of the public while heavy equipment works and will be blocking the road. After construction is finished, it will greatly improve the hydrological function of the terrain by keeping eroding sediment from flowing downstream. It will also improve safety for visitors driving the road and enjoying recreational activities. A Forest closure order will be forthcoming and will be available on the Forest website under Alerts and Notices -- Road Closures.

Fun daytrip going from 330 to 38. The prior review is spot on. A few big rocks on the edge of the trail in 3 places that require being a bit careful but no issues getting around in a 4door Rubicon. The massive ruts are still there. They dont cause an issue but need to stay on top.

Trail has seen better days. As you reach the end towards Seven Pines it looks like a rogue Off-roader decided to drive it during the rainy season. I shall not let his tracks dictate where my truck drives through so I stayed above his tire tracks…. Plus it felt like he had bigger tires than me! More rutted than before definitely. Some landslides! There’s a portion where I would pucker up driving a full size truck working down into Bear Creek. In all fairness we saw a bunch of Ford F150S out there and Rams that I’m assuming got over the section with the boulder so I’m pretty sure everyone will be fine. Other than that the trail is still easy and cool. Looks like the rangers came by to a bunch of dispersed sites and just overhauled the area by removing fire rings, water man made dams to swim in, and cleaned up the area. Again just assuming. All the best!

Fun trail. Started off from the 330 and left on the 38. Weather was perfect and I couldn’t have asked for a better day. There was some big boulders on the road but nothing you can’t get around, and the water crossings wasn’t a big deal at all.

The Forest Service closed this trail till Jan 9, 2022 SAN BERNARDINO NATIONAL FOREST Forest Order No. 05-12-53-21-06 Road and Area Closures Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), and to provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited within the San Bernardino National Forest. This Order is effective from September 23, 2021, through January 7, 2022. 1. Being on the following National Forest System roads, as described below and as shown on Exhibit A: - Forest Road No. 1N09 (City Creek Road), between Highway 330 and Bear Creek, - Forest Road No. 1N13 (Santa Ana Road), and - Forest Road 1N16 (Alder Creek Road). 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e). 2. Being within 50 feet of the National Forest System roads described in Prohibition 1 and shown on Exhibit A. 36 C.F.R. § 261.53(e). Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order: 1. Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order. 2. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty. 3. Persons with a contract from the Forest Service authorizing work in the closed area, and their employees, sub-contractors, or agents, are exempt from the prohibition listed above to the extent authorized by the contract. These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions contained in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A. A violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571 and 3581. Executed in San Bernardino, California, this 22nd day of September, 2021. __________________________ DANELLE D. HARRISON Forest Supervisor San Bernardino National Forest

Went down City Creek and it was a nice hot day, road was very easy, beautiful views.

Easy trail made it up with my rwd f150 no sweat. Camped at bear creak . Have visited again. Nice trail

This little run was so much fun and pretty much had everything for someone just starting out. The views, little creeks crossing, dirt, some rocky passes, couple hard switchbacks, etc... Finished the run and ended camping at Holcomb Valley campground

The gate was open and there was a large trash bin outside the gate. Maybe time for a much-needed trail cleanup.

Haven't been here in a while, love this trail it's super easy all the water passes you go thru is so fun and all the green and views of nature is breath taking.

Came a week after a snow storm. A nice easy trail that was maintained for most of the trail. Once passed the Bear Creek a few miles, road was super slippery and not as maintained. We had 2 Jeeps and a Ford F-150 and all made it through, but it was a little sketch. Definitely needed 4x4.

This is a fun, casual trail that becomes quite a bit more exciting with the addition of weather. Although none of our group actually got stuck in the mud, it did get pretty slippery at times.

Trail finally open after the closure due to the fires. We took the trail to Clarke’s Grade and into Big Bear. Great views and an easy drive, perfect for a nice day trip.

Fun easy trail though we did not do the entire trail as we turned off onto 1N64-Seven Pines where it meets. Nothing overly challenging great views and several water crossings but they were minimal. We went through with 3 other Jeeps that we ran into at the trail head. The El Dorado Fire was currently going on and there was low hanging smoke. Not sure if this trail will be closed from it but was open.

Construction equipment were using the turnout and signs were posted both outside and behind the gate saying the trail was closed. We saw a skip loader moving small boulders in or out of an area down the trail a bit as if they're using the area for storage of materials. Do not know about the rest of the trail but we went to Cleghorn.

Great Trail, i had a lot of fun. Some great views. Definitely worth the time. Some nice little streams that flow through. This time of the year i doubt you even need 4wd.

We visited today but it’s closed due to a fire.

We took on this trail from the Eastern section and discovered that the gate had been closed at Alderman Creek Rd. due to a fire. We attempted to exit the trail on the southern route of Alderman Creek, but they had crews blocking the trail for what looked like trail maintenance. It was unfortunate that we had to back track 2 hours, but the trail is absolutely filled with vista after vista which made it kind of hard to complain. Even though the trail is easy there are bumps that can come out of nowhere and rock your vehicle. I was in a hurry when back tracking on the way out and hit a bump that caused my rear sway bar link to snap my brake line. Luckily, I was prepared to make a temporary fix and limp home. I will post a video of our trip later once I finish the editing.

Incredibly beautiful day off the pavement. Several unexpected small water crossings that made for pleasant surprises. The views were just flat amazing even though it was quite hazy out. Highlight is Keller Cliffs which if you told me was in Utah or te Sierra's i would have believed it. Stunning for a 2 hr trip from the city. Ran in 4 high but probably didnt need to. We were staying in Big Bear and had always heard you could 4x4 in so we broke out the map, took 1N09 down and split off to 1N54 for a small climb and hit 1N04. Started to climb the mountain which gave off some great views. Then we took 2N06 Radford which was super scenic and narrow at points as you climb, a little rocky and bumpy with 2 or 3 small spot that made you think, but all in all crept up it slowly, and dead ended into 2N10 which we took down into town and wholla we 4x4'd into our place. About 4.5 hrs round trip and would recommend taking a lunch somewhere along the way and breaking up the ride. Would highly recommend!

Pleasant day trip on a well maintained trail that's easy to drive, 2H all the way in any vehicle with decent clearance. As of 6/28 all the creek crossings are easy with low water flow <6 inches. The first few miles from west to east have a lot of pullouts for target practice but it gets quieter after that with a lot fewer cars. Keller cliffs is a highlight. Beautiful and stunning in scale - wouldn't be out of place in any national park. Beaver Creek is an excellent place to stop for lunch with lots of good water flow but you'll be sharing the space with everyone else who had the same idea!

Pleasant, easy day trail. The first few miles are filled with spots to pull off for target practice but after that it's pretty quiet and the traffic really thins out. Really well maintained with no significant obstacles. Can be done 2H all the way in a vehicle with decent clearance. 6/28 the creeks were all very low flow. The Keller Cliffs are a highlight, quite stunning in scale and wouldn't be out of place in a national park. Bear creek is a nice place to stop for a lunch break, but you'll be sharing the space with everyone else who had the same idea. Lots of water and good flow.

Good trail. Descent amount of small water crossings. Plenty of room for Full Size truck. I stayed in 2wd the whole time. Connected 1N09 trail with Middle Control Road to get back on the 38. My dog loved all the streams to play in for a break.

Drove today (330 to 38) with the dogs, well maintained route, good markings. Couple of tight turns closer to Bear Creek for a full size Silverado. Water break/fun for dogs was worth the trip.

We’re beginnings and this one was a lot of fun for us. We stopped a lot to let the littles explore. It is a very scenic, beautiful route. If you have littles, definitely stop for lunch by the river/bridge. It’s a nice place to explore for a bit.

Just did 1N09 on 5/31/2020 from 330 to 38. Very scenic trail in good condition. Water crossings are minor and won't pose an issue for any 4WD vehicle. Still lots of wildflowers in bloom (not seen in photos below, I was having too much fun driving to stop and take pics). I was afraid doing this trail would become tiresome due to the length but it was very fun and engaging throughout. Nothing challenging along the route, but still enough going on to make it interesting. The offshoots look like a blast, especially Keller Ridge. Overall a great way to spend a few hours in the mountains.

Beautiful trail that's very scenic and offer lots of different terrain to enjoy. We ran it as intended from the 330 and continued our way down Middle Control Road to the 38. No major obstacles to be concerned about in any 4x4 high clearance vehicle but there are sections that a low clearance AWD will have a little trouble without a spotter. All in all a great trail to spend the day exploring. Bring water gear during spring/summer months cause the little river under the bridge is a great place to have lunch and enjoy the scenery

We drove the entire trail, start to end and back. Stayed two nights along the route and had a great time! We saw a few vehicles traveling the trail, as well as a guy backpacking with his dog. The trail is a fun and very scenic drive, and the variety of ecosystems along the way are incredible - from desert to meadows to forest and all with wild flowers in full bloom. I really enjoyed the many water crossings! Easily accessible, but a little rough in some spots - the last third of the trail might be challenging for 2wd as there are some deep mud holes filled with water (one was up to my axles due to previous tracks). The water crossings are mostly minor, but there was one or two that were a little deep.

Great easy trial. Came here with my family on our 2014 Q7 TDI. Easy but with couple of rutted out spots...but not any SUV, 4x4 stock can't handle. Love the multiple streams/rivers it has. Love it ! Need to be back and do it again !!!

Took this trail up into Big Bear. Pretty rutted out in a few spots but still a fun drive. Could be done in a stock AWD or 4X4. Did the trail in a 1" lifted forester and had no problems.

Did this trail and camped at Bear Creek. The camping spot was great but the trail itself is rather dull and boring starting from the west.. Next time I'll be entering from the Middle Control Road to avoid 2 to 3 hours of driving to get to bear creek. The trail itself is a bit rotted here and there but nothing a stock SUV cant do. Saw a Subaru Outback out there!!

pretty neat little trail found a good back way to big bear since we live in highland would make a nice day trip however me n my lady n the kids hit the trail from seven oaks instead of our usual middle control trail after a day of wheeling it was around 6 pm and boy was the fog rolling in looked at our trail map and saw it let out on 330 decided to push forward there were only two spots that the mud was real thick and churned up I had to drop it in 4 lo but the rest I was pretty much 4 all time and 2nd either way id rate it for a good beginner trail

Trail is open, but a little worse for wear after this winter. I did drive it in 2wd but a little momentum was needed in a few spot.

Nice fun little trail. It was raining today and the trail got bad very quick after the bridge crossing on waypoint 19. My truck was sliding and fish tailing into the walls but we made it out some how with 0 body damage. Once we got out it started to snow which made for a neat celebration next to the logging equipment at the trail exit. I would definitely put a warning that this may be impassable when wet. It had been raining for awhile and those last few miles were a little stressful when the vehicle isn’t going where you are pointing it to.

Easy beginner trail with little to no serious obstacles. I would highly recommend as a beginner trail if you're new to offroading, most stock vehicles with decent ground clearance and good tires will be able to comfortably clear the trail. Personally, I enjoyed it. A bit bland for my taste, but nonetheless scenic and fun for a family trip or a day out alone.

Received an update that the full trail is open. Enjoy!!!

Made the trip from the east to west and back after spending the night at Bear Creek. The gate is locked on 330 and apparently the short bypass has now been blocked with another gate and other junk piled across to block traffic. Road although closed from 330 side was in really good shape. Beautiful trail to take if you don't mind doubling back. A few nice little area's that could be used for primitive camping with some nice overlooks. Unfortunately a few of these spots were littered with trash and bullet casings.

The trail was open on the east end. We were surprised after we traveled its entire 23 mile length that the gate was locked on the west end. There is a short bypass to the left of the west gate that is definitely a "gate keeper" with very very deep and short spaced moguls. Challenging enough that I got out to inspect before trying and since were so close to the highway I felt we could get help if needed. My 2.5" lifted Jeep JKU made it no problem but a 4x4 pickup after seeing me make it attempted as well and immediately high centered on his transmission. We waited to watch his attempt and once he was stuck we backed in and towed him out. 2nd time Ive used the tow strap I carry. As far as the trip, the trail appeared to be have been recently graded and some spots repaired. There was water running across the road in most of the creeks. Most of these creeks have cement layed to prevent erosion so no worried on traction. The Forest Service has contracted logging in the national forest to clear dead trees and so nearer the west end there were mountains of logs piled ready for loading. There was no traffic that was obviously due to the locked west gate and also no one was target shooting. We stopped for lunch at the Bear Creek Water Control (19 on the map) but quickly discovered the mosquitos were out for blood and we ate in the jeep. Unfortunate because its very pretty walking along the creek.

Still closed

Talked with the rangers office today. Sounds like the conditions of the road are worse than hoped for. From what they told me, the trail has a hard closure to all traffic including foot traffic. Based on the repair times, the expected reopen date of the trail is 2020.

Even just days after the rain the trail was pretty dry, with puddles here and there. I was able to tackle the entire length of the trail from the 330 to the 38 in my 1994 Suburban 2WD. The only nonstock thing I have is bigger wheels/tires. Street tires, mind you. If I can make it down the trail in that beast anyone with ground clearance and moderate power can make it through no problem

Fun and easy trail, plenty of water crossings even a little ice towards the backside. The trail was open and we drove all the way through to the 38.

Although we didn’t drive from waypoint 1-12 today, the gates were open from waypoint 1 off the 330 (as of 12/07/208) and where 1N09 and Alder Creek connect (as of 12/08/2018) so it looks like that first few miles is finally open again. Plenty of big puddles and stream crossings to keep things interesting after rain a few days ago, but not too much in the way of mud.

Went for a casual Sunday drive. Gate was open but the signs said it was closed for shooting so we went through. The road has been recently graded and they have put cement causeways across the first three Creek crossings (bummer!) There was a closed gate after the water crossing just passed Fredalba Rd. So we had to turn back. Saw a forestry guy on the way out he said the road will be closed longer than the November 7th date in the previous review.

1N09 is partially closed from October 1 though November 7, 2018 between the west entrance at highway 330 until its intersection with 1N16 Alder Creek Road. The rest of the trail is open. Rain made for quite the drive with slippery conditions and hub-deep mud ruts at times; 4wd was a must. When dry, this trail would certainly be non-eventful but still fun with some small water crossings and good views.

We drove east to west on this trail today. Flat, wide and well maintained with no obstacles. 1 or 2 steep uphill portions but easily managed in 2WD. Less water crossings then earlier in the year but still about 3 small streams were running across the road. Several deer sightings. The west end shooting sites adhoc and official were a loaded with garbage and debris.

Super cool little trail not much water but easy trail to do in a stock Tacoma only pasted 2 people the hole way which were camping at the base. The direction and pictures made it super easy thanks ....

Great first timer trail. Being new to offroading, this was a great trail to begin our new adventures with. We found it interesting to find so much water to cross in the dead of summer. Being a SoCal resident for ever, I did not know that we had flowing streams in the summer. Great scenery! Drive took us about 4 hours and the kids loved it!

A fun and easy trail! There are plenty of water crossings that aren't deep. A must do for a first time! Please follow "pack it in, pack it out"

First time of off road. Made entire route after receiving answer from Josh Noesser. First, being excited followed by comfortable feeling after seeing a couple people at shooting range. Along the way, I think I went too fast compared to trucks front of me that they set aside waving. It was better than hiking view. Crossing over creeks, some small tree tunnel, rocks and over all I (we) are committed to off road now. First timers and starters, recommend this trail.. Just one more thing..... Picking up what is left by you is a must!

We drove City Creek eight crow fly miles westerly from the Seven Pines trail intersection. Easy road with no traffic except for the last mile on the west end. Several creek crossing (hence I guess the name) some with water. Target shooting was open per the rangers sign at the west trail head and there were 3 groups shooting. We visit here often to clean up shooting sites and today we noticed 2 more adhoc sites created (from 10 sites previously ID'd) and unfortunately loads of refuse left behind. Everything from paper targets, demolished tube TVs to perforated 4ft tall gas cylinders. Overall a nice ride

I ran a portion of City Creek Road (from 12 to 1) coming from Alder Creek Road entering through Greenspot Rd in Highland. The gate from Alder Creek Rd to City Creek Rd was open but the gate into Government Canyon was closed (it was also closed last summer when I was last there). There was a steady rain and quite few puddles that my little ones insisted I drive fast through. The creek crossings were less than 1 foot, if that.

We traveled the entire length of City Creek east to west. It was posted as closed to target shooting on the west end. The rain that has occurred since Joshes original report has only slightly changed the route conditions from Joshes original report by adding some 8" wide runoff ruts across the road and encouraging minor slides leaving small rock debris strewn on the road. Rare traffic but I did encounter a small group of dual sport bikes, SoCal Edison vehicles and a few target shooters stopped near the west end.

We ran the 4 miles at the east end of this trail after running Seven Pines and Slide Lake. Football sized rocks on all the trails today from the last rain.