Onyx Summit
Reach one of California's highest driveable points for stunning mountain vistas, PCT access, and incredible stargazing.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clear skies, pleasant temps
Onyx Summit
Best Time
Clear skies, pleasant temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Reach one of California's highest driveable points for stunning mountain vistas, PCT access, and incredible stargazing.
"It's just a turnout on the side of the highway... 8843 feet of summit leading into Big Bear. Fun trail to hike!"
🚗 Scenic Drive Up
Enjoy the winding Highway 38 drive from Big Bear. Check road conditions, especially in winter for snow chains.
🥾 Hike Prepared
Bring water and sturdy shoes for the PCT trail. Elevation gain can be significant, so be ready for a workout.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Onyx Summit Viewpoint
Highway 38
Reach one of California's highest driveable points for panoramic mountain vistas. A quick stop with big rewards.
Pacific Crest Trail Access
Trailhead at Onyx Summit
Step onto the iconic PCT for a challenging hike or a segment of your own adventure. Experience the wilderness.
Stargazing Haven
Onyx Summit
Escape light pollution for breathtaking night skies. A perfect spot for amateur astronomers and romantic evenings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Ascent
What to Expect at the Top
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Scenic Drive Up
Enjoy the winding Highway 38 drive from Big Bear. Check road conditions, especially in winter for snow chains.
🥾 Hike Prepared
Bring water and sturdy shoes for the PCT trail. Elevation gain can be significant, so be ready for a workout.
✨ Stargazing Gem
Onyx Summit is a prime spot for clear night skies. Pack warm layers and a blanket for an unforgettable celestial show.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture stunning mountain panoramas and the vastness of the sky. Golden hour offers particularly beautiful light.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Scenic Drive Up
Enjoy the winding Highway 38 drive from Big Bear. Check road conditions, especially in winter for snow chains.
🥾 Hike Prepared
Bring water and sturdy shoes for the PCT trail. Elevation gain can be significant, so be ready for a workout.
✨ Stargazing Gem
Onyx Summit is a prime spot for clear night skies. Pack warm layers and a blanket for an unforgettable celestial show.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture stunning mountain panoramas and the vastness of the sky. Golden hour offers particularly beautiful light.
⚠️ Road Closures
Be aware that dirt roads beyond the main summit area may be closed, limiting further exploration. [^Review]
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Onyx Summit for its scenic drive and high elevation, offering a quick escape to the mountains. It's a popular spot for PCT hikers, cyclists seeking a challenge, and stargazers. However, some note the lack of extensive facilities and that the summit itself is primarily a viewpoint with limited exploration beyond the PCT trail.
"Excellent drive. Nice destination if you desire to drive(not walk) to one of the highest points in California. Unfortunately the excursion will end at dirt roads that are closed. Not much to see at the destination beside the PCT trail. In all a fun drive nice adventure."
Curtis Brown
"Nice quite drive up the 38, if it was recently raining down the hill in the Fall, Winter, or Spring, you might see snow up there and need snow chains."
lock dot 2
"All I can say is wow!!!!"
Medicare Knowledge Group
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Onyx Summit is accessible via Highway 38, a scenic route from Big Bear Lake. The drive itself offers beautiful mountain views. Be aware that in winter months, snow chains may be required due to icy conditions. [^Review]
The drive up Highway 38 to Onyx Summit is generally considered pleasant and scenic. It's a paved road for most of the way, but can be winding. [^Review]
You can drive to a high elevation point at Onyx Summit, which is a turnout on the side of the highway. Further exploration might be limited to dirt roads that can be closed. [^Review]
Onyx Summit sits at approximately 8,843 feet (2,700 meters), making it one of the highest points accessible by road in the San Bernardino Mountains. [^Review]
Public transport options directly to Onyx Summit are very limited. It is best accessed by private vehicle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets or admission fees required to visit Onyx Summit. It's a public access point along Highway 38. [^Review]
Onyx Summit is accessible year-round, 24 hours a day, as it's a natural point along a public highway. However, road conditions can affect access in winter. [^Review]
Yes, there are turnouts and parking areas along Highway 38 at Onyx Summit, suitable for a brief stop. [^Review]
For casual hiking on the PCT access point, no special permits are typically needed. However, for longer thru-hikes or specific activities, check with the San Bernardino National Forest for any requirements.
While Onyx Summit itself is a viewpoint and trailhead, dispersed camping might be available in surrounding National Forest areas. Check with the San Bernardino National Forest for regulations.
🎫 🌟 Onsite Experience
At Onyx Summit, you can enjoy scenic views, access the Pacific Crest Trail for hiking, and experience excellent stargazing. It's a great spot for a quick stop or a conditioning hike.
Absolutely! Onyx Summit is highly recommended for stargazing due to its high elevation and distance from city lights, offering clear, dark skies.
Onyx Summit serves as a trailhead for the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Hikers can tackle challenging sections with significant elevation gain. 
Restroom facilities are generally not available at Onyx Summit itself. Visitors should plan accordingly and use facilities in nearby towns like Big Bear Lake. [^Review]
Many visitors enjoy the scenic drive up Highway 38, stopping at the summit for photos and a brief walk on the PCT. It's also a popular spot for training and stargazing.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no restaurants, cafes, or food services directly at Onyx Summit. It's a natural viewpoint and trailhead. [^Review]
You'll need to travel back down to Big Bear Lake or other nearby communities for dining options. Pack a picnic to enjoy at the summit. [^Review]
Yes, you can have a picnic at Onyx Summit. There are turnouts where you can stop and enjoy a meal with a view. [^Review]
It's recommended to bring all your own food and drinks, as there are no services available. Pack snacks, water, and a picnic lunch if you plan to stay a while.
While some PCT hikers mention water caches, dedicated food caches are not a common feature. Hikers typically carry their own provisions.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit itself offers panoramic mountain views. The PCT trailhead provides opportunities for dramatic landscape shots, and the night sky is incredible for astrophotography.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for landscape photography. Nighttime is ideal for capturing the stars.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain vistas. For night photography, a tripod and a camera capable of low-light shooting are essential.
Drone usage is subject to regulations by the San Bernardino National Forest. Always check current rules and obtain necessary permissions before flying a drone.
Capturing the vastness of the night sky or the challenging terrain of the PCT can lead to unique and memorable photographs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families with older children who enjoy a bit of a challenge, a short hike on the Pacific Crest Trail can be a memorable experience. Emphasize the importance of staying on the trail and carrying plenty of water. The novelty of being on a famous trail like the PCT can be exciting for young adventurers. Remember to check weather conditions, as snow can make the area inaccessible or require special gear.
🚴 Cyclists and Fitness Enthusiasts
+1The summit itself provides a rewarding turnaround point or a staging area for further rides. The high elevation also offers altitude training benefits, which can improve aerobic capacity. Be prepared for varying weather conditions, as mountain weather can change rapidly, and always ride with appropriate safety gear and hydration.
🌌 Stargazers and Astrophotographers
To maximize your experience, plan your visit during a new moon phase for the darkest skies. Bring warm clothing, as temperatures can plummet after sunset. A tripod is essential for astrophotography, and a camera with good low-light performance will yield the best results. The solitude and vastness of the night sky here are truly awe-inspiring.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Pacific Crest Trail at Onyx Summit
+1Day hikers can access the PCT from Onyx Summit for shorter excursions. Be prepared for a strenuous workout, as even a few miles can involve considerable elevation gain and loss. It's a fantastic place for conditioning hikes or to experience a taste of the PCT's demanding beauty. Remember to carry ample water, as water sources can be scarce, and the sun can be intense.
+1Many PCT hikers use Onyx Summit as a waypoint or a challenging segment to test their endurance. The experience can be both physically demanding and mentally rewarding, offering a true sense of accomplishment. The views from the trail are often spectacular, providing a unique perspective of the surrounding wilderness.
Stargazing and Celestial Wonders
To make the most of your stargazing adventure, visit on a clear night, ideally during a new moon phase for maximum darkness. Bring a comfortable chair or blanket, warm layers (temperatures drop significantly at night), and perhaps a red-light headlamp to preserve your night vision. Binoculars or a telescope can enhance the viewing experience, allowing you to see more detail in constellations and celestial objects.
Many visitors find the experience profoundly moving, offering a chance to disconnect and appreciate the vastness of the universe. The quiet solitude of Onyx Summit at night, combined with the brilliant starry canopy, creates an unforgettable memory. It's a stark contrast to the daytime hustle and a true escape into nature's grandeur.
Driving and Road Conditions
However, it's crucial to be aware of changing road conditions, especially during the fall, winter, and spring months. Heavy snowfall can lead to temporary road closures or require the use of snow chains. Always check local road reports and weather forecasts before your trip, particularly if traveling during colder seasons. [^Review]
While you can drive to a high point at Onyx Summit, further exploration might be limited to dirt roads that are often closed. This means the summit itself is more of a scenic stop and trailhead rather than a point for extensive off-road adventures. [^Review]
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit