Eye of God Trail
Trail Stats
- Distance:
- 1.8 miles roundtrip
- Elevation Gain:
- 259 ft
- Estimated Time:
- 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Difficulty:
- Easy
- Best Season:
- March through November
- Dogs Allowed:
- Yes (on leash)
- Parking:
- Free (dirt road access)
Trailhead
From Big Bear City, take Baldwin Lake Road east. Turn left onto Vale Drive and continue to the junction with Burns Canyon Road (Forest Road 2N02). Trailhead is near 46040 Vale Drive. Dirt road is accessible to most vehicles in dry conditions. Damaged sign marks intersection. Follow 2N02 east approximately 0.9 miles to reach formation.
Get Directions →Trail Description
The Eye of God Trail offers a short, easy hike to one of Big Bear's most culturally and geologically significant landmarks - a massive white quartz dome formation sacred to the Serrano people (Yuhaaviatam, meaning 'People of the Pines'). This 1.8-mile round-trip adventure takes you through the Baldwin Lake area near Big Bear City to reach the Eye of God, known in the Serrano language as Hatauva. The Serrano Indians revered this brilliant white quartz megalith as the eye of their creator, making it one of the most important spiritual sites in the San Bernardino Mountains. Tragically, during the California Gold Rush, miners dynamited portions of the sacred formation in a fruitless search for gold, leaving visible scars that serve as a somber reminder to treat this site with respect. The trail follows Burns Canyon Road (Forest Road 2N02), a well-maintained dirt road that's accessible to most vehicles in dry conditions, as it bends east through high desert terrain at approximately 7,000 feet elevation. The relatively flat route gains just 259 feet over less than a mile, making it suitable for hikers of all ages and abilities. The short distance makes it perfect for families with young children or anyone seeking a quick adventure with significant cultural and historical meaning. The quartz dome itself is a striking geological feature that stands in dramatic contrast to the surrounding landscape, its white surface gleaming in the sunlight. The formation is a natural wonder, created millions of years ago through volcanic and tectonic activity. Please remember that this is a sacred tribal landmark and should be treated with the utmost respect - do not climb on the formation, leave no trace, and take only photographs. The trailhead is located at the junction of Vale Drive and Burns Canyon Road near Baldwin Lake, marked by a damaged sign. The Eye of God Trail beautifully combines natural beauty, geological wonder, and profound cultural significance into one accessible short hike.
Essential Trail Information
- Water: Bring at least 1 liter per 2 hours of hiking - Big Bear's high altitude (6,750+ ft) increases dehydration risk
- Sun Protection: Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are essential - less ozone protection at this elevation
- Weather: Mountain weather can change rapidly - bring layers even on sunny days
- Wildlife: Black bears are active in the area - store food properly and make noise while hiking
- Emergency: Download offline trail maps - cell service can be spotty on trails
- Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash and stay on marked trails
What to Bring
- Plenty of water (1 liter per 2 hours minimum)
- Sunscreen and sun protection
- Layered clothing (weather changes quickly)
- Snacks and energy food
- First aid kit
- Charged phone and portable charger
- Map or GPS device