Shore of Jenks Lake
Text and photography copyright 2010 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities. The author does not take any responsibility for injuries sustained during hikes or walks on the routes described here. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.
Jenks Lake
- Location: San Bernardino Mountains near the San Gorgonio Wilderness area. From Redlands, drive east on highway 38 for about 28 miles, just past the Jenks Lake Road turnoff (you can drive to the lake, but to do the hike here, continue on highway 38). Park in the Barton Flats campground area. A National Forest Service adventure pass ($5 for a day or $30 for the year) is required for parking. Click here to purchase.
- Agency: San Bernardino National Forest/Mill Creek Ranger Station (more info here)
- Distance: 3 miles
- Elevation gain: 600 feet
- Difficulty Rating: PG
- Suggested time: 1.5 hours
- Best season: May – October
- USGS topo map: ”Big Bear Lake”
- Recommended guidebook: California Hiking
- More information: here
- Rating: 7
Most people who know of Jenks Lake go there to fish, but the hike to, around and from the lake is very enjoyable, providing great views for a very modest effort.
From the Barton Flats parking lot, pick up the Rio Monte Panorama trail, heading east. The official Jenks Lake trail begins in 0.2 miles. Follow the trail as it turns right onto a dirt road, and cross pretty Frog Creek. At the next junction, take a left and begin switchbacking up the hill (the main road leads to some cabins.) As you climb, you’ll get nice views of the Santa Ana River gorge to the north and the San Gorgonio wilderness to the south. Finally, after a few switchbacks, you arrive at Jenks Lake.
Built by Captain Lorin Shaw Jenks, the small lake is likely to be crowded on summer weekends. Swimming is not allowed, but it’s a popular fishing spot. The trail around the lake is perhaps a mile, and easy to follow. You pass by the paved Jenks Lake Road as you circle the lake, and in so doing might feel just a little sympathy for those who missed by driving instead of hiking. When you complete the loop, head back down the switchbacks to Barton Flats.
Looks beautiful! What’s the sqeeter situation like?
I don’t remember, but it’s never a bad idea to have your bug spray.
Hey thank you for posting this. Although we could not find the Barton Flats Parking lot..:X (there was a lot of snow and it was unclear where the trail was) to hike up to the lake, we found a great trail just past the Lake. It was beautiful.
Yeah, it’s a nice area up there, but during the winter navigation can be a little tricky. It’s really nice in the summer. Thanks for reading & happy new year.