Cactus Flats OHV Staging Area
Located off Highway 18 between Big Bear and Lucerne Valley in Southern California, Cactus Flats OHV Staging Area is a year-round destination for off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts and other outdoor explorers.
Sitting amid rugged desert and high-elevation pine terrain, the staging area is a convenient launch point for numerous trails, offering panoramic views of the surrounding San Bernardino National Forest.
Destination Details
| Season | Open year-round |
| Location | San Bernardino National Forest, off Highway 18 |
| General GPS Coordinates | 34.3598, -116.7963 |
| Management | USDA Forest Service |
| State | California |
| Nearest Towns | Big Bear Lake (south), Lucerne Valley (north) |
| Information Number | 1-909-382-2790 (Big Bear Discovery Center) |
| Fees | Adventure Pass or Interagency Pass required |
| Restroom | Vault toilet |
| Amenities | 2 picnic tables, interpretive signage, parking |
| Restrictions | Spark arrestors required, valid registration, no “Red Sticker” vehicles from May 1 to Sept 30, no wood/charcoal fires |
Getting to Cactus Flats OHV Staging Area
From Big Bear City, travel east on Highway 18. Look for Forest Road 3N03 on your right and head south. Continue until you see the sign for Forest Road 3N07Y; turn right and proceed about a quarter of a mile to reach the staging area.
Coming from Lucerne Valley, head south on Highway 18 and make a left onto Forest Road 3N03, then follow the same directions. Check the latest road and weather conditions before heading out, as desert and mountain climates can change rapidly.
Destination Overview
Cactus Flats OHV Staging Area is part of the Mountain Top Ranger District of the San Bernardino National Forest, bridging the desert landscape of Lucerne Valley and the forested elevations near Big Bear.
The area features a mix of desert scrub and pinyon-juniper woodland, creating a diverse setting for off-highway adventures. Numerous designated OHV trails, such as Smarts Ranch OHV Road (3N03) and various connectors like the Pinyon OHV Trail, traverse rolling hills and offer scenic viewpoints.
Facilities at the staging area include a vault toilet, informational displays, and a few picnic tables—enough for a quick break or staging pre-ride preparations. Visitors should note that there is no potable water on-site, so bringing adequate supplies is essential.
Given ongoing fire danger, only gas/propane stoves or lanterns with a California Campfire Permit are permitted; wood or charcoal fires and grills are prohibited.
Before setting out on the trails, ensure your vehicle meets California OHV requirements, including spark arrestors and valid registration. Keep in mind that “Red Sticker” vehicles are not allowed from May 1 through September 30. An Adventure Pass or Interagency Pass is required for vehicles parked at the staging area.
