Re: Bradford Ridge Trail

Eastbay, 1st question is correct, park in the flat area by the forestry signs to access the trail I've told you about. 2nd question is not correct, If you continue past the forestry signs on route 3 you will drive east aprox. 10 minutes more to reach the forestry parking lot on the Bowen Ranch route. The trail by the signs I mentioned goes south then southeast and does not go anywhere near the forestry parking lot. The worst section of the additional driving on route 3 is down the steep hill by the signs and climbing another hill after you reach the bottom. I can make it with no problem with my 4 wheel drive but I have a truck and probably am higher off the ground than your sedan. I would say try the hike on the trail I mentioned and then another time if your car can make it to the lower Forestry parking lot try the hike from there and see which way you like best. Route 3 is hands down the road of choice to either the trail I mentioned or the forestry parking lot. Parking at the forestry parking lot will save you the hike up that last hill to the Bowen 2 wheel parking area but you'd have to weigh that against driving and extra 25 minutes or so to get there. There used to be a road from the Bowen 2 wheel drive parking area down to the forestry parking lot but it was gated and closed after the Willow Fire. I have not been through the Bowen Ranch in a long time but would tend to think that road is still closed. Adventure passes can be obtained in the Victorville area at the Big 5 store which is located on the south end of the Victor Valley Mall which is on the northwest side of the 15 freeway at the Bear Valley turn off. They are $30 for a year pass. No other information is needed or taken, just pay the cash. You can call your local ranger station to find an adventure pass sales location in your area. I have not seen recent evidence of the forestry Dept. ticketing for adventure passes in the area were discussing but I know they have done so at times in the past. If you receive a ticket and have no pass you can send $5 in to the location indicated on the ticket and this will take care of it. If you decide to get a year pass look at the back of the card for information about the adventure pass program. If you decide not to get a pass, well, you may be hung from the nearest tree :-)