By This hike begins from Green Valley Campground in San Bernardino County. There is a small parking area in front of the campground for day hikers. When we arrived at the campground that morning, there was a friendly camp host who answered our questions.
We walked through the campground on the paved road (Forest Rte 2N13A). After 0.3 miles, we came to a road closed sign. It’s the end of the campground. No vehicles are allowed after this point.
After an additional 0.4 miles on the paved road, we came to a closed gate. This is the actual trailhead and finally, we left the paved road behind. The walk through the campground shouldn’t be discounted when you plan for this hike. It added approximately 1.4 miles to the total distance.
Go around the closed gate then follow the sign for Forest Rte 2N13D. Hiking on a wide fire road is never exciting unless it offers a great view. And this one did. Splendid!
It was pretty easy with a gradual incline in the first 3 miles. Then, we took 2N19A when 2N13D came to an end. Watch your steps here. These loose rocks make this uphill a challenge.
The trails were well-maintained and easy to follow. I loved this hike. It was so peaceful. We did not see anyone on this hike. Super dog-friendly!
The last several hundred feet (about 0.15 miles) to the peak requires scrambling.
We looked at it then found a nice lunch spot in the shade north of Crafts Peak. Let’s eat first. 😉 We had lunch with a view. Did I mention this hike was very peaceful?
Shop our huge selection of pocket knives at at KnifeCountryUSA.com!
After lunch, my pack preferred to hang out in the shade so I climbed the peak by myself. It required scrambling and a bit of rock climbing but it was doable. You should be fine if you are in decent shape.
Once I got over the rocky area, there was a short trail to the peak. The 360-degree view from the peak was amazing on a clear day! There were even a couple of trees to hang a hammock. I was so tempted but I decided to go back and join my pack. I was out of their sight at this point and didn’t want to worry them.
After I had my fill with photography at the peak, I came down to join my pack and got us ready for the descent.
READY!
Go back the way you came up, this is an out and back trail. By the time we made it back to the trailhead, the pavement was too hot. We still had about 0.7 miles left to the car. So someone was carried in a fireman style and got to skip the boring pavement. So lucky!
Good to Know:
- Hike Date: 8.26.18
- Distance: 7.3 miles RT
- Elevation Gain: 1,575 ft
- Crafts peak sits at 8,364 ft (2,549 m)
- Difficulty Level: Challenging
- Parking: Green Valley Campground
- Trailhead Coordinates: 34.248487, -117.057665
- Permit/Fee: Adventure Pass required for parking
- Flush toilets in the Green Valley Campground
- Good for Spring, Summer and Autumn; Some parts are very steep and in a snow/icy condition in winter, it will be dangerous.
Get Our Latest Comprehensive Dog-friendly Trail List Here. Enjoy!
Happy Hiking!
Shop our huge selection of pocket knives at at KnifeCountryUSA.com!
Hiking Girl with Dog 
Looks like a great hike. Those views at the top are beautiful.
I thought so too. It’s a great hike if you are seeking few hours of freedom and solitude.
The clarity of the light and the views is stunning. I love your doggy sunglasses!
Thanks, Ali! Glad you enjoyed the views. 🙂
Do you wonder if Xena is going to try to get carried more often? She looked waaaaaaay too comfy 😉
Haha I know! No shame..
She’s just being smart and conserving her energy.
She is actually very good at that when we hike!