Exploration Trail (Keller Peak) Trailhead
Check closure status before you drive. The trailhead lot is small and primitive, on Keller Peak Road just off Highway 18 near the Deer Lick Fire Station (Running Springs side). Adventure Pass on the dash, no water, no restrooms. Fire-related closures affected this area in 2026 — confirm on the forest alerts page first.
The facts
- Trail served
- Exploration Trail 2W09X toward Keller Peak (~9–12 mi RT)
- Cost / pass
- Adventure Pass ($5/day, $30/yr) or Interagency pass
- Lot size
- Small primitive lot — go early in summer
- When it fills
- Rarely the problem here; closures are
- Overflow option
- Keller Peak Rd is paved — but confirm current rules before roadside parking
- Tow / citation risk
- Low at the lot; don't block the fire station area or gates
- Restrooms
- No
- Road to the lot
- Paved: Hwy 18 to Keller Peak Rd, lot shortly after the turn
- Busy season
- Late spring–fall (when open)
Getting there
Get directions →Finding the lot
Turn off Highway 18 onto Keller Peak Road immediately after the Deer Lick Fire Station (between Skyforest and Running Springs); the small trailhead lot is a short way down the road. USFS lists the trail as 2W09X. It's primitive — no water, no restrooms, room for a handful of cars — but unlike the famous trailheads in the range, space is rarely the limiting factor.
What is: closures. The Keller Peak area has had fire-related closures in 2026. Check the San Bernardino NF alerts page or call the Mountaintop Ranger District before committing to the drive.
The shortcut nobody mentions
If you want the Keller Peak fire-lookout view without the ~12-mile round-trip hike, Keller Peak Road is paved all the way to the lookout and open seasonally — you can simply drive up. Trail details and the full hike description are in the Exploration Trail guide on our sister site.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Exploration Trail trailhead?
On Keller Peak Road just off Highway 18, immediately past the Deer Lick Fire Station between Skyforest and Running Springs. Small primitive lot; Adventure Pass required.
Is the Exploration Trail open?
It has been affected by fire-related closures in 2026. Check the San Bernardino National Forest alerts page or call the Mountaintop Ranger District before going.
Facts on this page last verified July 18, 2026. Fees, hours, and access rules change seasonally — confirm with the official source before a long drive.