more stats
3,852 ft
Distance
-167 ft
Descent
00:03:56
Avg time
-168 ft
Altitude change
7,815 ft
Altitude min
7,982 ft
Altitude max
7,982 ft
Altitude start
7,815 ft
Altitude end
-4.4%
Grade
-16.6%
Grade max
0.4%
Grade min
3,629 ft
Distance down
177 ft
Distance flat
00:03:56
Avg time

Pirates Details

  • Activities
    • Mountain Bike
    • Winter Fat Bike
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
  • Riding Area
    South Big Bear Lake
    Big Bear City, California
  • AKA
    Hangman
  • Difficulty Rating
    Green Rate
  • Local Popularity
    65 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • 5 in Trail Running
    • 5 in Hiking
  • Global Ranking
    #94169 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • #136156 in Trail Running
    • #130237 in Hiking
  • Trail Type
    Singletrack
  • Bike Type
    DH, AM, XC, Fat
  • Direction
    Both Directions
    Popular Direction Shown
  • Climb Difficulty
    Blue
  • Physical Rating
    Moderate
  • Season
    Apr-Oct
  • Dogs Allowed
    Yes
  • TTFs on Trail
    Berm, Jump, Gap Jump, Rock Garden
  • Ride in Rain
    Yes
  • Land Owner
    San Bernadino National Forest

Great downhill that has been raced on for 20+ years. Rocky, loose, rutted, roots, this trail has it all.

Trail Supporters

  • USFS
    Land Manager
Local Trail Association
Traditionally Indigenous Territory

Recent Activity on Trail

Past Week
  • 0 rides
  •  
6 Months
  • 5 rides
  • 11 miles avg distance
All
  • 98 rides
  • Last: Jul 31, 2026
c1c2c3c4
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February
March
April
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June
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December
update trails status or condition

Pirates Trail Reports

statusdatedescription
Jun 4, 2026 @ 4:29pm (America/Los_Angeles)
Jun 4, 2026
 still officially closed. lots and lots of downed trees on the trail
Mar 23, 2026 @ 7:27am (America/Los_Angeles)
Mar 23, 2026
Feb 17, 2026 @ 6:12am (America/Los_Angeles)
Feb 17, 2026
 Massive snow dump. Great for snowshoes, XC skis and fat bikes.
Feb 2, 2026 @ 11:28am (America/Los_Angeles)
Feb 2, 2026
 Still several trees down
Jan 19, 2026 @ 9:19am (America/Los_Angeles)
Jan 19, 2026
 At least 20 trees down on the trail
more »
Status:
on Jun 4, 2026
Dry
Avg: 3.99 (5 votes)
Your vote: 0

view (1,352)
close
      Directions to pirates trailhead (34.221710, -116.883110)
      View on Discover Map

      Photos

      3 more »
      mtb
      112 |
      Jul 18, 2019 @ 1:42pm
      Jul 18, 2019
      mtb
      114 |
      Jul 18, 2019 @ 1:42pm
      Jul 18, 2019
      report
      mtb
      50 |
      Dec 28, 2024 @ 2:05pm
      Dec 28, 2024

      Videos

      11 more »
      youtuber Pirates MTB Trail | Pirates - Skyline - Fern |...
      mtb
      12:51 | 344 | Oct 23, 2020 , Big Bear City
      Time is the Enemy Teaser
      mtb
      0:44 | 169 | Oct 31, 2012 , Big Bear City
      Gravity Pirates DH Dig Day #1 01-15-2012
      mtb
      5:40 | 837 | Jan 16, 2012 , Big Bear City
      Gravity Pirates DH Clinic 05-28-2011
      mtb
      3:42 | 377 | May 29, 2011 , Big Bear City

      Routes with this trail

      15
      Pirates - Skyline - Fern
      ★ 4.0 • 5 miles • 166 ft • 12 • Shuttled •
      This route is a great alternative to Going Green. There are signs directing you this way from the top of...
      4.0 ★★★★★
      5 Ratings
      5 ★
      4 ★ 100%
      3 ★
      2 ★
      1 ★

      Reviews / Comments

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      Nearby Trails

      South Big Bear Lake

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      Frequently Asked Questions

      ▼ Where is Pirates located?
      Pirates is located in South Big Bear Lake, Big Bear City, California, United States. It is part of the South Big Bear Lake trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 34.22171, -116.88311.
      ▼ How hard is Pirates?
      Pirates is rated as Green difficulty. The physical rating is Moderate. The average grade is 4.4%. The climb difficulty is rated Blue.
      ▼ What is the elevation gain for Pirates?
      The trail has 167 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 7,815 ft to 7,982 ft.
      ▼ Is Pirates a point to point trail?
      Pirates is not a point to point trail. The direction is Both Directions. The trail type is singletrack.
      ▼ How long is Pirates?
      Pirates is 3,852 ft long. The trail type is singletrack.
      ▼ Are dogs allowed on Pirates?
      Yes, dogs are allowed on Pirates. Please keep dogs on a leash where required and clean up after them.
      ▼ When is the best time of year to ride Pirates?
      Pirates is best visited during: Apr-Oct.
      ▼ How do I access Pirates? Where is the closest parking trailhead?
      The closest parking and trailhead locations to Pirates are: View all parking locations in the area.
      ▼ How long does it take to ride Pirates?
      Based on recorded activities, it takes an average of 5 minutes to ride Pirates. The trail is 3,852 ft long. Actual times will vary based on fitness level, conditions, and pace. View recent activity logs for more details.
      ▼ How busy is Pirates?
      Pirates is a moderately popular trail. There have been 1,225 recorded activities on this trail. The trail has received 1,352 check-ins. View recent activity on this trail.

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