There are two trailheads. The lower being non-motorized at the Bear Valley Pack and Saddle Trailhead and Campground. .8 miles further is the Upper Bear Valley Trailhead and Campground. The trail climbs gradually through sage meadows and open forest for the first 2 miles. Then the forest thickens and the trail steepens with some rough, rocky sections-fine for hiking but it can be tough for other uses. Nearing Bear Valley Lake, the trail levels out in sub-alpine meadows. There are junctions along the way to Buck Lakes and Upper Bear Valley Lakes.