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Drone Rules for San Bernardino National Forest

Big Bear, California (CA) • United States
Big Bear, CA 92314, USA
Lat: 34.0568 • Lng: -116.948
Ground Not fully verified Last updated: May 30, 2026
Summary
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USFS San Bernardino NF encompasses Big Bear Lake and San Gorgonio Wilderness. Ontario Class C airspace reaches into the western valley flanks; Big Bear City Airport (L35) Class D is inside the forest.

Drone Rules - San Bernardino NF, California

San Gorgonio Wilderness (59,293 acres) bans drones; Big Bear City Airport (L35) Class D sits inside the forest, requiring LAANC for Big Bear Valley flights.

Airspace / Site Context

  • L35 Class D surface area covers all of Big Bear Valley; LAANC required for any flight below 700 ft AGL over Big Bear Lake
  • Ontario International (ONT) Class C outer ring extends toward the San Bernardino foothills
  • San Gorgonio Mountain (11,503 ft MSL) -- summit flights are in Class E; winter conditions can disable electronics

Key Rules

  • LAANC required near L35 for Big Bear Valley flights; most grid squares authorize 200-400 ft AGL
  • San Gorgonio Wilderness boundary begins at the upper mountain flanks -- download GPS boundary
  • USFS Special Use Permit required for commercial work; SoCal fire TFRs common May-November

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