About 1N09 Recreational Shooting Site
Located in the heart of San Bernardino National Forest near Highland, California, the 1N09 Recreational Shooting Site offers shooters access to a scenic and expansive natural environment. This Forest Service facility sits within the Barton Flats-San Gorgonio Recreation Area, providing a unique combination of outdoor shooting and recreational trail access in the mountains east of Los Angeles. With a 4.4-star rating across 105 reviews, the location has earned respect from the local shooting community for its natural beauty and safety-focused atmosphere.
The shooting site operates under a sophisticated fire danger management system that directly impacts daily access. Rather than fixed operating hours, the forest service implements a five-level fire danger scale that determines shooting availability each day. Visitors must call ahead daily at 1-909-382-2997 to check the pre-recorded status message, which tells shooters whether the area is open and what time restrictions apply. On low fire danger days (levels 1-2), all-day shooting is permitted. As fire danger increases to level 3, shooting is restricted to morning hours only. During extreme fire danger (levels 4-5), the area closes to shooting entirely. This adaptive system prioritizes forest safety while maximizing recreational access when conditions allow.
The site provides a natural, rugged shooting experience without developed facilities. There are no restrooms, potable water, or shade structures available, making it ideal for self-sufficient shooters prepared for a day in the backcountry. Street-legal vehicles are required for access, and OHV/green sticker vehicles are not permitted. The Forest Service Road 1N09 is not designated as an OHV route, keeping the experience focused on traditional shooting and hiking activities. Adventure Passes and standard recreation passes are accepted for day-use entry.
Recent reviews highlight both the site’s natural appeal and the operational challenges it faces. The location is recovering from significant wildfire damage that affected the surrounding landscape. Some reviewers note that ranger patrols have become more frequent in recent months, actively enforcing shooting restrictions and ensuring compliance with current regulations. Others praise the respectful shooting community, emphasizing that safety is treated as a fundamental rule rather than a suggestion. The beautiful mountain scenery, recovering 4x4 trails, and peaceful atmosphere continue to draw shooters despite the fire-related closures and changing access conditions.