There are several options with this trek idea, but the primary purpose is to combine easy access in the San Bernardino mountains, some modest elevation gain and mileage, a remote-wilderness feel, an option for no permits, a chance for access to water ... and depending on how you do it a neat opportunity to engage with the thru-hiking community on the Pacific Crest Trail.

With the San Gorgonio Wilderness sitting to the south, Heart Bar provides access to this trail system with some of the least elevation gain of the area ... though that isn't saying much.  Several dirt roads branch from the area and can be used to access trailheads and camps either via 4x4 high clearance vehicles or as hiking trails if required.  Check with the San Bernardino National Forest webiste to determine if the entrance gates to the road(s) are open or closed based on season or fire closure conditions. In particular, look for information on Forest Service Road1N05.

In terms of locations to trek, a few include:

Fish Creek - Nestled just inside the boundary of the San Gorgonio Wilderness, this location is a popular remote backpacking location that sits astride an often running water source (Fish Creek).

If you time your trek to be in the spring, primarily March - early May, you have a very good chance of camping next to some PCT'ers on their 2,600 mile through hike journey.  Mission Springs is a popular thru--hiking oasis, as the PCT'ers climb the ~6000' east side of the San Gorgonio Wilderness (coming up from the Palm Springs / Morrago desert below).  Often they'll stop here to rest and refill their water at the relatively consistent spring.  Also, the US Forest Service has a couple fire pits setup so you can have a blazing (legal) campfire.  Bring some marshmallows and other goodies ... share them with the PCT'ers around the campfire ... and your scouts will not only qualify for OCC's amazing Trail Angel patch, but the scouts will also hear some great PCT stories to inspire them.

NOTE: It's recommended you assume you'll need to park by the US Forest Service gate immediately off of US-38 near the dirt road entrance ot the Heart Bar Equestrian Group Campground.  Depending on the time of the year, the gate can be closed.  Also, while maps will show a dirt road extending all the way to Mission Springs (1N05), it is severely washed out as of December 2024 and impassable to anything with 4 wheels.  Probably best to just assume you'll hike the full distance round trip from US-38.