Trail DescriptionsGold Mountain TrailGold Mountain is a very scenic trail of medium difficulty, with optional rockcrawling challenges. It begins at the edge of Baldwin Lake, to the east of Big Bear Lake. The trail winds up the side of Gold Mountain with a series of switchbacks. Some sections of the trail feature loose rock and a couple of rock ledges. The views from Gold Mountain are spectacular. Before the summit the trail splits. Go right to take the harder route across the talus slope. Once on the talus slope you may choose even harder lines if you'd like. At the split you can go left to choose the easier bypass around the talus slope. After cresting the peak, the trail winds down toward Holcomb Valley Road. Minimum vehicle recommendations are 31" tires and at least one limited slip or locking differential.
John Bull TrailArguably the toughest trail in the Big Bear Area, this trail winds around the ridge on the north side of Holcomb Valley, passing through historic John Bull Flat where gold was mined years ago. The trail can be run either East-to-West or West-to-East, with each direction having its own unique difficulties. When run in the more common East-to-West direction, the trail starts with an easy/medium section that So Cal Broncos has adopted and intends to make more difficult with the blessing of the Forest Service. The second section begins with a nice gatekeeper boulder-strewn rock garden and continues through several technical, rocky climbs, drop-offs, tight squeezes, etc. The John Bull Trail ends at the west end of Holcomb Valley. Minimum vehicle recommendations for this trail are 33" tires, at least one locker and rocker panel protection.
Jacoby Canyon TrailJacoby Canyon Trail winds through a beautiful riparian area with a mossy creek and lush tree cover. The trail begins off Highway 18 below Johnson Grade and ends up on Holcomb Valley Road near the Lucky Baldwind Mine. The terrain is mostly easy to medium, with a rocky sections that shouldn't be much of a challenge even for stock vehicles. This is a short trail that makes a great crossover trail from Horsethief Flat to Gold Mountain or John Bull. Minimum vehicle recommendations for this trail are 31" tires—lockers not required with a confident driver.
Horsethief FlatThis trail begins east of Baldwin Lake off Hwy 18. The trail down into Horsethief Flat is rocky and challenging. And the views are breathtaking. Spend some time exploring Horsethief Flat, where rustlers hid out far from the long arm of the law. Next is the technical climb back up out of Horsethief Flat, which is perhaps the most challenging section of this run. This trail descends to a lower elevation than most of the Big Bear Trails and can be warmer than the surrounding area, so a good cooling system is a must. Minimum vehicle recommendations are 33" tires and at least one locker.
Sidewinder TrailSidewinder is a VERY difficult trail in the canyons east of Big Bear. It winds through a sandy canyon bottom, with many difficult rockcrawling obstacles. Minimum vehicle REQUIREMENTS are 35" tires, two lockers, recovery gear and an experienced driver. A winch is recommended.
Heartbreak RidgeHeartbreak Ridge is a fun, rocky climb past the famous "Pontiac" and up to the Alan Rowe Monument on top of the ridge. This run will drop in elevation before climbing up the ridge, and its situated on the "dry" eastern end of the San Bernardino Mountains, so be prepared for slightly higher temperatures. The terrain is mostly easy, with a few medium-difficult rocky sections and an optional difficult, rocky bypass. Minimum vehicle recommendations are 33" tires (or 31" with rocker protection) and at least one locker.
Tip Top MountainTip Top Mountain is a scenic spur road which winds its way to the top of a peak above the Rose Mine, with commanding views of the mountains and deserts in all directions. The steep, rocky climb is easy to medium, but dizzying heights and sheer drop-offs add to the excitement. Minimum vehicle recommendations are 31" tires and at least one locker.
Pipes Canyon TrailFor years Pipes Canyon was a popular route between the San Bernardino Mountains and the high desert floor. A few years ago the Wildlands Conservancy bought the land on both sides of the road at the Pioneertown end of the canyon and closed the road to public access. Today, you can still traverse about half of Pipes Canyon from Onyx Peak to the locked gate. Difficulty is easy-medium, though the road is now deteriorating through due to decreased use. Minimum vehicle recommendations are 31" tires and a limited slip differential.
Clark's Grade & Radford Truck TrailThese two trails are an easy, scenic drive from Big Bear down to the Santa Ana River and back. The graded road passes through several vegetation zones and offers great views of Mount San Gorgonio and the Santa Ana River gorge. This trail can be traversed without ever engaging 4-wheel drive.
Dishpan Springs TrailDishpan Springs is a medium-difficult trail that descends from the Green Valley Lake area into beautiful Deep Creek canyon. Along the way are some deep ruts, rocky sections and one particularly nasty rock "waterfall" at Devil's Slide. Minimum vehicle recommendations are 33" tires and at least one locker. Rocker panel protection is also recommended.
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