Big Bear Trails? (Easy)

Good Friday to you all.

Does anybody know of some very basic, easy trails in or near Big Bear CA, like service roads, dirt roads?

Nothing crazy, I’m still stock height and tires (for now)
something to take my 5 yr old and wife to putt around and pack a lunch.

cheers

 

Coxey Rd. Many other trails stem from it but if you stay on it it’s pretty chill. It starts around Fawnskin and ends at Bowen Ranch Road. You can turn around at any point and just come back. It passes by some picnic areas and shooting areas. There are plenty of others but this is the one I know. I don’t think I would want to take it once it starts snowing out there without being with a group of folks, or after some very heavy rains. It is maintained but I’m not sure how often.

 

@nishibot
Is it Holcomb Valley we did? We had a Prius lead us

edit: that Prius was hitting whoops like the best of em LOL

 

3N16

 

Another vote for Coxey Road!!

 

Yes it was 3N16 very stock capable.

If you go East to West you really want to air down for the beginning

 

Be careful on any trails when it starts to rain or snow. Trail conditions can change from one day to the next. Be sure to go with a buddy!

 

Better yet, skip the beginning (it sucks, it’s boring, the views aren’t any better than you’ll get joining in at another juncture).

Except for the lame rough bit at the Far East end by the dump, this is my favourite easy route in Big Bear. I *love* this route, driven east to west. Big wide banked turns and enough visibility in most places that you can play a bit with speed. Don’t do it near sunset though; you’ll have the sun in your eyes which, with how dusty your windshield may be, is no bueno.

 

We’ll be going here real soon. No chance of rain or snow. Daytime only.
Appreciate all the tips!

3N16 it is.
Thank you!

 

Post up, maybe some of us can join you!!

 

hahah we learned the hard way that day about the setting sun right

 

Yes, right!

 

Also if you don't have this book... GET IT.
JUST DO IT.

$20 Guide to Southern California Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails

https://www.amazon.com/Southern-California-Backroads-4-Wheel-Trails/dp/0966497643

I think I still have mine kickin around in the attic.
I kept it with me even when I knew the trails like my back hand. I knew them so well I could go from I15 on the Cajon pass and stay on dirt all the way (except to cross a road or two) through Lake Arrowhead, Big Bear, and then down into either Joshua Tree or Johnson Valley. Fun times.

 

Thank you! Excellent. Added it to my cart.

 

You're welcome.
I forgot to mention. When you get into big bear if you hit the discovery center you can find a few cheap trail maps.
https://goo.gl/maps/WHbSXg7QpHreXSXM8

Check out the sat view and you can see the roads from there that connect you to Holcomb Valley campground.
https://goo.gl/maps/iQihnwq93dcoGsdP6

There are a couple historical markers there.
https://goo.gl/maps/kncCU1Sr1Q9Wb6at6
https://goo.gl/maps/BWPPWy28wWVRw6gQ9

Good luck. Have fun. Go prepared and please Tread Lightly!

 

@Stocky Balboa, this is great advice:

I got one of those OHV maps of BB free at the Discovery Center, and it is excellent!

 

Caution: don’t get an early edition, get the latest you can AND realize some of the listed routes will have changed after publishing. Always a good idea to check online for updates from people that have run a route recently. I know this because one that is listed as moderate out near Campo is impassable to most vehicles now, frequently breaking axles of Jeeps that try....

(Cool trail though- and when I fill in the last bit of armor under my 1st gen, I *will* beat it.)

 

Wasn’t planning on it but the wife wanted to cruise up yesterday.
Perfect day! Only did a short 10 mile trek on Coxey to 3N16 but it was fun. Very slow going, stock tires had me cautious. We stopped and dropped the tailgate for lunch. My 5 yr old loved it and that’s what it’s all about. The next gen loving the outdoors.

Thank you for all the info.
Can’t wait to install my 6112/5160 next week and then add some better tires.
Next trip, I will plan ahead and post up to see if others want to join.
I had the ranger stop me because I had my Lightbar on by accident. I stopped to test it and forgot. Whoops...

 

When I was a little kid, my dad would take my brothers and I on Jeep jamboree trail runs up to Big Bear. I haven't been there since then, but remember a trail with an old silver mine (I think), that looked out over the desert. I'd love to drive that trail again. It may not exist anymore?

 

It does. When I have time I’ll look it up for you. In the meantime, on the SoCal Shenanigans run at White Mountain this summer a couple of us did that (very short) run in conjunction with White Mountain. It’s on the map posted in that thread.

 

Thanks!

 

Here you go, @Midway. The trail you’re remembering may be 3N11A:


In this pic, it’s near the back of those black arrows, makes a little crook up and to the right. Where it turns out back on itself to the right, there’s a small place to park, and views over the desert. Then down to the mine.

 

Very much appreciated!

Thank you!