Need Big Bear California trail tips quick

[03_4x4Runner]

I am going to have about 1.5 days to explore around big bear next week. I will be alone so I need some ideas on scenic easy trails. Can anyone recommend anything? I have maps of the area but do not know what is best for scenery.

 

[Ross]

There are some nice trails up there. It has been many years since I have been there. The Forest Rangers will have maps. I have a Wrangler that was on 35 MTRss and ARBs front and rear, among other mods when I wheeled there. Some of the trials I wouldn't want travel on alone even with a modified rig. I got through everything with my jeep but had to use my winch on occasion and did a little damage here and there. I believe they have some sort of rating system at the beginning of each trail.

Get a map and pay attention to the difficulty of the trails and you will be fine.

Back in the day some of the ski resort would let you rent mountain bikes, take you up on ski lift and let you ride down the ski runs, of course this was during the none snowy months. That is something you may want to check into.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

There are some nice trails up there. It has been many years since I have been there. The Forest Rangers will have maps. I have a Wrangler that was on 35 MTRss and ARBs front and rear, among other mods when I wheeled there. Some of the trials I wouldn't want travel on alone even with a modified rig. I got through everything with my jeep but had to use my winch on occasion and did a little damage here and there. I believe they have some sort of rating system at the beginning of each trail.

Get a map and pay attention to the difficulty of the trails and you will be fine.

Back in the day some of the ski resort would let you rent mountain bikes, take you up on ski lift and let you ride down the ski runs, of course this was during the none snowy months. That is something you may want to check into.

Thanks, I may have another 4runner going along now but still do not want hard trails for this trip.

 

[Geolander]

Thanks, I may have another 4runner going along now but still do not want hard trails for this trip.

There are lots of light-moderate dirt roads and such all over the area. Pretty much just drive around until you see something going off the main highway and hop on it. From my (admittedly limited) experience with wheeling up there, most of the difficult trails are marked as such.

This webiste has a list of some of the more popular trails in the area:
Big Bear - Dirtopia, the Off-Road Encyclopedia

Edit: oh, and don't forget your Forest Service Adventure Pass (you can pick one up at pretty much any sporting goods store) and proper recovery gear.

 

[Beakerbox]

I was just up there last week and we had a great time. There are plenty of trails suitable for beginners and intermediate. We done some of the trails around holcomb valley. As you take that trail you'll see lots of other trails branching off along the way - some more difficult than others. All in all - the 4 runner is more than capable for most of those trails but there are some difficult ones.

Drop off at the Visitors center on the north side of the lake.. They will give you a map. Reset your trip meter and the guides will tell you at what distance to turn in what direction. The holcomb valley trail is very scenic but also very easy.. They end of the trail gets a lot rougher but still no problem for my TE.

When you get the map - the recommend turning right and starting on the trial a mile down the road from the VC. You could opt to do the trial in reverse and it might be a bit more challenging - the hills at the end of the trail are quite steep. - easy to go down - but probably more fun going up.

Anyway - I recommend the holcomb trail to get your feet wet - then just go on from there with whatever you feel comfortable doing.

Best of luck mate!

 

[Pikeman]

3n16 runs from Arrowhead all the way through far East end of Big Bear. 2N10 runs from Highway 38 parrellel to Big Bear Lake, Clarks Grade is moderate with some narrow spots. All the trails must be marked with a brown post giving its Number. Also on the signs it will have a rating system.

Green Circle= easiest
Blue Square=Intermediate- stock 4wd with high clearance
Black Diamond= Most difficult- High clearance 4wd required and I believe suggested 33" with one locker.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

Thanks, we are going to this area in California first 2010 Toyota 4Runner: Wine Country Wheeling - Four Wheeler Magazine Then work our way over to Big Bear on dirt roads as much as possible.