Holcomb Creek
May 27, 2008
Big Bear California in the San Bernardino National Forest has 22 off road trails but only 4 stands out as real off road challanges. Dishpan Springs (3N34), Holcomb Creek (3N93), Gold Mountain (3N69A) and John Bull (3N10). If you choose to challange these trails we recommend that you travel in groups of at least two vehicles. Much of the reference material available on these trails list them as difficult, however the difficulty varies based on the weather, trail traffic and time of year. The books suggest that you have high clearance vehicle with lockers. I personally find that picking the right line and using some common sense is just as important as your equipment. Lockers are no substitute for a lack of driving skill. I have personally traveled and completed all of these trails in a Wrangler with 3 inch lift and 31 inch tires, better equipped vehicles will have an easier time. If you attempt to cross these trails in a stock vehicle I want to be there to take the pictures. The real beauty of the Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead area is you're never really that far from civilization. You can spend the day challenging the trails and the night sitting in a lake front cabin with your feet up on the fire. If you enjoy roughing it, then you may want to camp along the trail, just remember that you need an Adventure Pass which can be purchased all over the mountain. The trip from San Diego is about two hours give or take traffic.
HOLCOMB CREEK (3N93)
Holcomb creek is not only a very fun off road challange but has everything you would expect of high mountain rock trail. The trail has many rock gradens and in the spring has plenty of water for water crossings as well as a couple of waterfalls. The trail follows Holcomb creek and if your willing to take a short hike from the trial you may also encounter some pretty impressive waterfalls. Just remamber your Adventure Pass.I would mark this as one of my favorite trails in the Big Bear area and a must do. You can get to the trail several ways. The best is to pass Crab Flats campground after completing Dishpan Springs and continue north on 3N16 until you reach 3N93 the start of the trail. You can also get to 3N16 by taking the Green Valley Lake Road from the Arrowbear area, or do the trail in reverse by taking 3N14 out of Fawnskin on the north side of Big Bear Lake 
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