Big Bear is the ultimate mountainous getaway accessible to the masses of Southern California. It is accessible both in its geographic proximity as well as its variety of offroad and camping options.
If you want to drive down a dirt road to a National Forest campground in the family SUV, Big Bear has options. If you want to explore scenic trails for the day and grab dinner in town, Big Bear has options. If you want to push the limits of your 4x4 on world-class rock crawling trails then set up at a dispersed campsite for the weekend, Big Bear has options.
Big Bear is part of the San Bernardino National Forest and is located less than 100 miles from most of the greater Los Angeles area. This makes it an excellent destination for Southern California locals looking to escape into nature for a few days. The high elevation also means it's the ideal summer escape from the heat of the valleys below. In the winter, Big Bear remains popular with offroad enthusiasts since it is one of the few areas with trails open year-round. That's right: snow wheeling in SoCal.
So if you're ready to book your stay in Big Bear (literally or figuratively), just know that you probably won't be the only one. Keep an eye out for fellow offroaders, be respectful of other campers, and make sure to leave the natural beauty of the San Bernardino National Forest better than you found it.
With dozens of trails in the Big Bear area, it can be tough to decide where to start. Check out our list of the Top 5 Beginner Trails in Big Bear CA
2N64Y Juniper Springs Spur is a short out-and-back trail on the quieter eastern side of Big Bear, leading through the high-elevation forests of the San Bernardino Mountains to Juniper Springs Group Camp. Unlike the busier rock-crawling routes near Holcomb Valley, this spur is better suited for a relaxed forest drive, camping access, and a slower-paced escape into the mountains.
The trail winds through Jeffrey pine, pinyon pine, and juniper near the Juniper Springs area, sitting around 7,700 feet in elevation, where summer temperatures are often cooler than the surrounding valleys. The route is mostly compact dirt with minimal obstacles, making it approachable for most high-clearance vehicles in dry conditions and a good option for newer drivers looking for an easy Big Bear trail.
At the end of the trail, Juniper Springs Group Camp offers a primitive, reservation-only camping experience available from May through September. The campground is closed to reservations from October through April due to seasonal conditions. The site includes one large, mostly flat and shaded camping area with room for up to eight vehicles, along with picnic benches, a Forest Service-provided fire ring, and a faucet with non-potable spring water. Always check current fire restrictions before starting any campfire.
In winter, 2N64Y can become a scenic snow route when conditions allow, but snow can quickly increase the difficulty and should only be attempted with properly equipped vehicles. Whether you are looking for an easy forest drive, a reserved group campsite, or a quieter alternative to Big Bear’s more crowded trail network, 2N64Y Juniper Springs Spur is a simple but worthwhile addition to a mountain adventure.
Unlock all of the details on every Trail Guide and Scout Route.
Start a 7-day Free Trial
