3N93 - Holcomb Creek Trail

Big Bear City, California (San Bernardino County)

Last Updated: 10/19/2020
5 / 5 ( 17 reviews )
Information
Nearby Trails
Status: Open
Typically Open: Year Round
Difficulty: 6-8
(DIFFICULT - SEVERE)
Length: 5.75 miles
Highest Elevation: 6500 feet
Duration: About 4 hours
Shape of Trail: Straight Through
Best Direction to Travel: East
Nearest Town: Big Bear City
Nearest Town w/ Services: Big Bear City
Official Road Name: 3N93
Management Agency: San Bernardino National Forest
District: Mountaintop Ranger District
Distance:
Showing 0 trails within 2 miles

Highlights

Highlight: 3N93 - Holcomb Creek Trail
Comfortably nestled back in the forest of Big Bear, this challenging trail has been attracting visitors for decades. Argued to be the hardest trail on Big Bear Mountain range, this trail provides amazing views along with some of the hardest off-roading in the area. While traveling the trail, expect everything from water crossings and large rock gardens to difficult hill climbs. But be warned...over the years this trail has claimed many vehicles and should not be under-estimated. Holcomb Creek does offer snow wheeling in the winter, but if the conditions are not perfect, the trail may be impassable.

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Weather

7 day forecast for 3N93 - Holcomb Creek Trail

Route Information

Advanced Rating System

Recommended Vehicle:
Lightly Modified 4X4 (Small Lift and Larger Tires)
Concerns:
Summary:
The central rock garden has rocks up to 3-feet round. There can be a path around these, but the rocks are usually wet and are over 2-feet round making it harder than the dry 3-foot round rocks.

Technical Rating: 6-8
(DIFFICULT - SEVERE)

Rocky or undulated road surface. Potential rocks less than 36" tall and/or vertical ledges less than 36" tall and/or near vertical ledges or waterfalls less than 84" inches. Tire placement becomes more difficult. Can be steep and off-camber.
Read more about our rating system

Description

Holcomb Creek (3N93) is arguably the hardest rock crawling route on the mountain range. It is comprised of 5 rock gardens, several water crossings, a washed-out pass, several steep hill climbs with obstacles on them, and much more. This trail is waiting to cause havoc on your vehicle. 3N93 also provides many splendid views of the area including the Chair of the Jeep Gods, running waterfalls, Holcomb Creek, and dense forest on the west end. Be ready for some of the best wheeling and relaxation you can get in Southern California. In the winter, it does snow on this trail. Since the trail is on the north side of the mountains, snow does stick for long periods of time. If you are up for the challenge, then this trail goes from the easy line being ranked a high 5 to 6 in dry and perfect conditions to the easy line being a mandatory 10+ in less than perfect conditions. The trail is harder going East to West. Side Note: If the middle rock garden is dry which is common in the later summer months. The trails difficulty drops down to a 5. But when wet, the rocks are often extremely slippery and cause a lot of problems getting through.

Waypoints

1. West Trailhead At 3N16 - Holcomb Valley Road (0 mi)
The west trail head is where Holcomb Creek intersects with 3N16 – Holcomb Creek Trail. Going west to east is probably the more popular route, but both directions offer a lot of fun and different challenges.
2. West Rock Garden (0 mi)
Holcomb Creek offers a rock garden with a rocker panel destroying gate keeper. This is the largest of the rock gardens with some of the largest rocks on the trail. The rock garden spans over 300 feet long with rocks bigger than 36 inches. Be ready to use your rocker guards and lockers because it takes a bit of work to get through this. Between waypoint 2 and 3 is an off camber washout corner over a 15 foot cliff. Please note that wide, long, or tall vehicles may have problems in the spot.
3. Large Boulder (2 mi)
A small play area in the middle of the trail, this large bolder makes for some great photos. If you're doing multiple trails in one day, it's also a good lunch spot.
4. Hill Climb (2.8 mi)
Roughly right in the middle of Holcomb Creek Trail is this 100+ foot hill climb. What makes this hill climb so worthy of mention? At the top, the trail is all dug up. Because of the large holes, people have lost control and rolled over. Plan your line, and you will be fine.
5. Large Middle Rock Garden (3.2 mi)
This is the second largest rock garden on the trail and is just over 150 feet long. This rock garden offers the largest ledges on the trail and is considered the hardest point of the trail. In fact, one ledge is over 5 feet tall and will test your rocker panels heavily. There is a side route, but it has roughly a 2 1/2 foot ledge with uneven rocks at the bottom. It is highly recommended that you have rock sliders and lockers for this one rock garden. The second two photos are older pictures of when the forest was still there. The rock garden hasn't changed at all but the forest has since it now has been burned down as you can see in the first photo. It is everyone's responsibility to make sure we don't repeat this in the reaming forest areas.
6. 2N06X Cut-off (3.75 mi)
Cut-off back to 3N16 – Holcomb Creek Trail. 2N06X is a very hard trail that offers some fun obstacles. For more information, please visit the trail write-up at 2N06X
7. 2N06X Rock Garden (3.8 mi)
One of the smaller rock gardens, this rock garden is right at the 2N06X trailhead. Some rock stacking may be required to pass this area. Rock sizes range from 12 inches to 36 inches tall.
8. East Rock Garden (4.5 mi)
Another one of the small rock gardens, this little play area is riddled with rocks 12 inches to 36 inches tall.
9. Hard Corner Rock Garden (4.9 mi)
In the top 3 of hardest obstacles on the trail, this tight corner has very large rocks and water running through it. This one spot will likely cause a headache for many people. Because of the combination of a tight turn, water, and large rocks, this one obstacle is an easy place to get stuck. On top of that, it also has the possibility of doing some serious damage. If you take your time and plan your line, you should make it through.
10. Holcomb Creek Crossing (5 mi)
A popular gathering spot, Holcomb Creek offers plenty of open areas to hang out in. If the creek is damned slightly, water will create giant pools large enough to bust out the pool toys and relax in. Don't forget to bring your gold pans because there be gold in that water.
11. East End of Trail At 3N14 - Coxey Road (5.75 mi)
Trail intersects with 3N14 – Coxey Road at the Holcomb Creek Bridge. If you are on 3N14 – Coxey Road, Holcomb Creek Trail is west of the bridge.

Directions to Trailhead

Trailhead Coordinates: 34.275322, -117.050809

Starting Point: Fawnskin, CA

The trail connects at 3N16 – Holcomb Creek Trail and 3N14 – Coxey Road. Most people take this trail from 3N16 – Holcomb Creek Trail at 34.275322,-117.050809 but you can always take this trail on 3N14 at 34.300351,-116.982341. For more information on getting to the 3N16 – Holcomb Creek Trail entrance, please visit 3N16 – Holcomb Creek Trail To get to the trail on 3N14 – Coxey Road, please take 3N14 – Coxey Road (Rim of the World Road and Coxey Road) from Fawnskin, CA roughly 4.25 miles North.

Camping

Dispersed
The trail has no areas noteworthy to camp at. But there is a lot of great camping not far from this trail off of 3N16. Between the western trailhead, and 3N14 are several good areas to dispersed camp while at 3N14 and 3N16 is Big Pine Flats Campground (Fee). The San Bernardino National Forest is a nearby oasis for millions of Southern Californians who want to escape for the weekend and go camping. The higher elevations of the forest mean that the summertime temperatures are cooler than the valleys below. And as an added bonus most campgrounds have shaded sites and some are near streams or lakes. Many campgrounds are adjacent to beautiful natural areas and you can find solitude on quiet wilderness trails. Some campgrounds are reserved campsites, and on weekends or holidays we definitely recommend making a reservation. To do this, visitors can go online to www.recreation.gov or call toll-free 1-877-444-6777. Most campgrounds can accommodate both tent campers and RV's. All campgrounds have picnic tables and restroom facilities, and some even have showers and other amenities. Most campsites accommodate up to 6 people and 2 tents. There may be an additional cost for more than one vehicle. The Forest Service describes camping as either "developed" (usually accessible by road and including facilities like picnic tables, restrooms and fire-rings) or "undeveloped/dispersed" (remote areas accessible only by dirt roads or trails, no facilities). During winter months some locations may be inaccessible due to snow or closed, check with the local Ranger Station for updated conditions. More info can be found at http://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/sbnf/recreation/camping-cabins
Camping: 3N93 - Holcomb Creek Trail

Trail Reviews (22)

Author:
Josh Noesser
Official Crew
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
I was suprised to see the middle rock garden still hard... In fact it was hard enough to give people problems even without water. Now the east gardens were harder, but the big one at the west trailhead was super easy...
Author:
Joe
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
One word.... EPIC! Such a fun trail! We ran it from East-West so we saved the biggest rock garden for last! Definitely will test your skills as a driver and test your build. The obstacles are a load of fun. The 2nd Rock Garden gave the group the biggest problem. One had to finally break out the winch and another dragged the diff too much and caused a minor leak that we were able to patch up on the trail and finish it up. So grab your friends and go have some fun on Holcomb Creek!
Author:
Josh Noesser
Official Crew
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
Trail has seem some great changes to how difficult it is. I still am a firm believer this is hardest trail right now in the mtn range and all the rollovers are proving my thoughts on that.
Author:
Josh Noesser
Official Crew
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
The trail keeps getting better and better. This is easily the hardest trail on the mountain range right now.
Author:
Bill
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
Holcomb Creek Truck Trail is always fun. The little rock gardens are challenging, and it can be hard to pick your line even on 37s. We helped a stuck JL get through, he just needed a spotter. The rock gardens can have water in them, making the rocks slippery and even more exciting! First time we did this trail was in 1985 with a brand new 4Runner that still had paper plates! Pictures of the White 4Runner are from the 1985 trip.
Author:
Mike
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Ran this trail and had a blast. The center rock garden was very difficult with the water and sand causing the tires to slip. We got all 7 Jeeps thru with no carnage so it was a good day. Was really surprised at the amount of water still flowing at this time of the year. There was a new sign along the trail at the intersection of 2N06X that I hadn't seen before,
Author:
Josh Noesser
Official Crew
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
Ran the trail again before the summer ends. Love this trail and love how hard it has gotten.
Author:
Steve Decker
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
Awesome trail! We did it backwards and it was a ton of fun. Make sure you go with another buddy, it can be tricky.
Author:
LA
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
This trail is In my top 5 list of trails of all time and a Big Bear classic. This is the trail that transformed my rig to what it is today. As many times as I've wheeled it, I always come home with some pinstripes underneath on on belly skids. Personally, I think Holcomb Creek is more difficult than John Bull.(even though the Jeep BOH program says otherwise). Took a buddy out here in is slightly modified JLUR to earn his Jeep BOH badge (first time on the trail). Its been a few months since I was last here, but I felt like there were more rock gardens than before? Anyways, after completing it my buddy said the same thing as me: this is more difficult than John Bull, lol.
Author:
Josh Noesser
Official Crew
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
Still my favorite trail up there. The winter was hard on the trail making it a bit more fun. The landslide was cleared and washouts have been fixed. But overall, the rock gardens are torn up in a fun and difficult way!!! Please read the reviews and share with friends. The poor guy in stock Land Crusher was having a bad day. Really messing up his rig and he was heading for trouble down the trail and didn't know it.
Author:
Juan Velasquez
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
Fun trail had and its and a open diff in our pack. Fairly easy trail. Hard parts are the gate keeper and the 2 creeks. Everyone made it with spotting in those 3 areas. I imagine in the snow some of the off camber areas can be scary. Ran this trail in the rain once and the rocks can get slippery so winching may be necessary in some spots.
Author:
MARCOS VARGAS
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
The hardest trail i have ever done, but not to bad for a first time. i have a Jeep Cherokee 4.5 inches lift, long arms, and 33 inch tires. the hardest obstacle was the west gate keeper. you will need rock slides and armor to make it safe. is a fun trail since it gives you time to breathe between rock gardens.
Author:
Josh Noesser
Official Crew
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
Great trail, a lot of fun. Can't wait to do it more.
Author:
Josh Noesser
Official Crew
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
Great trail, lots of fun #FalkenTires
Author:
Josh Noesser
Official Crew
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
The trail was great, the west gatekeeper is a little torn up but making it slightly harder because of the spacing of the holes. Once these holes are filled in, the west gatekeeper will be easier than normal. A lot of the large rocks have been moved around. Sad. The middle wet rock garden is a mess :) Lots of fun. My New Falken Tires were amazing on the trail. Best decision I have done with the jeep was putting these bad boys on.
Author:
Richard Marshall
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Hit the trail today for the first time with a group of three jeeps and a pathfinder. We ran Gold Mountain, John Bull, and capped off the day with Holcomb Creek trail. There is a little water in the creek still and trail is in great shape. The weather was great, no congestion, and only minimal bruising.
Author:
Josh Noesser
Official Crew
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
Top 5 Hard Trails in Big Bear Holcomb Valley Area
Author:
David May
Official Crew
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
A small group of us decided to do a night run at Holcomb Creek. A few people in the group had never wheeled at night. They are now wanting to do more night runs. This is the perfect trail for that. While we were waiting for it to get dark, we did a little rock garden drag racing. Great times!
Author:
Josh Noesser
Official Crew
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
Another great trip on a great trail. Still my favorite on the mnt. This time I decided to stop and get a good shot of the "Chair of the Off-Road Gods"
Author:
G. Martin
Official Crew
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
There is a small amount of snow on the way to this trail, and a little rain the day we ran it, but it is passible and fun as ever!
Author:
Josh Noesser
Official Crew
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
Full Trail Video
Author:
Josh Noesser
Official Crew
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
Trip was awesome, the trail has a ton of springs running through it right now making it very slippery. We ran John Bull, Gold Mountain, Dish Pan Springs, and a few others and we had no issues until this trail.

Questions & Answers (1)

Q: Can a stock Rubicon make it through this trail? What are the minimum requirements?
–White JK (06/07/2019)
A: Also depends on how much rock stacking there has been done too... I have been out there and people have moved mountains to get a stock vehicle through.
–Josh Noesser (06/07/2019)
A: The short answer is maybe... A 2 door could likely do it with a fair amount of rock stacking and an expert spotter. Now a 4 door will likely struggle on the westernmost rock garden and most likely not have the ground clearance to get over the last few rocks. See waypoint 1 center photo. You really need a lift to do this trail with larger tires. The trail is mostly about ground clearance is most spots. Lockers will help in the large middle rock garden where it is often wet.
–Josh Noesser (06/07/2019)

Writer Information

Josh Noesser

Mapping Crew - California
Read More
Joshua Noesser grew up in Southern California but has lived in different parts of the country during his young adult life. Josh was first turned to four wheeling when he road with one of his friends dad up Surprise Canyon in the Panamint Valley at age14. After nearly 3 different roll overs later and a half dozen intense waterfalls, Josh was hooked. At 16 he purchased his first Jeep a CJ 7 and by 17 was putting his first locker in it. Currently, Josh is the owner and CEO of Nybble, an IT Solutions Company based in Orange County, California. Nybble isn't your normal IT company where everyone stays in and plays video games. Nybble's average company trip is out on the trails since a good amount of his staff enjoy wheeling too. As Josh likes to say, he offers the only IT Company with the ability to provide services in extreme locations. "If you want a server at the top of The Hammers, we will take care of that for you." Today you can find Josh out on the trail behind the wheel in one of his three different off-road vehicles. See the vehicles below for more information. If you ever run into Josh, please say high, he is a very friendly person and is always happy to have a new person join the group.
For individual use only, not to be shared.

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