3N93 - Holcomb Creek Trail

4.9/5 (41 reviews)
Big Bear City, California (San Bernardino County)
Last Updated: 05/08/2023

Trail Information

Highlights

Altitude
Desert
Forest
Rock
Sand
Scenic
Snow Wheeling
Wash
Water

Comfortably nestled back in the forest of Big Bear, this challenging trail has been attracting visitors for decades. Argued to be the most demanding trail in the Big Bear Mountain range, this trail provides fantastic views along with some of the hardest off-roading in the area. While traveling the trail, expect everything from water crossings and extensive rock gardens to challenging hill climbs. Be warned, this trail has claimed many vehicles over the years and should not be underestimated.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Holcomb Creek (3N93) is arguably the most challenging 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. 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. If you are up for the challenge, this trail goes from the easy line being ranked a high "6" rating in dry and perfect conditions to the easy line being a mandatory 10+ rating in less wet conditions. The trail is more demanding going east to west.

Please remember no camping within 100 feet of the creek and other water sources, and do not dam up the creeks.

Trail Reviews

4.9/5 (41)
Official Crew
120300
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 05/08/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

This trail has changed a lot, mainly because of the insane amount of water running through it right now. It's a must-do as it is a cool experience. The trail is a bit harder FYI at the center rock garden as things moved around.
Official Crew
120300
Open
Visited: 05/05/2023

Trails are officially open https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1095216.pdf
Official Crew
120300
Temporary Closure
Visited: 03/18/2023

The forest service has deemed the San Bernardino Forest unsafe for public off-roaders to use until June 30th. For more information on this: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1095216.pdf If you disagree with the complete forest closure, please call (909) 382-2682 and ask to speak to the head ranger. You can also contact the head office in Washington,DC, and voice your concern there. (202) 912-7055 Another person you could contact your senator and express your feeling - (949) 598-5850 (Alex Padilla) or (202) 224-3121 (DC switch board) If you are unhappy with this at all, please make sure you sign up for the local off-road collations (Cal4wheel, and Corva). Feel free to reach out to them and ask what you can do. Cal4Wheel - (916) 381-8300 CORVA - 916-710-1950
Open
Visited: 11/21/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

We ran this trail from east to west. Trail had lots of icy areas that added to the fun on many of the obstacles, especially the middle rock garden! Don’t drag your stock vehicles through this trail, You may make it , but you will struggle and risk damage. It’s more fun in a vehicle that is prepared for this type of trip.
100
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 10/26/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

5 stars because I enjoy this trail. Be cautious as there is a washout just past the west end gate keeper. It is a combination of off camber and a rise/dip that could pitch you over the side. We opted to back down and come back into the trail via Lower Larga. Otherwise a great trail and a fun day!

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