3N16 - Holcomb Valley

Holcomb Valley Road, also known as 3N16, is the backbone of Big Bear’s off-road country. It is a 26-mile route winding through pine forests, open meadows, and the storied remains of Southern California’s gold rush. Running west to east across the San Bernardino Mountains, it follows the same paths once traveled by 19th-century miners and settlers. Today, it’s a family-friendly dirt road that invites exploration, with countless opportunities to stop and connect with Big Bear’s rugged backcountry heritage. Along the way, you’ll pass relics of the old Belleville mining district, shady forest campsites, and panoramic overlooks where the air smells of pine and the horizon glows at sunset. More than just a scenic drive, 3N16 links some of the region’s most iconic trails, serving as both an adventure in itself and a gateway to Big Bear’s legendary four-wheel playground.