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3N14 - Coxey Road
Trail Types
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moderate
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Trail Information
Difficulty - Mandatory
2 -
EASY
Difficulty - Optional
2 -
EASY
Status
Open
Distance
19.82 mi
Duration (one-way)
About 3 hours
Highest Elevation
7183 ft
Shape of Trail
Connector
Typically Open
Year Round
Best Direction
North
Official Trail Name
3N14
Nearest Town
Big Bear Lake
Nearest Services
Big Bear Lake
Management Agency
San Bernardino National Forest
District
Highlights
Altitude
Camping
Desert
Forest
Mud
Rock
Sand
Scenic
Snow WheelingAt 19 miles long, this dirt road takes you from Fawnskin to Hesperia and is a popular dirt route up the north side of the mountain range. Along the route, there are many trails splitting off such as 3N93 (Holcomb Creek) and 3N16. While traveling on 3N14 on the south side, there are several shooting areas and campgrounds. Please plan accordingly when traveling this area because it can get very hot on the low side in the Summer and still be snow on the ground once you reach high elevation.
Trail Difficulty and Assessment
Recommended Vehicle:
2WD Vehicle with High Clearance
Concerns:
Summary:
The trail is mostly a dirt road with some areas where the water has cut through the trail. On its best days the trail is a 1, but since there usually is some little water damage on the west side, the trail gets a 2 rating.
Community Consensus
1 votes
12 votes
2 votes
Easier
Spot On
Harder
The weighted average of your fellow members agreement of our trail rating. As trail conditions change this helps us keep the community aware of changes.
Mandatory
2 -
EASY
The hardest part of the trail that you
cannot bypass - you have to drive it.
Optional
2 -
EASY
The hardest part of the trail that is
purely optional - you can bypass it.
Dirt and/or rocky road. Potential rocks and/or tree stumps less than 8" tall and/or vertical ledges less than 9" tall and/or near vertical ledges or waterfalls less than 12" inches. Good tire placement likely. Can be steep but with good traction. Read More about our Rating System
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Josh Noesser
Official Crew
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Trail Navigation
At the second most traveled dirt road in the area. 3N14 is a common byway to get into the Holcomb Valley area. Besides being a connector, this trail will also take you down the mountain heading north, dropping you halfway between Hesperia and Lucerne near Deep Creek. On the lower half of the route expect a rutted road, while on the upper half, expect mud and snow in the winter.
1. South End Staging Point (0 mi)
This open parking lot in front of the firehouse is the perfect spot to air down and disconnect your sway bars. Plus across the street is a convenience store and restaurant if you are hungry or need snacks for the trail. The trail head is the road that passes in front of the fire department heading North. The dirt road is about 1/4 mile up the hill from this spot.
If you towed up the mountain, you can ask the fire department if it would be okay to leave your trailer here. They usually don't mind.
2. Begining of 3N14 (0 mi)
This is where the asphalt turns to dirt. Be warned, there is lots of traffic on this end of the road.
3. Stay North at 2N13 Cut-off (0.8 mi)
2N13 splits off the trail to the west here. Stay north on 3N14
4. Stay South at 3N12 Cut-off (1.3 mi)
3N12 (Trail Rating 1-2) splits off the trail here to the North East.
For more information on 3N12, please visit: http://www.trailsoffroad.com/trails/827-3n12-delamar-mountain-road
5. YMCA Camp (1.4 mi)
YMCA retreat camp, just incase you need to get your dance on.
6. Path Goes North / East (1.5 mi)
Follow the main road north / east, the road to the west is a dead end.
7. Hanna Flats Campground (1.9 mi)
One of the popular camping areas. Hanna Flats Campground is one of the easiest campgrounds to get to that is back in the forest away from the city.
For more information on making reservations for the campground, please visit: www.recreation.gov
8. Pacific Crest Trail (3.8 mi)
The Pacific Crest Trail crosses 3N14 near the Holcomb Creek Bridge. PCT is a hiking trail.
9. Stay North at 3N93 (3.9 mi)
3N93 Holcomb Creek (Trail Rating 7-10) splits off the trail to the west. Continue straight to stay on 3N14.
For more information on 3N93, please visit: http://www.trailsoffroad.com/trails/1037-holcomb-creek-3n93
10. Stay South at 3N08 (4 mi)
3N08 (Trail Rating 4-5) splits off to the east. To stay on 3N14 continue straight.
For more information on 3N08, please visit: http://www.trailsoffroad.com/trails/1584-3n08
11. Shooting Area (5.4 mi)
3N14 has several shooting areas along the trail. Before shooting, please check with the Big Bear Discovery Center to ensure the shooting areas are open.
12. Shooting Area #2 (5.9 mi)
3N14 has several shooting areas along the trail. Before shooting, please check with the Big Bear Discovery Center to ensure the shooting areas are open.
13. Continue Straight at 3N16 (6.3 mi)
3N16 (Trail Rating 2-4) has the largest trail intersection in the range. 3N14 and 3N16 are the two heaviest traveled trails in the network. 3N16 goes east / west while 3N14 goes north / south.
For more information on 3N16, please visit: http://www.trailsoffroad.com/trails/1049-3n16-holcomb-valley
14. Big Pine Flats Campground (6.4 mi)
Just past the 3N16 intersection is Big Pine Flats Campground. This campsite is probably the most remote improved campsite in the mountains. The campsites are first come first serve. There is a camp host there that will collect your money and sell you additional firewood if you need any.
This campsite is closed during the winter.
15. Stay North at 3N41 Cut-Off (9.8 mi)
3N41 splits off the trail here to the west. Stay North / East to stay on 3N14. (Trail is closed)
16. Say West at 4N16 Cut-Off (11.8 mi)
4N16 splits off the trail here. If you are wanting to get to the west most end of White Mountain - 3N17 (Trail Rating 4-6) take this trail to the north east.
For more information on White Mountain 3N17, please visit: http://www.trailsoffroad.com/trails/830-white-mountain-3n17
17. Stay North at 3N59 Cut-Off (14.1 mi)
3N59 splits off the trail here to the South West. The trail is rather short and dead ends into a dirt bike trail.
18. Stay North (15.9 mi)
Stay North, if you take the road to the west this will take you to a private ranch.
19. West End of Trail (Bowen Ranch Road) (19.1 mi)
The north end of the trail.
Dispersed
Improved
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
You are allowed to do dispersed camping with no fires of any kind along the trails. Most people choose to use a campsite so they can enjoy a warming firing and cook their food.
Take Rim of the World Road from Fawnskin North. This will turn into the trail.
You can find out about trail closures at: Big Bear Discovery Center 41374 North Shore Drive, Highway 38 Fawnskin, CA 92333
Mailing address: PO Box 290 Fawnskin, CA 92333
(909) 382-2790 (voice) (TDD/TTY dial (800) 735-2922)
Trail Reviews
4.8/5 (46)
Open
Rated
5/5
Visited: 10/07/2023
Difficulty Accuracy:
Spot On
This is a great trail for cruising, nothing difficult, some small ruts but mostly just amazing scenery.
Open
Rated
5/5
Visited: 10/06/2023
Difficulty Accuracy:
Harder
Went on this trail reverse from Apple Valley on up to Fawnskin in my 4WD built out 144 base Sprinter Van. I’m sure a 2 rating is spot on for a Jeep, but it’s more like a 3 or 3+ for a van. Would have had a tougher time if I didn’t have a suspension and lift upgrade. There were quite a few steep sections with and washouts from the recent tropical storm. But the van did admirably and a ton of fun though it was a slow crawl having to be in 4LOW/1st or 2nd gear all the way. Gorgeous trail and views, too!
Open
Rated
5/5
Visited: 09/02/2023
Difficulty Accuracy:
Spot On
Definetly awesome trail to start and can be done with 2 wheel drive but a lift is probably recommended in my stock Tacoma I scraped from on one part but other than that good time
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Open
Rated
5/5
Visited: 06/11/2023
Difficulty Accuracy:
Spot On
Rode from Fawnskin to Big Pine Flats Campground. Started off with some fun mud puddles then the rest was a nice leisurely drive.
Open
Rated
5/5
Visited: 06/05/2023
Ran the trail from Fawnskin to Holcomb, which is where the damage on the trail is usually. Overall no worse then last years trail. It won't hurt to take a grader to the road parts but overall a RV can do it. Just have to take it slow.
As for past Holcomb Valley Campground. I would still tow my trailer down there but I wouldn't want to take my RV. I know people that have done it but not sure how they did it.
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Open
Rated
5/5
Visited: 05/14/2023
Difficulty Accuracy:
Spot On
An easy and scenic trail with lots of camping options and multiple offshoots.
Open
Visited: 05/05/2023
Trails are officially open
https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1095216.pdf
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
Rated
4/5
Visited: 11/10/2022
Difficulty Accuracy:
Spot On
Drove it "backwards" from Hesperia to Fawnskin hoping to find some snow at the higher elevations and we did. Not a lot but enough to make it a bit slick and require 4wd.
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Open
Rated
4/5
Visited: 07/30/2022
Difficulty Accuracy:
Spot On
Used as an access road for a great day off roading in splendid high country.
Open
Visited: 02/25/2022
The trail should be open now after being temporarily closed due to the related construction activity.
Partially Open
Rated
5/5
Visited: 02/17/2022
The trail is closed from 3N12 to 3N16 for 1 week.
They are grading the road so they can put new bathrooms in at Big Pine Flat.
Open
Visited: 01/29/2022
Difficulty Accuracy:
Spot On
Drove the trail in the Ranger from Hesperia to Holcomb with a large group. Easy trail with some great views and scenery. A little ice near Holcomb but not a big deal. We'll be back soon with a smaller group to explore many of the side trails.
Open
Rated
5/5
Visited: 01/21/2022
Difficulty Accuracy:
Spot On
Had to run up to Hesperia so decided to take the scenic view back home down the hill by going over the mountain. Nice easy drive and a whole lot of fun getting her dirty in some puddles.
Open
Rated
4/5
Visited: 01/16/2022
Difficulty Accuracy:
Spot On
Drove only from Holcomb Valley to Fawnskin. The potholes were irritating but not hard.
Open
Rated
5/5
Visited: 12/29/2021
Difficulty Accuracy:
Easier
Snowy Muddy easy trail
Open
Rated
5/5
Visited: 12/27/2021
Difficulty Accuracy:
Spot On
icy at higher elevation, there is a one steep section that is a bit slippery, that's about it. No problem if you have snow rated or 3 peak mountain tires, saw some 4x4 struggled with older mt tires at that spot.
Open
Rated
5/5
Visited: 12/20/2021
Difficulty Accuracy:
Spot On
Another great trail in the Big Bear backcountry. Traveled from Holcomb Valley to Fawnskin. Lots of snow, lots of ice, and some trail wide ponds. The ponds were for sure the most intimidating obstacles, but Baby Bronco made it through with no issues. Recommended!
Open
Rated
3/5
Visited: 11/14/2021
Difficulty Accuracy:
Harder
After reading several reviews of Coxey Road on this and other sites, it looked like an easy way to test my 2019 Rav4 AWD. Although several other reviews have reported getting through in CUV-type vehicles, I feel conditions may have changed.
There is a fairly large washed out section of trail between Oak Springs Ranch and Horse Springs Campground (a bit before the trail meets up with Grapevine Canyon). There was no way my vehicle had enough articulation to make it through here, and the evidence of underbody components on the moguls showed that others had problems as well.
Any dirt bike or vehicle with larger tires should be fine, but for the moment you may need to take Grapevine Canyon if you have a lower vehicle.
Open
Rated
5/5
Visited: 08/26/2021
Difficulty Accuracy:
Spot On
Ran this in reverse (from Hesperia) to waypoint 4. Great scenery and once you get out of the hill climb there is room for 2 vehicles to pass at speed no problem. Pretty easy, the points where they have culverts along the roadside are slightly washed out, so 2wd would have to watch out for those areas.
Open
Visited: 05/31/2021
Took this from Apple Valley to Big Bear. The road was great my 2wd Mega cab had no problems there are couple routed out spots that needed a little extra long pedal to get threw but nothing bad by any means. This is a great trail to kill a couple hours and to get out of the desert heat.
Open
Rated
5/5
Visited: 04/26/2021
Chose this option vs the alternative of going down the asphual. Takes a little longer but well worth it.
Open
Rated
5/5
Visited: 04/18/2021
Took the road from Apple Valley side up. Bowen Ranch Rd was rougher to drive on then Coxey Rd was. Washboard on Bowen Ranch was just bad. Coxey was no issues at all. Water ruts are not a concern. Zero issues getting to the camp ground are where trails come together. The camp ground was currently closed and set to reopen 2021. Lifted ZJ and Lifted LJ had zero issues.
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Open
Rated
5/5
Visited: 02/21/2021
My brother and I did a morning run from Apple Valley to Big Bear. (Stockish '94 Toyota 4wd & Honda CRV) The road was pretty dry and water ruts were not an issue. There was a couple of good icy mud puddles to get dirty in. All in all great road with nice views.
Open
Visited: 01/31/2021
The bottom portion of the trail was fine for most vehicles, but the higher you go, the more muddy and icy it becomes. There was a section of the trail a few miles in after the second gate where it was too icy for my CUV to make it and we stopped to play in the snow. There were quite a few vehicles that struggled in this section and even many true off road vehicles had to use momentum to get past. Under dry conditions, my CUV can complete this trail with few issues. There were large ruts forming on the trail when we were going down due to the water draining from the melted snow. You can get to the snow line in a normal vehicle under current conditions, but don't expect to make it all the way up to Big Bear via this route.
Open
Rated
5/5
Visited: 01/24/2021
Let it snow.
Ran up the trail for a snow run. It was a ton of fun.
Open
Rated
5/5
Visited: 01/01/2021
Easy trail for sure. Like others, drove from Apple Valley up to Big Bear via this route. Snow made it a 'real' adventure. Plenty of places to pull off and eat/stretch the legs. If you are looking for an alternative up to Big Bear, I would recommend this route.
Open
Rated
5/5
Visited: 11/07/2020
Took this trail from Apple Valley to Big Bear first timer. Started the trail Dry and ended up with 6" of snow. My Chevy Colorado Z71 4x4 with Stock A/T tires did the trail with no issues. Visibility was a bit blurry in some areas due to snow, but Amazing views! Loved this trail.
Open
Visited: 11/07/2020
First time on this trail this weekend while it was snowing! AMAZING!!!! Very easy trail even in snow. Only the last part of the snow is really getting thick on some inclines might make a beginner nervous. 4H no need for 4lo at all on this trail. Took my JK with 3 1/2” lift on 33’s but any stock 4x4 will do.
Open
Rated
5/5
Visited: 05/09/2020
We started this trail from Apple Valley up to Big Bear. Easy drive and scenic.
Open
Rated
5/5
Visited: 04/29/2020
Took this trail out of Big Bear. About an hour going north. Fairly mellow trail. Starting to get hot out in the desert.
Open
Rated
5/5
Visited: 04/27/2020
Ran up the trail to avoid people last weekend. The trail was super smooth and was able to go pretty quick. From the bottom to top in about 30 minutes without feeling like we were going fast. Pretty nice.
Open
Rated
5/5
Visited: 04/05/2020
Drove part of the trail while I was out looking for some new camping spots. The trail was in really good condition for end of winter
Open
Rated
5/5
Visited: 12/08/2019
Took Bowen Ranch Rd to 3N14 all the way to Big Bear. A beautifully scenic, wet, muddy & snowy ride. The start is pretty beat up from recent rains but nothing to really worry about since they are towards the sides of the trail away far enough to miss. Once you start getting into the mountain area snow and mud is present and awaiting a good splash! We ran through probably 15-20 mud puddles on our run and 1 major crossing of mud/snow slush. 4WD used only on steep ascends with mud/snow and aside from that we were on 2WD most of the time. Just make sure to check the forecast prior and travel with a friend. We ended up having to winch out an F250 who was stuck early in the trail. Good times... I don't think I'll ever go up to Big Bear any other way!
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Open
Rated
5/5
Visited: 06/19/2019
Ran down the trail as we left white mtn. The road conditions are getting better but there is still a lot of work that needs to get done.
Open
Rated
5/5
Visited: 05/20/2019
The trail is really tore up compared to normal but not any harder it just takes a lot longer to get down the trail
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Open
Rated
4/5
Visited: 03/24/2019
This was our first time hitting to this trail, we got a great view after we jump a moderate hill where we decide to sit and eat, down this hill the rocky road was full of snow (virgin actually) we were the first ones to drive on it. Very nice adventure.
Open
Visited: 03/17/2018
Decided on the whim with a coworker to brave the SoCal storm in the Big Bear Mountains. The Coxey road was fully open on March 16th and was completely dry. We decided to stay in the Horsesprings Campground off 4n16 and ended up experiencing a winter storm where we woke up to 1-3 inches of snow with significant wind overnight.
The road was not icey after the storm but was covered with 1 to 3 inches of snow from the 4n16 turnoff to the Big Pine Campsite.
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Open
Visited: 03/17/2018
Decided on the whim with a coworker to brave the SoCal storm in the Big Bear Mountains. The Coxey road was fully open on March 16th and was completely dry. We decided to stay in the Horsesprings Campground off 4n16 and ended up experiencing a winter storm where we woke up to 1-3 inches of snow with significant wind overnight on March 17th..
The road was not icey after the storm but was covered with 1 to 3 inches of snow from the 4n16 turnoff to the Big Pine Campsite.
Open
Visited: 02/17/2018
Drove the route from from Big Bear Lake (Fawnskin) to Hesperia via Coxey Truck Trail (3N14) and Bowen Ranch Road. The entire route took an hour, but in dry conditions. Unfortunately, there was no snow or anything exciting to report. In these conditions, it's an easy route on a fairly well maintained road.
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Open
Visited: 10/08/2017
Fire road.
Open
Visited: 09/14/2017
Traveled all the way up from Apple Valley to Fawnskin. No problems.
The road was clear all the way. Took my 17' travel trailer up to Big Pines Flat Campground and stayed four nights. Weather was perfect, warm but not hot during the days, and cool at night with temperatures dipping down to the high 30's overnight. Campground will close on October 15, so, if you plan to go, go now.
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Open
Visited: 01/22/2017
Another great off-road trip up 3N14. We had to put the Jeeps 4x4 to the test with this one. Even though the snow turned us around, we had a great time. We made it to Big Pine Flats were we then headed towards Holcomb Valley. About 3/4 of the way there the snow went from 1-2 feet deep to 4 feet deep and icy.
We all got stuck at one point making a blast. After getting turned around we headed back down the mountain for a enjoyable drive home. Can't wait to do it again.
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Open
Visited: 01/22/2017
Several of the trailsoffroad crew and others for a total of 16 rigs made the run from Hesperia. We all made it to Big Pine Campground. I chose to continue towards Fawnskin with my son in his JK, where the deep snow brought us to a halt on the upgrade between the PCT and Hanna Flats Campground. We made it back and caught up to the group on 3N16 Holcomb Valley because they also had been stopped by the snow. It was a beautiful snowy and rainy day and we all made it back to Hesperia and home.
Open
Visited: 08/01/2016
Road is in good condition. We were at the Big Pine Flat Group camping site. A bit far from town but nice group site with a vault toilet. Obviously a popular area for off-roaders.
Open
Visited: 02/02/2016
Went up the mountains to do a little skiing to only find the conditions really bad. So I decided while I was up there I would take an easy drive up 3N14. To my surprise the trail was a large ice sheet and was a mess. Sucks to see the conditions so poor this year, I was hoping for a little fun in the snow.
From the Community
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Josh Noesser
Mapping Crew - California
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.
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