Gold Fever Trail

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4.6/5 (27 reviews)
Big Bear Lake, California (San Bernardino County)
Last Updated: 05/05/2023

Trail Information

Highlights

Altitude Category Icon Altitude
Desert Category Icon Desert
Forest Category Icon Forest
Ghost Town Category Icon Ghost Town
Iconic Category Icon Iconic
Mine Category Icon Mine
Mud Category Icon Mud
Overland Category Icon Overland
Sand Category Icon Sand
Snow Wheeling Category Icon Snow Wheeling
Take an unexpected adventure through the history of Holcomb Valley's gold rush and the history behind it. During this trip, you will see abandon mines, dig sites, grave sites, pygmy cabins, and much more. So pack up the family and explore the history of Holcomb Valley.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Welcome to the historic gold country of San Bernardino National Forest. This overland route takes you through the now tranquil Holcomb Valley that was once thriving with activity during the gold rush of the 1860's. At 12 selected markers you will live the history of there area. Please keep your vehicles on the designated roads and use the parking areas at numbered stops. When walking to the historical sites off the road, please stay on the trial. William F. Holcomb left Iowa in 1850 and went west to seek his fortune in the mining camps of Northern California. Discouraged by poor luck, he drifted southward. Intrigued by rumors of a small gold discovery in the San Bernardino Mountains, Holcomb left Los Angeles in November of 1859, joining up with others, and camped in the aptly named Starvation Flats. The section behind Holcomb Campground 3N05 closes for the winter.

Trail Reviews

4.6/5 (27)
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100
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 09/24/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

Mostly a level 1 all day, with the exception of some large ruts due to the amount of rain and snow runoff from this last winter. The backside of the trail overlooking Johnson Valley is very very rocky and patience and good judgment is needed if you’re not running big tires and a lift.
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2400
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 07/15/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

Love the history that goes along with the trail. I thought the eastern end of the trail rated a 2/3.
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800
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 07/03/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Easier

Trail is a breeze. As of July 2023 the signs explaining each landmark are gone. 2wd and minimal ground clearance needed.
Open
Rated 3/5
Visited: 07/01/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Popular trail all year round, which is good if you’re starting out but that also means you get a lot of yahoos who drive way to fast around bends, I’ve seen 2 wrecks and 1 abandoned vehicle smack dab in the middle of the trail since January and I only made it on gold fever 6 times so far in 2023. Lots of traffic means your not alone but it also means you have a lot of people to watch out for, use this road for learning your vehicle, practice, or just a quick jaunt to get off some pavement but keep your eyes peeled! -Spotty cell service -Most of trail is wide enough for 2 vehicles -Well maintained and flat -Nice scenery -Spots along trail to stop and have lunch
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800
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 06/10/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Very easy to get out to the Holcomb Pinnacles area. Saw lots of minivans and sedans. Avoid the east side of this trail as it’s excessively rocky.

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