Recent snow and rain have caused many trails to be temporarily closed. Please check with the local agencies for the most up-to-date information.

2N04 - Balky Horse Canyon

4.4/5 (14 reviews)
Big Bear Lake, California (SanBernardino County)
Last Updated: 03/18/2023

Trail Information

Highlights

This scenic, winding, forest road in Big Bear, California travels from 2N01 - Broom Flat, across a high, narrow shelf road and loops back to CA 38. 2N04 - Balky Horse Canyon is a great off-road trail for less experienced wheelers to explore while in this southeastern section of the Big Bear mountains, or a great add-on connector for more advanced wheelers, with time to kill, on their way to or from the more technical 4x4 trails nearby, such as Heartbreak Ridge or Motino Wash.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

4.4/5 (14)
Official Crew
72900
Temporary Closure
Visited: 03/18/2023

Unnecessary temporary closure of pretty much all of San Bernardino National forest. 🙄 Forest Order No. 05-12-00-23-03
100
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 02/08/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

snow def elevates this trail to 2-3 depending on vehicle broke a tie rod from carrying to much speed down a section not able to avoid it wich means take ur time..
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 09/26/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

Great trail with views galore. Trail rating should be more in line with a 2-2 due to the shelf roads and a bit of rock.
1400
Open
Visited: 09/18/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Nice trail to finish the day with. Had to move a large rock that had fallen near the narrow shelf portion but other than that it was a nice drive.
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 01/30/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

Great trail off Onyx Summit in Big Bear. We took it West to East so we were headed uphill and had the right away at the narrow section should we encounter any other vehicles. Narrow section wasn't too bad, minute 2:40, for Gladiator. Friend in full size Silverado was a little closer to the edge. No traffic on a Sunday afternoon. Beautiful views in the winter with snow capped mountains. Would rate at 2, not 1, as in some sections the road was rutted, and a low clearance SUV would have to be very careful/spotted. Opted to head to Burns Canyon, Rose Mine, and Erwin Ranch Road to Big Bear, instead of taking this one back around to Onyx Summit.

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