2N61Y - Heartbreak Ridge

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4.7/5 (30 reviews)
Big Bear City, California (San Bernardino County)
Last Updated: 05/05/2023

Trail Information

Highlights

Altitude Category Icon Altitude
Camping Category Icon Camping
Desert Category Icon Desert
Forest Category Icon Forest
Iconic Category Icon Iconic
Mine Category Icon Mine
Mud Category Icon Mud
Overland Category Icon Overland
Rock Category Icon Rock
Scenic Category Icon Scenic
Snow Wheeling Category Icon Snow Wheeling
Hidden on the east side of Big Bear in Southern California is a thrilling off-road trail that has almost been forgotten by the off-road community. 2N61Y, also known as Heartbreak Ridge, is one of the less commonly traveled 4x4 intermediate to difficult trails in San Bernardino Forest near Big Bear, California. Even though this classic offroad trail is on the list of hardest trails in the mountain range, it is not often run since it is far from the more popular trails on the west side near Holcomb Valley. Because of its location on the east side of the mountain range, this trail doesn't see much traffic, meaning it is a great place to get away from the crowds and do a little exploring. But just because there is not much traffic on this trail doesn't mean it is an easy Jeep Trail. With several rock gardens, several spots with high rollover risks, and a difficult narrow canyon, this trail will provide most drivers an enjoyable day of off-roading with some amazing and stunning views and the excitement of the historical mining that once was popular all over the mountain range. Also, the trail offers a lot of dispersed camping, which is unique to this trail, making it an excellent overland route when looking for an overland adventure in the Big Bear area. Thus, the next time you are looking for a new and exciting trip, think no further than 2N61Y - Heartbreak Ridge.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

2N61Y - Heartbreak Ridge is a great trail for everyone from beginners to experienced wheelers. The trail offers plenty of options as far as difficulty, while at the same time offering hours of entertainment with the rich and historic mining areas. The route is hardest going east to west, but don't be fooled; west to east isn't much easier. The hardest obstacle is a rocky hill climb at Waypoint 3, where some of the rocks are rather large, requiring a precise line to be taken. Outside of that spot are several other areas that are noteworthy. The western hill climb has a 2-foot waterfall, while the Heartbreak Ridge Loop has several off-camber areas, steep-ish hill climbs, and technical spots. But note, a new driver can complete this trail in a stock 4x4 with high ground clearance and an experienced spotter. For people with less ground clearance, it is recommended to enter from the west side, turn around at the Heartbreak Ridge Loop, and exit the way you came in. This trail is perfect for first-time offroaders, beginners, novice offroad motorists, intermediate drivers, and experienced trail enthusiasts. But if new to off-roading, make sure you do this trail with a more experienced wheeler that can help you through the more difficult areas. ***And don't forget Rule #1 - Never Off-Road Alone.***

Trail Reviews

4.7/5 (31)
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 11/21/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Went out on 11/19/23. Missed the turn to head up on the ridge but had a nice run anyway. 2 Jeeps (JK Rubicon with 1.5 lift and 33 tires, JL Rubicon with no lift 33 tires and off-road shocks) and a Bronco (Black Diamond on 32 tires). Joined by a Jeep rubicon 4xE for a bit. Slight misjudged line made the gatekeeper tricky for the Bronco but everything else was fine.
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Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 09/03/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

This trail had some challenges from a couple of years ago. I don't know if the boulders grew or what! Ha. Or perhaps, the latest tropical storm made it more challenging, anyways, my group and I enjoyed it.
Trail Review: 2N61Y - Heartbreak Ridge - White JK
Trail Review: 2N61Y - Heartbreak Ridge - White JK
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Partially Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 08/25/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

First tracks on this trail since tropical storm Hillary. The top of the trail off 2N01 is impassable due to fallen tree. This trail can be accessed via 2N02. However 2N02 is also impassable near the intersection of 2N02 and 2N70Y, so you must take 2N70Y down to 2N02 if coming from Big Bear. The rest of the Trail including the loop is open, however more robust. Lots of wash outs, loose dirt, loose rocks etc. it’s harder than usual, but a complete blast. Dirt around wash outs can be unstable…ask me how I found out…lol
Trail Review: 2N61Y - Heartbreak Ridge - Paul Crawford
Trail Review: 2N61Y - Heartbreak Ridge - Paul Crawford
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Official Crew
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130100
Open
Visited: 05/05/2023

Trails are officially open https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1095216.pdf
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Official Crew
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130100
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

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