California Trails

2N61Y - Heartbreak Ridge

4.7/5 (30 reviews)

Big Bear City, California (San Bernardino County)

Last Updated: 05/05/2023

Trail Information

Highlights

Altitude

Camping

Desert

Forest

Iconic

Mine

Mud

Overland

Rock

Scenic

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

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Josh Noesser

Official Crew

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.***

1. 2N61Y Heartbreak Ridge and 2N02 (0 mi)

2N61Y - Heartbreak Ridge - Waypoint 1: 2N61Y Heartbreak Ridge and 2N02

This is the eastern trailhead for 2N61Y - Heartbreak Ridge. This trail splits off of 2N02 and heads to the south. The split is in a corner and can be easily missed because it is commonly thought to be a pullout area for a view.

2. Fork - Stay North/Straight (0.5 mi)

2N61Y - Heartbreak Ridge - Waypoint 2: Fork - Stay North/Straight

A trail splits off of 2N61Y and heads south down the mountain. To stay on the trail, stay north.

3. Rocky Hill Climb (Illegal Bypass on Northside) (1.1 mi)

2N61Y - Heartbreak Ridge - Waypoint 3: Rocky Hill Climb (Illegal Bypass on Northside)

The eastern rocky climb is the hardest spot on the trail. With several places to roll over, and even more to get hung up, this little hill climb will require planning to make it up. The easiest line if going east to west is to swing wide at the bottom and go diagonal back towards the north as you head up the mountain. You may have to ride on the edge of a few rocks but a stock 4x4 can do this line. Please note, someone created a path off-trail to the north which is not a designated route. You are required to drive the difficult section of this trail.

4. Fork - Stay North/Straight (1.7 mi)

2N61Y - Heartbreak Ridge - Waypoint 4: Fork - Stay North/Straight

There are many trails that split off this trail. This one heads south and leads to a dispersed camping spot. ***Please note, it is rare for wood fires to be allowed outside of a campground. Please don't burn down what is left of the forest by having a wood fire outside of a designated fire ring. Bring a propane campfire if you plan on camping in dispersed areas.

5. Heartbreak Ridge Loop aka Pontiac Sluice (1.9 mi)

2N61Y - Heartbreak Ridge - Waypoint 5: Heartbreak Ridge Loop aka Pontiac Sluice

There are many trails that split off this trail. Go south at this point to head towards Heartbreak Ridge and complete Pontiac Sluice and the Heartbreak Ridge Loop.

6. Old Pontiac (2.1 mi)

2N61Y - Heartbreak Ridge - Waypoint 6: Old Pontiac

On the way up to Heartbreak Ridge, there is a narrow canyon commonly known as Pontiac Sluice. The reason for the name is an old 50's Pontiac that was left behind. Over the years, the vehicle has been mostly destroyed but is still interesting to see. Continue onward for a tight, narrow canyon that has medium-sized rocks on it.

7. Optional Hard Line (Trail Splits) (2.5 mi)

2N61Y - Heartbreak Ridge - Waypoint 7: Optional Hard Line (Trail Splits)

On the way up Pontiac Sluice is an optional hard line where the trail splits for a short distance. It is common for people to play on the hard-line. Past this point, the trail splits. The lower line is the harder line, but not remotely as hard as the previous trail, while the higher line is easier.

8. Sluice (2.7 mi)

2N61Y - Heartbreak Ridge - Waypoint 8: Sluice

The Sluice used to be a hard obstacle, but this narrow canyon has become a lot easier over the years. Today, this section of the trail provides nearly no difficulty but does provide stunning views.

9. Heartbreak Ridge Loop (Left Easiest/Right Hardest) (2.8 mi)

2N61Y - Heartbreak Ridge - Waypoint 9: Heartbreak Ridge Loop (Left Easiest/Right Hardest)

Heartbreak Ridge is a short loop trail that looks over the south and east side of the mountain range. At one of the higher points in the mountains, the up-climb can be pretty tricky in the snow since it is on the north side of the mountain. According to which direction you travel, this trail can be difficult. Right - Hardest Left - Easiest

10. Top of Ridge, Mine, and Dispersed Camping Areas (3.4 mi)

2N61Y - Heartbreak Ridge - Waypoint 10: Top of Ridge, Mine, and Dispersed Camping Areas

Once near the top of the mountain, there are a bunch of dispersed camping spots. On the south side of the trail are an old mine and a plaque for a fallen Marine.

11. Scenic Waypoint - Top of Mountain (3.4 mi)

2N61Y - Heartbreak Ridge - Waypoint 11: Scenic Waypoint - Top of Mountain

The 360-degree view from the top of the mountain is breathtaking.

12. Off Chute to Old Mine - Stay North (5.7 mi)

2N61Y - Heartbreak Ridge - Waypoint 12: Off Chute to Old Mine - Stay North

There are many trails that split off this trail. This one heads south and leads to an old mine.

13. Big Bear Hot Tub (6 mi)

2N61Y - Heartbreak Ridge - Waypoint 13: Big Bear Hot Tub

An old prospecting mine, this spot along the trail looks like a hot tub.

14. Mine (6.1 mi)

2N61Y - Heartbreak Ridge - Waypoint 14: Mine

One of the many mines in the area.

15. Dead-end (6.2 mi)

2N61Y - Heartbreak Ridge - Waypoint 15: Dead-end

The trail dead-ends in a small area. Larger groups will struggle to turn around here.

16. Old Trail to Mining Area - Stay North (7.6 mi)

2N61Y - Heartbreak Ridge - Waypoint 16: Old Trail to Mining Area - Stay North

There are many trails that split off this trail. This one heads south and leads to an old mining area.

17. Arrastra (7.8 mi)

2N61Y - Heartbreak Ridge - Waypoint 17: Arrastra

See an old Arrastra from when they mined the area. These were used for crushing rocks to extract the ore.

18. Strip Mine and Dead End (8.2 mi)

2N61Y - Heartbreak Ridge - Waypoint 18: Strip Mine and Dead End

The trail ends at a strip mine. The area is large but will require some work for larger groups to turn around.

19. Alternate Route to Old Mining Area - Stay Straight (8.4 mi)

2N61Y - Heartbreak Ridge - Waypoint 19: Alternate Route to Old Mining Area - Stay Straight

Continue straight to stay on the main trail. There are several mining areas in this spot on both sides of the trail. There is a lot to explore in this area. Watch out for snakes and cactus.

20. Western Rocky Hill and Ledges (8.8 mi)

2N61Y - Heartbreak Ridge - Waypoint 20: Western Rocky Hill and Ledges

What used to be the hardest section of this trail is now one of the easier difficult spots. This hill climb used to be fitted with large rocks and deep holes. Today, most of the rocks have been pushed off the trail leaving only one obstacle, a small waterfall that is slightly off-camber. The waterfall is no larger than 2 feet but will be more difficult for people with their swaybars on and/or lower ground clearance. Even though this spot is difficult, most stock 4x4's should be able to make this obstacle. But if you do struggle here, it is not recommended to attempt Heart Break Ridge or the east half of the trail past the Heart Break Ridge turnoff.

21. 2N61Y Heartbreak Ridge and 2N01 (8.9 mi)

2N61Y - Heartbreak Ridge - Waypoint 21: 2N61Y Heartbreak Ridge and 2N01

2N61Y - Heartbreak Ridge splits off of 2N01 just before 2N01 and 2N02 connect. The trail splits off to the southeast heading at a 90-degree angle from the trail.

Dispersed

Unlike most of the trails in the area, 2N61Y - Heart Break Ridge offers many options for dispersed camping. Some of the more popular spots are on top of Heartbreak Ridge at Waypoint 10, but there are many other locations along the trail to stop, relax, and enjoy Mother Nature. Some additional waypoints that offer good camping are 4, 10, 14, and 18. These spots are not yellow post sites, meaning no improvements have been made to the area. This also means that wood fires will likely not be allowed in these spots, so plan accordingly with an alternate means of staying warm. Do not burn down what is left of the forest because you were not prepared. One way to avoid having a wood fire is to purchase a propane campfire. If you are more about camping at a campsite so you can enjoy a wood fire, 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 at 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). Some locations may be inaccessible during the winter months due to snow or closed. Check with the local Ranger Station for updated conditions.

Trail Reviews

4.7/5 (31)

Karen Nowak

200

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.

White JK

600

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

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Paul Crawford

3650

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

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Josh Noesser

Official Crew

130100

Open

Visited: 05/05/2023

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

Josh Noesser

Official Crew

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