Beginner Off-Road Trails Near Big Bear Lake, California

Running through the San Bernardino National Forest just south of Big Bear Lake, Knickerbocker Road (FS 2N08) is a scenic, easy-going forest route that follows Knickerbocker Creek up the slopes toward the high ridges that…
Learn more about Knickerbocker - FS 2N08

Nestled within the 823,000-acre San Bernardino National Forest, Mill Creek Road (FS 2N10) is one of Big Bear's classic connector trails -- a scenic mountain route that links many of the area's most popular off-road…
Learn more about Mill Creek - FS 2N10

Closed until 12/31/24 per Forest Closure Order 05-12-52-24-02, Radford Fire Closure Area. FS 2N06 - Radford Truck Trail is a winding fire road in the San Bernardino National Forest just south of Big Bear Lake.…
Learn more about Radford Truck Trail - FS 2N06

Running along the southern ridgeline above Big Bear Lake, Camp Osito Road (FS 2N17) is part of the broader Skyline Drive trail system, offering some of the most panoramic views in the San Bernardino National…
Learn more about Camp Osito - FS 2N17

This Trail is a wide, pine-forested route with mild elevation changes and scenic views throughout. The dirt surface stays relatively smooth with occasional deep mud puddles on one side of trail after weather. Open to…
Learn more about Polique Canyon - 2N09

During dry seasons, Blue Quartz 2N71 is a beautiful dirt road with ample tree coverage and plenty of spots to stop and enjoy the scenery. Sections of the trail allow for dispersed camping with views…
Learn more about Blue Quartz 2N71

Gate locked Nov 1 - May 1: The typical start of this trail begins just off Highway 38 from the South, transitioning from pavement to dirt shortly after passing through a quiet residential neighborhood. A…
Learn more about Van Dusen Canyon - 3N09

Front Line Road is in the San Bernardino National Forest just south of Big Bear Lake. It provides a casual meandering trail run alongside a shallow canyon formed by the 8,000-foot San Bernardino Mountain Range…
Learn more about Radford Frontline Road - FS 104

Sand Canyon (FS 2N27) is primarily a hard-packed sand and rocky gravel road. It is an easy ride in the summer months; however, there is no winter maintenance. During times of rain, snow, and ice,…
Learn more about Sand Canyon - FS 2N27

This scenic loop winds through Holcomb Valley, offering a glimpse into the area's Gold Rush past with marked stops from the Gold Fever Trail. Expect mild terrain with occasional puddles, picnic spots, scenic pullouts, meadow,…
Learn more about Gold Fever - 3N05

Scenic trail located accessed from Holcomb Valley - 3N16 from the South end or John Bull Flat from the North end. This trail offers a diverse blend of terrain and views. It begins with a…
Learn more about Hepburn Mine - 3N32

This road offers a smooth drive beneath a canopy of pines, with pockets of cell service along the way. Occasional road splits provide room for two vehicles. Scenic forest views, quiet campsites, and a tranquil…
Learn more about Van Dusen Creek - 3N07

Clarks Grade is an off-road trail in the San Bernardino National Forest. Driving this trail is a journey back to the origins of the Big Bear Lake area since this was one of the first…
Learn more about Clark's Grade - FS 1N54

This trail is an easy dirt road trail that gives access to a few Forest Service cabins, but like any trail, if it has rained recently, it can have a few deep puddles. While on…
Learn more about Hill Ranch

Delamar Mountain - 3N12 is a short, beautiful trail that provides access to Holcomb Valley and its extensive network of trails. The trail features tree coverage throughout its length, with opportunities for dispersed camping and…
Learn more about Delamar Mountain - 3N12

Upper Holcomb - 3N83 is a quick and mildly challenging off-road run through the forest of the Upper Holcomb Valley, north of Big Bear Lake in California's San Bernardino National Forest. 3N38 - Upper Holcomb…
Learn more about Upper Holcomb - 3N83

Freshly reopened after years of closure for restoration, Snow Slide Trail (FS 2N13) is once again welcoming off-road enthusiasts into one of the most scenic corners of the Big Bear area. Tucked away in the…
Learn more about Snow Slide - FS2N13

Holcomb Creek Road is a great trail for the new off-roaders in the forest near Big Bear. The trail provides plenty of dense forest scenery and some easy-to-moderate 4x4 challenges. The most notable obstacle on…
Learn more about Upper Holcomb Creek Road - 3N08

2N93 Wildhorse Meadow is in the San Bernardino National Forest, southeast of Big Bear Lake. This trail has designated camping, with two yellow post sites on 2N93F. It's obvious where Wildhorse Meadow gets its name…
Learn more about Wildhorse Meadow - 2N93

A long overland trail with plenty of recreational activities such as site-specific shooting areas, yellow post campsites and creek crossings. This is a well-maintained dirt road with some minor ruts, rocks and shallow creek crossings.…
Learn more about 1N09 City Creek Trail

Butler Peak is a beautiful trail that can be completed in about 1 hour and is a minimal difficulty trail. The trail itself is a well-traveled dirt trail that winds its way up the mountain…
Learn more about Butler Peak Fire Lookout - 2N13B

Smart Spring trail is an alternate access to the Cactus Flat OHV Staging Area. It is a short, little used, and maintained trail that drops down from Hwy 18 that has some short rocky sections…
Learn more about Smart Spring - 3N07Y

This is a less often traveled trail close to Burns Canyon and 18. Although there are not any vistas, there are a few points to stop and enjoy the solitude. The section closest to Burns…
Learn more about Smarts Ranch 3N03

This 50-inch trail network offers some great, varied terrain in the Cactus Flats area. The trails are well-marked, easy to follow, and are fun on bikes and ATVs of all sizes. This network consists of…
Learn more about Pinyon & Vista Trail Loop - FS 2E20

The Thomas Hunting Grounds Trail (1N12), often also referred to as the Morton Peak Trail, is an easy dirt road that takes you from the chaparral and shrubs of Mill Creek to the oaks and…
Learn more about Thomas Hunting Grounds

This is mostly a graded forest road with sections of varying degrees of obstacles such as ruts, shale, and washes. You will come across pine trees to cacti. There is potential snow in the winter…
Learn more about NF 2NO1 Broom Flats

Green Valley Bypass (2N54) is a short but scenic forest road that links 3N16 (Holcomb Valley Road) with 2N13 (Snow Slide Road) in the San Bernardino National Forest. At just under 2 miles long, it's…
Learn more about Green Valley Bypass - FS 2N54

This Single Track Moto trail is an enjoyable, easy route. It is also an excellent Moto-only cutover trail for the White Mountain 4x4 route. There are plenty of Joshua Trees to see and stunning lumpy…
Learn more about ST 2W16 MOTO

Nice, easy going, wide sandy trail connecting other great OHV roads. The trail runs from Grapevine Canyon Road to Bowen Ranch Road. Look for the sign for 3N14 off Grapevine Canyon Road to start the…
Learn more about Coxey Road

Starting in Highland, 1n16 is a fairly easy dirt road with some parts rutted out, but any 4x4 can make it through the trail easily. Many parts of the trail are single-vehicle wide, but there…
Learn more about Alder Creek Road - FSR 1n16