GOLD MOUNTAIN (3N69)
Difficulty: 6/10 – Moderate
Trail Highlights
Jeep Badge of Honor Trail
Granite rock obstacles
Waterfall obstacle
Mountain overlooks
Pine forests
Great introduction to technical wheeling
Trail Description
Gold Mountain is one of Big Bear's most popular and well-rounded four-wheel-drive trails. This Jeep Badge of Honor trail offers a fun combination of rocky climbs, granite ledges, shelf roads, and incredible mountain scenery. Drivers will encounter several optional rock obstacles that allow participants to choose a line based on their experience and vehicle capability.
The trail provides an excellent balance of technical driving and scenic views, making it ideal for both experienced drivers and those looking to progress beyond beginner trails. Expect to spend approximately 4–6 hours on the trail depending on group size and traffic.
HOLCOMB CREEK (3N08)
Difficulty: 8/10 – Difficult
Trail Highlights
Multiple creek crossings
Large granite boulder gardens
Technical rock crawling
Scenic forest setting
Excellent suspension articulation
Trail Description
Holcomb Creek is considered one of Southern California's premier rock-crawling trails. The route follows a mountain creek through several long boulder gardens filled with large granite rocks requiring careful tire placement and spotting.
Water flowing through the creek frequently makes the rocks slick, increasing the challenge. This trail rewards patient driving and teamwork and is best enjoyed with properly equipped vehicles traveling together. Most groups complete the trail in approximately 4–7 hours.
JOHN BULL (3N10)
Difficulty: 8/10 – Extreme
Trail Highlights
Jeep Badge of Honor Trail
Famous Gatekeeper obstacle
Large granite boulders
Continuous technical rock crawling
Steep climbs
Tight forest sections
Trail Description
John Bull is one of California's most iconic rock-crawling trails and is considered a bucket-list trail for experienced off-road enthusiasts. The trail immediately begins with the infamous Gatekeeper obstacle before continuing through miles of large granite boulders, steep climbs, and technical rock sections.
Drivers should expect slow travel, frequent spotting, and numerous opportunities to test both vehicle capability and driving skill. John Bull is often used as preparation for trails like the Rubicon. Plan on spending 5–8 hours depending on traffic and recovery needs.
WHITE MOUNTAIN (3N17)
Difficulty: 4/10 – Easy to Moderate
Trail Highlights
Panoramic valley views
Forest roads
Mountain overlooks
Family-friendly
Trail Description
White Mountain is a scenic forest trail that climbs through beautiful pine forests to panoramic overlooks above Big Bear Valley. While the trail consists primarily of graded dirt roads, occasional rocky sections and erosion provide enough challenge to keep the drive interesting.
This route is perfect for beginners, families, and overlanders looking to enjoy spectacular scenery without difficult technical obstacles.
ONYX SUMMIT
Difficulty: 4/10 – Easy Scenic Drive
Trail Highlights
Highest elevations in the San Bernardino Mountains
Spectacular alpine scenery
Scenic overlooks
Wildflowers (seasonal)
Access to hiking trails
Excellent photography opportunities
Trail Description
The roads surrounding Onyx Summit provide one of the most scenic drives in Southern California. Rather than technical off-roading, the focus is on beautiful alpine forests, expansive mountain views, and peaceful backcountry exploration.
Roads are generally well maintained during summer and fall, making this an excellent choice for first-time off-roaders and families.
GOLD FEVER (3N05)
Difficulty: 1/10 – Very Easy
Trail Highlights
Historic Gold Rush route
Mining history
Scenic meadows
Family-friendly
Interpretive historical sites
Easy driving
Trail Description
Gold Fever follows portions of the historic mining routes through Holcomb Valley, where Southern California's largest gold rush began in the 1860s. The trail winds through open meadows and pine forests while passing numerous historical landmarks and mining remnants.
With minimal obstacles and generally smooth roads, Gold Fever is perfect for sightseeing, photography, and learning about Big Bear's rich mining history.