Pioneertown to Big Bear

I was wondering if this trail is 2WD friendly, my buddies wanted me to put together a little "off-roading" trip and came across this one as not too difficult. The trip would probably be at the beginning of April when it is a little more dry. Hopefully by then the snow is gone.

So would you guys say that this trail is 2wd and not too difficult, most of them have not been off-roading yet, so I do not want it to be too crazy, all of us have pretty good clearance with upgraded tires and there is a mixture of 2wd and 4x4.

 

2wd friendly

 

Make sure those 2WDs have a 4x4 on their front AND back just in case.

 

Yup 2wd friendly.

 

Check this thread out.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-ie-show-off-tips-tricks-thread.712773/

 

The trail is popular in the AWD subaru groups. It requires clearance more than 4wd traction.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulANTjBXkMY&t=1102s

This is a straightforward guide, zero dialogue, but music is a bit choppy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tcpr8dEFYhU

 

^Thats an awesome video.

 

Pretty cool video. I’ve been wanting to do this trail. We usually do Big Bear from Silverwood so this should be a fun change.

I think the Subie bros at work are getting a look the next time I hear how much better those things are than my Tacoma. Even worse is the Range Rover driver. No ground clearance, road tires, and it always seems to be in the shop... sure it’s better.

 

I dunno man. My wife’s subie has gone up some stuff that’s made me go “huh.”

and @sicki had a friend tag along with us on cleghorn in a bone stock Range Rover full of kids, that didn’t sweat at a single rut that day.

I think we all over estimate whats needed for normal conditions.

 

I think that’s true. I figured they are better on a slippery road and maybe a fire road. Maybe they are better than I think.

 

I've done this trail dry and in snow. In the snow 2wd would be a no go. Dry conditions 2wd should be ok. Make sure to check out Pioneer Town.

Have a 4wd with you like someone else mentioned. There are a few steep climbs.

 

They’re plenty capable. Range rovers reliability is a different problem, but what they’re able to do in the dirt is great (when they’re running).

 

Lets do it April 10th. Im down

 

I can prolly make that happen!

 

Might be in for April 10

 

Bingo. Thats the main problem with those Range or Land Rovers. It's about availability. I have a local Range Rover/Land Rover specialist in my neighborhood and they'll never go out of business. They consistently have beautiful fixed up rigs sitting in their parking lot, parked on the street and on their lifts. They're mainly getting electrical and transmission work.

 

It's always electrical. The one I had briefly didn't like to keep the oil pan drain plug attached. All things considered, it ran pretty well with no oil in it... on 2 separate occasions.

 

Just did Pioneertown to Big Bear this weekend. Main trail 2N02 IS 2WD no problem without snow but there are some FUN side trails that are anywhere from easy to better have sliders. When you go check out the abandoned Government house/cabins about 15 min past the trail head. Also Pappy and Harriets in Pioneertown for a yellow soda with foam

 

do you have a coordinate for the abandoned Gov house cabins, would like to explore more this time around on April 10th.
Last time we just straight shot it, except for stopping at the mine entrance.

 

34.261487,-116.660550 This is the middle one of 3 called Rattlesnake cabin...you can see them all from here