First Big Bear Trip... Advice?

Definitely looking to do the scenic stuff but if I don't need 4WD at all it's going to be a seriously disappointing trip! Any trails you'd recommend that require 4WD?

Noted on the permits and passes! Thanks

 

Well most of those require sliders and you didn't want to go on those. For the 4x4 trails up there you're going to be dealing with rocks. If not then they are mostly easy trails.

 

Sounds like I need to invest in sliders...

 

Also you can get the adventure pass at the Mill Creek ranger station before you go up the hill. A lot less visitors usually so no lines.

 

Thanks!!

 

For sure. Especially since you value your door panels lol. @Shmellmopwho is a local fabricator that does good work. Gonna have him do my sliders in a few months

 

If I'm going to get sliders and play in the rocks do I need to invest in skid plates running across the bottom of the truck?

 

This is a pretty comprehensive list of the trails up there - http://www.dirtopia.com/wiki/Big_Bear
Those marked Medium, such as 'Clark's Grade', are probably what you want to look. I see they label 'White Mountain' as medium, and I'd agree to that.
Thing is about 4WD, if are on a trail that requires 4WD, you are going to be susceptible to possible body damage.
What you do want to do is to stay away from trails such as John Bull, Gold Mountain, etc. Usually, the entry to these 'hard' trails means overcoming obstacles as rough and tough as the rest of the trail. These are known as 'gatekeepers'. If you can't get through the gatekeeper, then you shouldn't be on that trail...

Having a spotter (and listening to them) certainly does lessen the chance of damage...

 

I would if you're serious about it. I avoid rocks since I'm 2wd so I won't get skids right now

 

If you are scared to scratch your paint you should rethink doing anything other than the "easy" trails.

Other than that, go try Jacoby Canyon.

While it is not "hard" white mountain is definitely longer and more difficult. You will likely scratch your truck. There are narrow sections where the choice is the edge of the trail or a large bush. If you are inexperienced don't go here.

Skids and sliders are a good investment if you want to wheel. You never know what your gonna get yourself into sometimes.

 

Sliders would be the first thing to get then skids then bumper. We did gold mountain last time. I'm on 265/75r16 and got through with no scratches it dents. My friend hit his running boards just a tiny bit. It was a lot of fun.

 

Took my cousin up White Mountain on one his first wheeling trips ever in his bone stock 5th gen 4runner. It made it up perfectly fine with some spotting help. But the brush did get tight in some spots

 

Burns Canyon is a fun one. Ran it yesterday with my pal @Dangerousd1987. He's 2wd but lifted and has beef tires. I used 4x. Loop can be done in 2 hrs or you can detour and head into Joshua tree. Pine trees to Joshua trees. Some solid sights to see

 

Looks like a party. Nice Trucks


With all the rain and snow it's tough to say how hammered some of the trails will be. Pin striping and battle scars are half the fun. #shitllbuffout


Burns Canyon to pioneer town is a fun run.

Huge Joshua Trees out there


Cleghorn is a good mellow trail with some fun off shoots.



Gold mountain Couple tough spots.


John Bull - is guaranteed body damage with no armor.




Dishpan Springs had a few tricky tricky spots. probably steer clear of that one


3N16 - Holcomb Valley pretty mellow.

 

Just seeing this now... Great photos!

 

Just an update...

Camped two nights in Big Bear and ran Jacoby Canyon and white mountain with my truck and two basically stock 4x4's with some bfg k02s.

Jacoby Canyon was really easy. One tight spot, but other than that nothing difficult.

White Mountain was an awesome trail. A few tough sections. Took up most of the afternoon. Highly highly recommend for people who aren't ready for the gnarly trails like Holcomb and John Bull but want a fun challenge.

A lot of trails up there though. Excited to go back and scratch more of the surface.

 

I've been wanting to get up there and explore/camp for awhile so next time you head that way hit me up I'll try and join you

 

Will do man!

 

Heading up today to camp/4x4 for the weekend if anyone wants to meet up. Pm me or Ill be on weatherman if you have a radio

 

Man sounds like fun! I need to get some parts installed on my truck so I can get out there. Take lots of photos and report back!