---
title: "Big Bear EV Trip Pack — EV Backroads"
description: "Use eight routes near Big Bear Lake. Start on simple forest roads. Add loose rock, steeper climbs, and larger obstacles only when you are ready."
canonical_url: "https://www.evbackroads.com/adventures/big-bear-forest-to-rock"
last_updated: "2026-08-09"
---

![3N16 - Holcomb Valley in California](/media/adventures/regions/heroes/3n16-holcomb-valley.webp)

![Big Bear route collection](/media/map/adventure-regions/big-bear.svg)

ADVENTURE ROUTE COLLECTION · CALIFORNIA

# Big Bear: Forest Roads to Rock Trails

Use eight routes near Big Bear Lake. Start on simple forest roads. Add loose rock, steeper climbs, and larger obstacles only when you are ready.

QUICK READ

Route stages

8

Plan length

4–7 days

High point

8,203 ft

Typical season

Check each route

Base area

34.2957, -117.0240

Save trip pack offline Print trip plan Mark plan ready BIG BEAR COLLECTION 8 stages, in order
- [01 2N01 - Broom Flat easy](#stage-1)
- [02 2N09 - Polique Canyon easy](#stage-2)
- [03 3N16 - Holcomb Valley easy](#stage-3)
- [04 Burns Canyon moderate](#stage-4)
- [05 3N32 - Union Flat moderate](#stage-5)
- [06 Rattlesnake Canyon difficult](#stage-6)
- [07 3N69 – Gold Mountain difficult](#stage-7)
- [08 3N10 – John Bull expert](#stage-8)

WHY IT FITS

## Why this progression can fit your trip.

The routes share one mountain base area. You can repeat an easy road, stop after any stage, or move to a harder route without a long transfer.

WHAT CAN CHANGE THE ANSWER

Snow, fire, wet soil, closures, and damaged obstacles can change these roads. Check current forest orders and route conditions before each drive.

ROUTE PROGRESSION

## Add one skill at a time.

Drive only the stages that fit your vehicle, experience, weather, and current access. A later stage is not a required finish.

01 easy

### 2N01 - Broom Flat

Route distance

6.4 mi

Allow

1–2 hours

Start on an easy forest road. Check tire pressure, map controls, and braking before you choose a longer route.

SKILL ADDED

Build a low-speed forest-road baseline.

Access note: Source snapshot: Open. Check the live source before travel.

[Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=34.23092&lng=-116.72015&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/california/trails/800-2n01-broom-flat)

![Topographic route map for 2N01 - Broom Flat](/media/adventures/regions/maps/2n01-broom-flat.webp)

TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS

TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE

### 2N01 - Broom Flat, from start to finish

Climb

+250 ft

Descent

−1,414 ft

Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal.

02 easy

### 2N09 - Polique Canyon

Route distance

3.9 mi

Allow

1–2 hours

Add a canyon road with changing soil and short rough sections. Use low speed where the surface changes.

SKILL ADDED

Add simple surface changes and line choice.

Access note: Source snapshot: Open. Check the live source before travel.

[Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=34.27944&lng=-116.92020&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/california/trails/1578-2n09-polique-canyon)

![Topographic route map for 2N09 - Polique Canyon](/media/adventures/regions/maps/2n09-polique-canyon.webp)

TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS

TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE

### 2N09 - Polique Canyon, from start to finish

Climb

+789 ft

Descent

−326 ft

Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal.

03 easy

### 3N16 - Holcomb Valley

Route distance

25.7 mi

Allow

2–3 hours

Use the historic valley road to practice junction checks and controlled travel through a busier recreation area.

SKILL ADDED

Add navigation and a longer route near services.

Access note: Source snapshot: Open. Check the live source before travel.

[Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=34.29568&lng=-117.02403&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/california/trails/1049-3n16-holcomb-valley)

![Topographic route map for 3N16 - Holcomb Valley](/media/adventures/regions/maps/3n16-holcomb-valley.webp)

TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS

TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE

### 3N16 - Holcomb Valley, from start to finish

Climb

+2,495 ft

Descent

−2,307 ft

Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal.

04 moderate

### Burns Canyon

Route distance

19.1 mi

Allow

Half day

Add a longer mountain crossing. Confirm the full exit and keep enough energy for a slow return.

SKILL ADDED

Add distance, elevation, and a complete route plan.

Access note: Source snapshot: Open. Check the live source before travel.

[Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=34.25302&lng=-116.72831&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/california/trails/801-burns-canyon)

![Topographic route map for Burns Canyon](/media/adventures/regions/maps/burns-canyon.webp)

TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS

TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE

### Burns Canyon, from start to finish

Climb

+3,074 ft

Descent

−909 ft

Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal.

05 moderate

### 3N32 - Union Flat

Route distance

1.4 mi

Allow

2–3 hours

Move to rougher ground. Walk loose or washed sections before you drive them.

SKILL ADDED

Add rock and more exact tire placement.

Access note: Source snapshot: Open. Check the live source before travel.

[Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=34.31000&lng=-116.87141&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/california/trails/1569-3n32-union-flat)

![Topographic route map for 3N32 - Union Flat](/media/adventures/regions/maps/3n32-union-flat.webp)

TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS

TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE

### 3N32 - Union Flat, from start to finish

Climb

+206 ft

Descent

−48 ft

Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal.

06 difficult

### Rattlesnake Canyon

Route distance

16.3 mi

Allow

Half day

Use this route only when dry and open. Stop before sand, rock, or a wash needs momentum.

SKILL ADDED

Combine route finding, loose ground, and larger obstacles.

Access note: Source snapshot: Open. Check the live source before travel.

[Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=34.30497&lng=-116.65579&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/california/trails/777-rattlesnake-canyon)

![Topographic route map for Rattlesnake Canyon](/media/adventures/regions/maps/rattlesnake-canyon-big-bear.webp)

TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS

TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE

### Rattlesnake Canyon, from start to finish

Climb

+2,681 ft

Descent

−70 ft

Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal.

07 difficult

### 3N69 – Gold Mountain

Route distance

4.5 mi

Allow

Half day

Use Gold Mountain only with suitable tires, clearance, and recovery points. Walk each major rock section.

SKILL ADDED

Add sustained climbing and larger rock.

Access note: Source snapshot: Open. Check the live source before travel.

[Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=34.28382&lng=-116.83711&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/california/trails/835-3n69-gold-mountain)

![Topographic route map for 3N69 – Gold Mountain](/media/adventures/regions/maps/3n69-gold-mountain.webp)

TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS

TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE

### 3N69 – Gold Mountain, from start to finish

Climb

+1,514 ft

Descent

−849 ft

Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal.

08 expert

### 3N10 – John Bull

Route distance

4.6 mi

Allow

Half day

Keep John Bull as the expert stage. Use a suitable vehicle, an experienced group, and a complete recovery plan.

SKILL ADDED

Combine large rock, tight lines, and sustained technical driving.

Access note: Source snapshot: Open. Check the live source before travel.

[Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=34.32049&lng=-116.88248&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/california/trails/1045-3n10-john-bull)

![Topographic route map for 3N10 – John Bull](/media/adventures/regions/maps/3n10-john-bull.webp)

TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS

TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE

### 3N10 – John Bull, from start to finish

Climb

+841 ft

Descent

−754 ft

Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal.

ROUTE READINESS

## Do seven checks before you leave pavement.

01

### surface

Forest dirt, loose rock, ruts, and larger rock obstacles

02

### clearance

Standard clearance for early roads; technical clearance for later stages

03

### remoteness

Services are near the lake, but recovery on a trail can take time

04

### charging

Verify a working charger before the mountain climb

05

### cell Coverage

Download each route before you leave town

06

### weather

Do not use a closed, snowy, or saturated road

07

### turnaround

Stop before the next obstacle needs wheelspin or vehicle contact

BEFORE YOU GO

## Make these decisions while you have a signal.

- Check San Bernardino National Forest orders
- Download the selected route and return to charging
- Set a tire, battery, and daylight limit

TURN AROUND WHEN

## Follow the limits that you set.

- Snow or mud hides the firm road
- The vehicle touches rock
- The next obstacle exceeds the last controlled stage

CARRY

## Prepare for common problems.

- Tire repair kit and compressor
- Traction boards and rated recovery gear
- Water, warm layers, and offline maps

![Topographic route plate for Big Bear: Forest Roads to Rock Trails](/media/adventures/regions/maps/3n16-holcomb-valley.webp)

FEATURED ROUTE MAP Use the full trail path for orientation. Confirm current access with the land manager.

OPEN THE LIVE MAP

## Check the drive home.

See the route with open chargers and road-distance charging gaps. Planned stations do not change current coverage.

[Build this trip plan](/plan?pack=big-bear-forest-to-rock)[Open near this trail](/map?lat=34.29568&lng=-117.02403&z=9&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/california/trails/1049-3n16-holcomb-valley)[Browse all adventure collections and trip packs](/adventures)[Share what changed after your trip](/guides/trail-commons?kind=trail&sourceAdventure=big-bear-forest-to-rock)

## Sitemap

See the full [EV Backroads sitemap](/sitemap.md) for every published page.