White Mountain Trail: High-Altitude Off-Road Adventure in Big Bear

White Mountain Trail doesn't get the same hype as some of Big Bear's gnarlier routes, and that's exactly why I like it. Last summer, I ran it with friends who were newer to off-roading. Everyone made it through without drama, got killer views of the San Bernardino Mountains and the Mojave Desert, and left wanting more. That's White Mountain Trail in a nutshell. The White Mountain area offers some of the best technical off-roading in Southern California.

You'll find the White Mountain Trail (3N17) in the Big Bear area backcountry, running through forest corridors and opening up to scenic ridgeline sections with views that'll make you stop for photos. The trail sits between 7,000 and 8,027 feet in elevation, connecting the Holcomb Valley area to the desert-facing slopes through about 8 miles of beautiful scenery and terrain. Perfect for testing a new build or introducing friends to overlanding, provided they are ready for a few technical challenges.

Trail Background & Character

White Mountain Trail follows old logging and mining routes from the 1800s, when these roads moved supplies through the San Bernardino National Forest. The region has a rich history of resource extraction. The Forest Service maintains it as a "Most Difficult" high clearance vehicle route in this national forest area, meaning it's legal for 4x4s but will definitely keep tourists far away (sometimes hard to do in Big Bear).

The trail typically opens by late May or late June after spring snowmelt clears the area. You can run it through winter months if the weather cooperates, but winter conditions are usually met with a trail closure. Difficulty stays in the 5/10 to 7/10 range (Black Diamond) largely due to the "Gatekeeper" obstacle and loose, steep climbs. Total elevation gain is significant, but spread out, so you're mostly focused on traction with shorter spurts of elevation climbs.

Access & Trailhead Options

The White Mountain Trail (3N17) can be accessed from several points, but the technical "rough road" entrance most people talk about is found on the western side.

A. The "Technical" Western Approach (Via 3N14)

This is the route shown in the most popular trail reports. It starts where the forest meets the high desert.

• • The Route: Take 3N14 (Coxey Truck Trail) toward the western edge of Holcomb Valley.
  • The Trailhead: You will look for the junction where 3N14 meets the connector leading into 3N17 (near 4N16). This is where the road quickly changes from a flat fire road to the steep, rocky climbs that filter out the unprepared.
  • The Challenge: Starting here puts you face-to-face with the immediate rough sections and the first major hill climbs, including suicide hill.

B. The Holcomb Valley Approach (Via 3N16)

If you are already in Holcomb Valley, you can connect to White Mountain from the south.

• • The Route: From the heart of Holcomb Valley, follow 3N16 (Holcomb Valley Road) westward.
  • The Connection: You will intersect with the southern end of 3N17. This is generally a flatter, easier way to reach the ridgeline, often used by those who want to see the views without tackling the hardest climbs first.

C. The Desert Descent (Via 3N11)

The trail also intersects with 3N11, which allows you to exit toward the desert or loop back toward the 3N16 area. This is a common "bail-out" or loop-completion point after cresting the summit.

Trail Overview & Driving Experience

The White Mountain Trail starts with a bang if you enter from Holcomb (the Gatekeeper), then settles into a rhythm. The first sections require careful wheel placement on jagged rocks. Then the trail climbs into the White Mountains' rockier terrain and you start paying attention to your line choice. The ride remains technical throughout the ridge.

Plan on 2 to 3 hours to run the main section if conditions are dry. Add time if you're newer or the weather's been wet. Rain and snowmelt turn these rocky climbs into slippery challenges fast.

Surface conditions change constantly. Decomposed granite that's grippy, then exposed rock that makes you think about your line. Ridgeline sections are mostly hardpack with scattered loose "baseball" rocks. Forest corridor sections tend to be narrower, with tree roots and dense brush, including pine branches.

Trail width varies quite a bit. Open ridgeline areas give you room to pick different lines. Forest sections tighten up, and trees will scratch your paint if you're not careful.

Suggested Ways to Run White Mountain

Option 1: Scenic Standalone Run

Pick your trailhead (West Entrance via Polique Canyon is an option), run White Mountain Trail to the summit, then either backtrack or continue down the north face if you're feeling adventurous or if you want to descent on Suicide Hill. If you want challenging first then relaxing later, start on the other end of 3n17.

The trail takes about 3 to 4 hours, including stops for photos. A fine way to enjoy a half-day trip.

Who it's for: Intermediate drivers looking for a half-day adventure. Good for testing a new vehicle setup or bringing along friends ready to step up from fire roads.

Option 2: Overland Connector Route

Use White Mountain Trail to connect the Holcomb Valley area to the desert trails or loop back to Gold Mountain.

You can explore historic sites in Holcomb Valley, then head up for the technical challenge. Stop at scenic overlook points along the way.

Who it's for: Groups with mixed experience levels. Overlanders planning a weekend trip. Budget 5 to 7 hours depending on side trips.

Option 3: Extended Big Bear Loop

Connect White Mountain Trail with other Big Bear trails like Gold Mountain and John Bull into a 50-plus mile loop. This entire loop requires solid planning and navigation skills. Two vehicles minimum for safety. Who it's for: Advanced groups looking for a proper backcountry challenge. Plan on 8 to 10 hours of trail time.

Notable Sections & Features

The ridgeline sections hit around the midpoint. On clear days the view stretches for miles. Big Bear Lake to the south, the Mojave Desert to the north. Pull over at these high points to soak in the great views.

Rock-strewn climbs pop up throughout. Basketball-sized rocks on slopes with just enough angle to get your attention. Air down to 18-20 PSI and these become manageable.

Forest corridors narrow down with pines closing in. Can be muddy after rain. If you meet oncoming traffic, the downhill vehicle backs up. Stop when you need to let others through safely.

Vehicle Recommendations

Minimum Setup

Here's what you need to do White Mountain Trail comfortably:

• 32-inch tires minimum (33s are better)
• 2 inches of lift for clearance
• Quality all-terrain tires
• High clearance 4WD
• Front and rear tow points
• Basic skid plates
• Working 4-low

I've done it in a barely modded Tacoma with 32s. Pick careful lines, and you're fine. Most guys run something similar and stay comfortable.

Ideal Setup

For more confidence and comfort:

• 33-inch+ tires with aggressive tread
• 2 to 3 inches of lift
• Quality shocks (Bilstein, King, or Icon)
• Rock sliders
• Full skid plate coverage
• Rear locker (front lock is overkill)
• Recovery gear
• GPS (Gaia GPS or similar)

This setup turns White Mountain Trail from "paying attention" to "having fun." Good all-terrain tires from companies like BFGoodrich, Falken, or Nitto make a huge difference in loose rock and comfort.

Points of Interest Along the Trail

The best views come into play when you reach the ridgeline. The San Bernardino Mountains stretch out everywhere. Big Bear Lake to the south, the desert floor to the north. On clear days you can see San Gorgonio Peak. The view from this point is worth the entire ride.

Wildlife's common throughout the mountains. You are likely to see deer, especially in the mornings and afternoons. Black bears live here too. Secure your food and trash.

Forest sections show old logging stumps from over a century ago. Some flat spots were loading areas where logs got staged before moving down the mountains.

Camping & Nearby Recreation

Dispersed camping is allowed throughout San Bernardino National Forest on public land. Stay at least 200 feet from water sources. Use existing fire rings at each site (check fire restrictions!). Pack out everything. Holcomb Valley has the best dispersed camping near White Mountain Trail. The area sees plenty of visitors during peak season.

Big Bear has several Forest Service campgrounds within 20 minutes of the trailheads. These fill up fast on summer weekends, so book ahead. The area sees mountain bikers, hikers, and ATV riders enjoying the recreation opportunities. Be cool to everyone and yield to non-motorized traffic like hikers on shared routes.

Mapping & Navigation

The San Bernardino National Forest map shows White Mountain Trail (3N17) and all legal routes in the area with proper access points. Download it from the Forest Service website or grab one at Big Bear Discovery Center.

For GPS, Gaia GPS and OnX Offroad work great. Download offline maps before you go since cell service drops to nothing on the trail. The area is open from July through September, with the best conditions. Many visitors continue to explore through late fall.

Call Big Bear Discovery Center at (909) 382-2790 for current conditions and closures.

Trail Ethics & Best Practices

• Stay on designated trails. Bypasses around rocky sections create new erosion and give land managers reasons to close routes. If a section looks too hard, air down more, take it slower, or turn around and head back.
• Pack out everything. Every single thing. Leaving no trace keeps trails open and prevents authorities from having to close access to these public areas.
• Respect seasonal closures. Wet season closures prevent trail damage. Snow closures keep you from needing rescue. Wildlife closures protect sensitive species during critical times.
• Yield appropriately. Uphill traffic has the right of way. If you're descending and meet someone climbing, find a wide spot and let them pass.
• Keep your speed reasonable. Faster speeds kick up more dust, break things on your rig, and create hazards for other users. Be

Pro Tips for White Mountain

• Start early and head out in the morning. Summer afternoons bring thunderstorms to the mountains. I aim to be off the ridgeline by 2 PM.
• Air down to 18 PSI before the trail. Air back up at gas stations in Big Bear Lake. Takes just a bit of time but makes a huge difference.
• Bring at least a gallon of water per person. High altitude dehydrates you fast.
• Pack layers. Morning might be 50 degrees, midday hits 80 in the mountains.
• Download offline maps. Cell service drops to nothing but GPS still works.
• Best time is July through September when conditions are dry. June can have snowmelt, October can see early storms.

Final Thoughts

White Mountain Trail hits a sweet spot in the Big Bear area. It's challenging enough to feel like a real adventure through the San Bernardino Mountains but accessible enough that you're not risking your rig on every section. The scenic ridgeline views and technical variety make the trip worth it without beating you up.

Before you head out, make sure your rig is properly equipped. At Truck Brigade, we specialize in outfitting 4x4 vehicles like Tacomas, 4Runners, Jeeps, whatever you have, with exactly what you need for Big Bear trails, and any trail for that matter. Whether you're looking to add rock sliders, install lift kits, or equip your rig with recovery gear, we've got you covered with premium brands like King, Icon, Bilstein, and BFGoodrich.

Visit truckbrigade.com to explore our catalog and get your rig dialed in for White Mountain Trail and every other adventure waiting in the mountains.