Holcomb Valley Adventure Guide

Nestled in the heart of the San Bernardino Mountains near the serene shores of Big Bear Lake, Holcomb Valley is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts. The area offers various recreational activities, including hiking, camping, mountain biking, and off-roading, and is known for its scenic surroundings and rich history.

Camping

Holcomb Valley is within San Bernardino National Forest and offers several camping options, from dispersed camping to developed campgrounds.

Holcomb Valley Campground

Holcomb Valley Campground, located near the intersection of Holcomb Valley Road and Van Dusen Canyon Road, features 19 single-family sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each site can accommodate up to 8 people and has a picnic table, fire ring, and bear box. Amenities include vault toilets, but no water is available, so visitors should plan accordingly.

The campground is managed by the National Forest Service and a campground host is present from mid-May through October to assist campers. The campground is open year-round, though vehicle access depends on road conditions. Holcomb Valley is accessible via Forest Service Road 3N16, approximately five miles north of Big Bear Lake.

Tanglewood Campground

Tanglewood Group Campground in Holcomb Valley offers a shaded retreat in a pine-covered setting. The campground is situated at around 7,000 feet and is ideal for groups seeking a natural escape.

This campground can accommodate up to 40 people and 8 vehicles, making it perfect for family gatherings or group adventures. The site has picnic tables, grills, a campfire circle, and vault toilets. It can be reserved at Recreation.gov.

Hanna Flat Campground

Hanna Flat Campground offers 86 sites, each equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and access to vault toilets. The campground is surrounded by a mixed pine and oak forest, providing ample shade. Its proximity to Big Bear Lake makes it a convenient base for water-based recreation such as fishing and boating. Hanna Flat Campground is open from May through November and is accessible by both tent and RV campers​. The site can be reserved at Recreation.gov.

Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping in and around Holcomb Valley is popular. It allows you to camp away from developed campgrounds and without a reservation. The area’s diverse landscape, with its open meadows and pine forests, provides an excellent backdrop for a secluded camping experience.

While enjoying dispersed camping, following Leave No Trace principles is essential to preserve the area’s pristine condition. Campers must pack out all trash, avoid creating new fire rings, and ensure fires are completely extinguished before leaving. It’s also crucial to be aware of fire restrictions and obtain any necessary campfire permits.

Visit the official Forest Service page for more detailed guidelines and information on dispersed camping in the San Bernardino National Forest.

Contact the Big Bear Discovery Center for current road conditions and further details.

Rock Climbing

A crag in the area, Holcomb Valley Pinnacles, is a popular destination for rock climbing enthusiasts. These striking granite formations offer a variety of climbing routes that cater to different skill levels, from beginners to seasoned climbers.

Climbers can enjoy a range of climbing styles here, including traditional, sport, and bouldering. The area features numerous bolted routes and natural cracks, making it a versatile spot for diverse climbing experiences. The routes vary in difficulty, offering something for everyone, whether looking for a leisurely climb or a more intense, technical challenge.

Hiking

In addition to climbing, the Holcomb Valley Pinnacles are surrounded by scenic hiking trails and stunning views, making it an excellent spot for those who appreciate the beauty of the outdoors. A portion of the Pacific Crest Trail passes through the area, and their are a number of other hikes that branch off from the trail.

Off-Roading

Holcomb Valley is a prime destination for off-roading enthusiasts, offering an extensive network of trails that traverse the diverse terrain of the San Bernardino National Forest. The valley’s trails cater to various skill levels, from beginner-friendly paths to more challenging routes that test the abilities of experienced off-roaders.

Popular trails in the area include the Gold Fever Trail, which takes riders through historic sites from the Gold Rush era, and the Holcomb Valley Road (3N16), known for its scenic beauty and diverse landscapes.

3N16 trail spans approximately 26 miles through the backwoods of the San Bernardino National Forest, serving a the primary connector for many of Big Bear’s off-road trails, 3N16 links to Holcomb Creek, Dishpan Springs, John Bull, White Mountain, Gold Mountain, and more.

To preserve the area’s natural beauty and minimize environmental impact, it’s essential to follow all Forest Service regulations, including staying on designated trails and obtaining any required permits.

For more information and detailed trail maps, visit the San Bernardino National Forest website.

Getting There

The directions below, from Redlands and San Bernardino, will bring you to Holcomb Valley Campground:

Directions from Redlands:

Take I-10 East to Redlands. Take the University Street exit, EXIT 80. Turn left (northbound) on University Street. Turn right onto E. Lugonia Avenue/SR-38. Continue on State Highway 38 into Big Bear City, to E. Big Bear Blvd. Turn left onto E. Big Bear Blvd./SR-38. Turn right onto Greenway Drive/CA-18/SR-38. Turn left onto North Shore Drive, SR-38. Continue on North Shore Drive/Hwy 38 until you reach the Van Dusen Canyon Road, Forest Service Road 3N09. Make a right-hand turn on Van Dusen Canyon Road. Continue on the Forest Service Road 3N09 for approximately 4 miles. Make a left on Forest Service Road 3N16. Holcomb Valley Campground will be located on the right.

Directions from San Bernardino:

Take I-10 East to San Bernardino. Merge onto CA-210 W via Exit 77 toward CA-330/Highland. Merge onto CA-330 N via Exit 81 toward Mtn Resorts. CA-330 N becomes CA-18 in the town of Running Springs. Take CA-18 to Big Bear. At the Dam/Bridge, turn left onto CA-38 at the signal light towards Fawnskin. Continue on North Shore Drive/CA-38 through Fawnskin. Continue on North Shore Drive/Hwy 38 until you reach the Van Dusen Canyon Road, Forest Service Road 3N09. Make a left-hand turn on Van Dusen Canyon Road. Continue on the Forest Service Road 3N09 for approximately 4 miles. Make a left on Forest Service Road 3N16. Holcomb Valley Campground will be located on the right.

For winter access, take Polique Canyon Road when Van Dusen Canyon Road is closed for winter.  From Fawnskin, continue on North Shoe Drive/Hwy 38 to Polique Canyon Road. Make a left, and Polique Canyon Road becomes Forest Service Road 2N09. Continue on 2N09 for approximately 4 miles. Make a right-hand turn (east ) on 3N16 for ¾ of a mile. Holcomb Valley Campground will be on your left-hand side.