Big Bear Memorial Day Weekend

[SharkXJ]

Hi Everyone,
Me, my wife and some buddys are heading down to Big Bear this weekend and I was wondering if anyone here could give me some insite as to what to expect.

Details:
Since we are in the Bay Area (San Jose), were gonna leave Friday morning around 4:00 am speepin: We are camping at Heart Bar Camp Grounds.

Rigs going: 2 TJ's, 3" RE Lifts and 33's, both are open, open, My XJ, 3" RE Lift and 31's with LS in the rear, 92 Ford Ranger with 8" lift, 35's and Locked in the rear.

With the exception of the guy in the Ranger we are pretty much intermediate wheelers.

So - any trails we should hit, weather, forestry details, etc.... you guys can fill me in on would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance....

 

[jjmat3]

Gold Mountain trail to warm you up and then John Bull if you want some more fun. I might be up there on Monday on GOld Mtn. Ran the trail last Sunday and it was awesome up there. Stop off at the Discovery center to pick up passes if you plan on stopping on the trail for lunch or whatever. Anyone in group interested in Geocaching? I have one at the start of Gold Mtn and one in rock garden of it also. Have fun, be safe!

 

[SharkXJ]

Gold Mountain trail to warm you up and then John Bull if you want some more fun. I might be up there on Monday on GOld Mtn. Ran the trail last Sunday and it was awesome up there. Stop off at the Discovery center to pick up passes if you plan on stopping on the trail for lunch or whatever. Anyone in group interested in Geocaching? I have one at the start of Gold Mtn and one in rock garden of it also. Have fun, be safe!

Thanks for the tips :wave: Na - none of us know how to Geocache, although we should probably learn how :read: I'll run those trails by the group and see what they say - Thanks again....

I am so looking forward to getting the heck out of here this weekend. :cheers:

 

[jjmat3]

There are many other great trails up there. Holcomb Creek is one of the tougher ones to play on. Wanna kill some time on an easy ride up to an awesome view point? Butler peak has a fire watch tower on a rocky peak that looks over the whole forest. Enjoy!

 

[rpraterxj]

I recommend getting a map and book at the discovery center, as well as an adventure pass. I will get you the name of the book and the map when I get home. There are many trails to choose from. Gold Mtn is a great trail with a nice optional rock garden. John Bull is said to be a difficult trail, especially if there is snow/ice/mud on it. Holcomb Creek is a great trail with a couple of nice rock gardens, 2 hill climbs (or decents, depending on direction you run), and some nice scenery. I will send more info when I get hoem this evening.

Good Luck,

Robert

 

[Bent]

If you are going to stay at heart bar, the Santa Ana River trail is right there. Its not too difficult. There are a couple of spots that you can make pretty fun though. Check and see if the gate at 1No5 will be locked at sunset though. Otherwise you will have to take the trail back out in the dark. Unless you have a winch and plenty of belly protection, but don't ask me how I know this, but I found out this last weakend. Found a little mud there too.

But I like getting stuck. :wave: (by myself)

TIM

EDIT: I'm sure I'll be up on the mountain at least one day over the weekend myself too. Too #&*#!! hot to stay down here in the valley.

 

[SharkXJ]

If you are going to stay at heart bar, the Santa Ana River trail is right there. Its not too difficult. There are a couple of spots that you can make pretty fun though. Check and see if the gate at 1No5 will be locked at sunset though. Otherwise you will have to take the trail back out in the dark. Unless you have a winch and plenty of belly protection, but don't ask me how I know this, but I found out this last weakend. Found a little mud there too.

But I like getting stuck. :wave: (by myself)

TIM

EDIT: I'm sure I'll be up on the mountain at least one day over the weekend myself too. Too #&*#!! hot to stay down here in the valley.

Thanks for the info. We will be on CB Chanel 27 for most of the weekend. Gimme a hollar if you make it out. Handle is SharkXJ.

Late.....

 

[SharkXJ]

I recommend getting a map and book at the discovery center, as well as an adventure pass. I will get you the name of the book and the map when I get home. There are many trails to choose from. Gold Mtn is a great trail with a nice optional rock garden. John Bull is said to be a difficult trail, especially if there is snow/ice/mud on it. Holcomb Creek is a great trail with a couple of nice rock gardens, 2 hill climbs (or decents, depending on direction you run), and some nice scenery. I will send more info when I get hoem this evening.

Good Luck,

Robert

Awesome... Thanks man.

 

[Bent]

Thanks for the info. We will be on CB Chanel 27 for most of the weekend. Gimme a hollar if you make it out. Handle is SharkXJ.

Late.....

I gave ya a holler on Sunday, Holcombe creek area. Channel 27? Uaah, didn't that used to say channel 25? Well I guess that explains part of why I didn't get ahold of ya.

Tim

 

[SharkXJ]

I gave ya a holler on Sunday, Holcombe creek area. Channel 27? Uaah, didn't that used to say channel 25? Well I guess that explains part of why I didn't get ahold of ya.

Tim

BUMMER. Well I was out of commission anyways. I bent my rear driveshaft and we went into San Bernadino on Sunday to hit Pick A Part. Had an 88 Rear but it is too long. Ended up driving home is Front Wheel Drive. Check the Sierra Chapter for the Trip Report later this evening.

BTW - We ran John Bull on Saturday, went in from the East side and it KICKED ASS!!!!

 

[Bent]

Sorry to hear about the DS, I have one sitting in the garage(AW4/D35. I don't know what it is, but there never seems to be much to pick from in this area as far as XJ's go. Once in a while...