An Off-Road Excursion

Something A Little Different

• 📍 Location: Holcomb Valley OHV

• 🥾 Distance: 26.87 miles

• 📈 Elevation Gain: 3,510 ft

Favorite moment: The changing topography

A Steep Exploration With Constant Change

There’s something special about Holcomb Valley—something that keeps drawing off-roaders, hikers, history lovers, and anyone who craves a little untamed adventure. Tucked behind Big Bear Lake, this old mining valley feels like a pocket of the San Bernardino Mountains where time moves a little slower and the wild still has the final say.

This weekend, I traded my hiking boots for low gear and took an off-road excursion through Holcomb Valley. What I expected was a scenic drive. What I got was a full sensory journey: shifting landscapes, soft pine breezes, open meadows, and—yes—some truly impressive mud puddles.

From Sun-Drenched Meadows to Pine Forest Shadows

The entrance trail welcomed me with that classic mountain blend of sun-baked earth and tall pines, but within minutes the scenery began to change.

First up were wide, golden meadows—stretches of grass still glistening with morning dew. The kind that look like they’re straight out of an old western. The trails here are smooth enough that you almost forget you're off-roading… almost.

As I gained elevation, the terrain shifted. The trees thickened, closing in overhead until the sunlight turned a darker, greener shade. The air cooled. The trail narrowed. And the rocks got bigger. Suddenly every tire placement mattered, and the forest felt alive around me—rustling, creaking, stretching overhead like an old cathedral of pines.

Then Came the Mud

Holcomb Valley had clearly soaked up more recent storms than I expected. What started as a few damp patches turned into puddles—then into ponds—then into what can only be described as “mud lake crossings.”

Some puddles were the size of compact cars, chocolate-brown mirrors reflecting sky and trees as if daring me to try my luck.

The first plunge always feels like a gamble: Will it be a shallow splash or a hidden rut waiting to swallow a tire? Luckily, Holcomb Valley mud is more dramatic than dangerous. The truck sank just enough to make a hearty fwump, then powered forward with a spray that reached the windows.

Nothing gets the heart pumping like watching muddy water roll up the hood and wondering whether you’re about to create unforgettable memories or an unforgettable tow bill.

Spoiler: I made it through all of them. And every puddle seemed to come with its own reward—a new view, a clearing, or a stretch of trail glowing in afternoon sun.

Holcomb Valley isn’t just a pretty off-road playground. Every bend comes with a sense of history. Old mining sites, abandoned cabins, weathered signage offering glimpses of 19th-century gold fever.

Combine that with the shifting landscapes—open meadows, dense forests, rocky climbs, and those signature mud obstacles—and the whole excursion feels like several adventures woven into one.

Why Holcomb Valley Belongs on Every Off-Roader’s List

Whether you're a casual trail explorer or someone who grins at the sight of a deep puddle, Holcomb Valley delivers. It offers:

• Beginner-friendly trails with pockets of challenge

• Plenty of room to explore without feeling crowded

• Scenery that transforms mile by mile

• A satisfying blend of nature, history, and adrenaline

By the time I rolled out of the valley, the truck was unrecognizable under thick splashes of mountain mud—but somehow that felt like part of the experience. A badge of honor.

And honestly? I can’t wait to go back, maybe after the next storm, when the puddles grow wide again and the scenery shifts once more.

If you’re craving an off-road day that keeps surprising you, Holcomb Valley should be at the top of your list.

Thanks for journeying with me!
~ Bridget