Trail Overview
This scenic loop winds through Holcomb Valley, offering a glimpse into the area's Gold Rush past with marked stops from the Gold Fever Trail. Expect mild terrain with occasional puddles, picnic spots, scenic pullouts, meadow, and forest views. The route begins and ends at distinctive white gates, making navigation easy.
Difficulty
The trail follows a mostly smooth path with a mix of dirt and occasional rocky patches. Grades are mild, and the road remains wide enough for easy passing. While a few shallow puddles may appear after rain, the route poses no major challenges for high-clearance 2WD or standard 4x4 vehicles.
History
Just north of Big Bear Lake lies Holcomb Valley, once home to the bustling boomtown of Belleville. Named after prospector William "Grizzly Bill" Holcomb, the valley was the site of Southern California's largest gold strike in 1860. Holcomb discovered gold while hunting grizzlies to feed starving miners--an accidental find that kicked off a full-scale gold rush and drew thousands to the area almost overnight.