Horsethief Flats - 3n03A

Coming off of Highway 18 between Big Bear and Lucerne Valley it is about 1 mile along 3n03 to reach the offshoot of the Horsethief Flats Trail. This is rated as a Black Diamond, which is the designation for the most difficult trails in the area. The beginning of the trail is fairly easy being a single-vehicle-wide dirt road with a few spots to pull off and eat. Progressively the trail turns rockier and puts vehicles in more off-camber situations, with a few spots being near steep drop-offs. To descend into Horsethief Flats there is a steep, rocky, decline that may cause some under-built vehicle problems. To get down to Horsethief Flats, there are two options as the trail is split, neither being much easier than the other. During the descent, there is a great view out over Johnson Valley. In Horsethief Flats, there are many spots to stop and eat or even camp. This is an out-and-back trail, so it is necessary to climb back up the steep rocky section and retrace the rest of the trail back to 3n03.