Trail Overview

Upper Holcomb - 3N83 is a quick and mildly challenging off-road run through the forest of the Upper Holcomb Valley, north of Big Bear Lake in California's San Bernardino National Forest. 3N38 - Upper Holcomb is a lesser-known and less traveled trail than others in the area and makes a great add-on to a day of exploring through the trails of Big Bear or as a connector to the more difficult 3N10 - John Bull Trail. 3N83 - Upper Holcomb climbs and twists on a narrow dirt road with a few rutted areas and mild rocky sections connecting between 3N16 - Holcomb Valley Road and 3N10 - John Bull - 3N10. This trail can be run in either direction. Because of a few steep hills with loose rock and loose dirt, 4WD is recommended if traveling from west to east, but 2WD with high ground clearance should be fine going east to west. Brush along the sides of this trail can be dense and pinstriping is possible through some sections.

Photos of Upper Holcomb - 3N83

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Difficulty

3N83 - Upper Holcomb climbs and twists on a narrow dirt road with a few rutted areas and mild rocky sections with a few steep hills with loose rock and loose dirt. Brush along the sides of this trail is dense and pinstriping is possible through some sections.

Technical Rating

Michael Leary

Feb 17, 2026

Open

Snow was appx 2f-3ft deep in a few switchbacks and rutted out sections. Cut trail in a few spots not too tough. A few Big deep mud puddles.Traction was tough in a few steeper spots used front and rear locker to climb up a sections. Traction boards nearly came out, would advise!

Dave Tolbertson

Jan 08, 2026

Open

Shawn Durning

Aug 17, 2025

Open

Jeremy Uhl

Aug 04, 2025

Open

Trail is closed to the Gold Fire

Michael Strickland

Jul 28, 2025

Open

a little bit too narrow for my land Cruiser with the overgrowth, the section pictured was pretty steep and rutted. This is an, easy Blue Trail but certainly not a green trail at this time

Freddy Orozco

Jun 29, 2025

Open

Awesome trail! New shocks gave me enough ground clearance. Beware, road is extremely narrow you will get lots a lots of scratches !

Matt Capel

Jun 21, 2025

Open

The trail is mostly mild but there are a few steep drops, tree roots, rocks and grades. Narrow for vehicles. Should be a 4 compared to other trails in the area, at least have a moderate rating.

Eli Goble

Jun 14, 2025

Open

max Eastman

Sep 02, 2024

Open

I took this trail as an easy route due to being alone. I found it considerably more difficult than the previous report indicates. Obstacles are up to 3ft in places and the lines do get technical going downhill from John Bull to 3n16. Take a buddy for this one!