Holcomb Valley

If you live in Southern California and you want a close, fun adventure try Holcomb Valley near Big Bear Lake. Make sure you stop at one of the ranger stations to pick up an Adventure Pass for $5.00 and the Big Bear Lake Backcountry Trail Map for $3.00. On the back side of Big Bear Lake you will find Trail 2N09/Poligue Canyon Road this will take you on the drive tour of what is left of an 1800’s gold mining area. The roads are dirt but during the summer months they are fairly easy for most cars to negotiate. This was a fun day trip and I highly recommend it! We began our adventure by going around Baldwin Lake and heading up Holcomb Valley Road to the end of 3N16. This part of the 4x4 trail was a bit rough and we did put our vehicle in 4 Wheel Drive. If you don’t have 4 Wheel Drive or you are not comfortable driving on narrow roads with lots of rocks, stick to 2N09 and the beginning of 3N16. There is a lot to see on the Holcomb Valley Self-Guided Tour. One stop is the Metzger Mine. You can explore this mine, just bring a flashlight and don’t wear flip flops. The Hanging Tree was a little harder to find. It’s off of the main trail on 3N07.  Make the effort to find it! There is no mistaking which tree it is when you pull up. The Hanging Tree has clearly been scarred by what it has seen and been a part of (see pic). There were picnic tables throughout the tour, in fact, we had our lunch by the Hanging Tree. It was a peaceful and picturesque spot. If you are really feeling adventurous, there is primitive camping here as well.  I’m not too sure how comfortable I would be camping so close to the Hanging Tree... but you may love the idea! We ended our day by stopping at the ice cream store in Big Bear Lake Village. My hubby’s favorite indulgence... chocolate dipped Twinkies!