I'm providing this information for those who would like to do a run of "medium" difficulty at Big Bear Bronco Bash, but have not been able to find an established run to join. This would be considered a "DIY" run, as it's not currently on the schedule. But if anyone wants to volunteer to lead it and create a scheduled run post to invite others to it, feel free to use this information. Otherwise, this route can be run at any time by anyone. Because this route traverses some very remote areas, I recommend at least groups of two vehicles just in case you have issues.
This collection of trails strings together several more technical sections, compared to the easy "Road to Pioneertown" Burns Canyon route that many are familiar with. Start by staging at the Journey Church in the Erwin Lake area of Big Bear City. Use the large dirt areas rather than the church's paved parking lot. This is just a spot for people to meet, if you are more than a couple of rigs, but the turnoff is several miles up Highway 38. Be careful as you approach the Balkey Horse Canyon turnoff (Forest Service Road 2N04), as it comes up quick, isn't easy to spot at speed, and there may be fast-moving oncoming traffic. From there, the route descends to its first crossing of Arrastre Creek in Balky Horse Canyon. The route then traverses a scenic shelf road before winding down into Broom Flats. Turn left onto FS 2N01, go over the saddle then wind down into Burns Canyon. At the junction of 2N01 and 2N61Y, allow all vehicles to regroup before heading up the rocky slope of 2N61Y. This is where the running gets more technical. Continue over the rocky hill into Round Valley, home of a large, healthy Joshua Tree grove. There are several more rocky sections before coming to the Heartbreak Ridge turnoff. Save that trail for a more adventurous day, and stay left to continue on 2N61Y. At the small rock garden, stay to the right for the more challenging line, or stay left to keep it easy. There's a good rest stop or lunch area at the end of 2N61Y where it joins Burns Canyon Road 2N02. After regrouping, turn up 2N02 (sharp left) and continue up a short distance to the turnoff for 2N70Y, which we will call Rattler Loop. This is a short, 1-mile detour into some medium challenges, before rejoining Burns Canyon Road. After Rattler Loop, continue on 2N02 into the Rose Mine area, past the T junction with 2N01. Tip Top Mountain is a short side-quest that goes to the top of the mountain for some spectacular views. It's an up-and-back, so if you're short of time it can be skipped. A short distance past the Tip Top Turnoff, 2N02 turns left, which you will do rather than continuing straight (which would be 3N03). Stay on 2N02 as it winds through several more creek valleys and your second crossing of Arrastre Creek. A short distance from the end of the trail near Baldwin Lake, an optional short hike brings you to the Eye of God, an interesting quartz outcrop. Burns Canyon Road ends at Vale Lane and Baldwin Lake Road, where you can air up before heading back into Big Bear.
If anyone needs any additional information or has questions about running this route, feel free to ask! If you'd like to try to find friends to run this trail with, post up below. If you'd like to lead an organized run and put it on the schedule, see This Post for info, I'm sure it will be appreciated!
The rock garden on Round Valley Trail:
This collection of trails strings together several more technical sections, compared to the easy "Road to Pioneertown" Burns Canyon route that many are familiar with. Start by staging at the Journey Church in the Erwin Lake area of Big Bear City. Use the large dirt areas rather than the church's paved parking lot. This is just a spot for people to meet, if you are more than a couple of rigs, but the turnoff is several miles up Highway 38. Be careful as you approach the Balkey Horse Canyon turnoff (Forest Service Road 2N04), as it comes up quick, isn't easy to spot at speed, and there may be fast-moving oncoming traffic. From there, the route descends to its first crossing of Arrastre Creek in Balky Horse Canyon. The route then traverses a scenic shelf road before winding down into Broom Flats. Turn left onto FS 2N01, go over the saddle then wind down into Burns Canyon. At the junction of 2N01 and 2N61Y, allow all vehicles to regroup before heading up the rocky slope of 2N61Y. This is where the running gets more technical. Continue over the rocky hill into Round Valley, home of a large, healthy Joshua Tree grove. There are several more rocky sections before coming to the Heartbreak Ridge turnoff. Save that trail for a more adventurous day, and stay left to continue on 2N61Y. At the small rock garden, stay to the right for the more challenging line, or stay left to keep it easy. There's a good rest stop or lunch area at the end of 2N61Y where it joins Burns Canyon Road 2N02. After regrouping, turn up 2N02 (sharp left) and continue up a short distance to the turnoff for 2N70Y, which we will call Rattler Loop. This is a short, 1-mile detour into some medium challenges, before rejoining Burns Canyon Road. After Rattler Loop, continue on 2N02 into the Rose Mine area, past the T junction with 2N01. Tip Top Mountain is a short side-quest that goes to the top of the mountain for some spectacular views. It's an up-and-back, so if you're short of time it can be skipped. A short distance past the Tip Top Turnoff, 2N02 turns left, which you will do rather than continuing straight (which would be 3N03). Stay on 2N02 as it winds through several more creek valleys and your second crossing of Arrastre Creek. A short distance from the end of the trail near Baldwin Lake, an optional short hike brings you to the Eye of God, an interesting quartz outcrop. Burns Canyon Road ends at Vale Lane and Baldwin Lake Road, where you can air up before heading back into Big Bear.
- Google Maps, showing the Route & Waypoints
- ONX Off-Road (membership required)
- Download the GPX file Here (note, the GPX file begins at Big Bear High School--use the Journey Church for staging location instead, if school is in session. Use the high school if running on a Sunday)
If anyone needs any additional information or has questions about running this route, feel free to ask! If you'd like to try to find friends to run this trail with, post up below. If you'd like to lead an organized run and put it on the schedule, see This Post for info, I'm sure it will be appreciated!
The rock garden on Round Valley Trail:
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