The Forest Service has identified some 60 miles of unclassified 4WD tracks and trails in the Big Bear region of the San Bernardino National Forest, which it plans to close in order to provide habitat protection for alleged threatened and endangered species. Some of these routes are very popular for dual-sport motorcycling, because they offer an ideal combination of challenging terrain and spectacular scenery.
The maps referenced below are taken from a large-scale inventory map showing all the unclassified travel routes proposed for closure. The dark lines on the inventory maps are designated Forest Service Roads, not all of which have their route numbers shown. The open lines on the maps represent the unclassified travel routes which are slated for closure. The unclassified routes, which are highlighted in pink, are the ones that are of special interest for motorcycle use. Pink routes with blue numbers (#) next to them are especially worth saving, and are described in detail:
Map 1 - North of Big Bear Lake
Map 2 - Northeast of Big Bear Lake
Map 3 - Southeast of Big Bear Lake
#1) Location: Section 3, T2N, R1E
Justification: This is an historical route that provides access to numerous mining sites in the Van Dusen Canyon area. It provides a connecting loop between 2N09 and 3N79, and diverts recreational traffic away from the heavily traveled Van Dusen Canyon Road. It is desirable for future inclusion in the designated OHV route system.#2) Location: Section 33, T3N, R1E
Justification: A route for future inclusion in the designated OHV route system, because it provides a recreational loop off the heavily traveled main transportation corridor, 3N16.#3) Location: Sections 27, 28 and 33, T3N, R1E
Justification: This route provides direct access to one of Big Bear Valley's most popular rock climbing areas, and it is therefore extremely important to maintain this route. It is quite likely that this route, if closed, would be continually reestablished due to its popularity and attempts to maintain closure would present a management headache. It also provides access connection for a high quality motorized route between the north side of Belleville Meadow (3N07A) and the John Bull Trail (via 3N32). Consequently, it is very popular with the 4WD clubs that regularly use the John Bull Trail, making it an excellent candidate for trail adoption.#4) Location: Sections 5 and 6, T2N, R1E
Justification: By facilitating a connection between existing routes away from the main access corridors, this route is desirable for future inclusion in the designated OHV route system.#5) Location: Sections 29 and 30, T3N, R1E
Justification: This is a well-established road in good condition and is frequently used. It would be difficult to maintain closure of such a popular and worthwhile route, which offers an excellent recreational experience with access to two historic mining sites. The quality of its terrain makes it a challenging and interesting OHV route that is very desirable for future inclusion in the designated OHV route system. It is well situated to provide a connection with the John Bull OHV route via 3N83.#6) Location: Along the border of Section 25, T3N, R1W and Section 30, T3N, R1E
Justification: This route is a connecting loop between 3N54 and 3N83, and provides an alternate route to existing Forest Development Roads. It is desirable for future inclusion in the designated OHV route system.#7) Location: Sections 24 and 25, T3N, R1W
Justification: A very desirable route for future inclusion in the designated OHV route system because it provides an alternate route away from the main traffic corridor of 3N16. The surface is a stable, rocky soil that holds up well to OHV traffic. The terrain is challenging, scenic and interesting as an OHV route.#8) Location: Section 35, T3N, R1E
Justification: This route is a connecting loop off the heavily traveled main access corridor, 3N16. It provides a valuable link between existing Forest Development Roads, making it desirable for future inclusion in the designated OHV route system.#9) Location: Section 36, T3N, R1W
Justification: As an alternate route off the main traffic access routes, it provides a connection between existing secondary Forest roads. It is a quality OHV route that lies off the beaten path.#10) Location: Section 3, T1N, R2E
Justification: A very high value route that is well-established, well known and frequently used. It is imperative to retain this route, which is actually a much longer, existing historical route that connects the Wildhorse Meadows area with Highway 38 near Onyx Summit. It is currently shown as an existing 4WD route on Forest Service topographic maps. It offers quality terrain that is challenging, scenic and remote, making it an interesting OHV route and an Adopt-a-Trail candidate for 4WD clubs. At the present time, the Forest Service's OHV Adopt-a-Trail Manager and the Engineering staff are considering designating this route as a Four Wheel Drive Way.#11) Location: Sections 30 and 31, T2N, R3E
Justification: This route gives travelers access to Broom Spring and provides a quality scenic and recreational opportunity.#12) Location: Sections 22 and T3N, R1E
Justification: This group of high quality recreational routes provides access to the Mohawk Mine, an old apple orchard and homestead, a seasonal pond and a good remote camping area. There is also an expansive vista overlooking the Mojave Desert. These are very valuable routes.We believe that the above identified routes could be ranked in order of their recreational value and importance to the members of the Big Bear Trail Riders Motorcycle Club as follows: #10, #3, #12, #5, #7, #9, #6, #11, #1, #2, #4, #8.