Recent snow and rain have caused many trails to be temporarily closed. Please check with the local agencies for the most up-to-date information.

2N02 - Burns Canyon

4.8/5 (68 reviews)
Yucca Valley, California (San Bernardino County)
Last Updated: 03/18/2023

Trail Information

Highlights

Altitude
Camping
Forest
Iconic
Mine
Overland
Scenic
From the high desert floor flush with Joshua trees, Yucca, and crisp blue skies to the green forest of Big Bear, Burns Canyon, also known as Arrastre Creek, is an odyssey waiting for you in Southern California. Rich with history, particularly if you start at the south end and take in Pioneertown, travel through the famous Rose Mine, and find the rare Redwood trees, this trail makes for a great gateway for an epic overland trip close to home. This is the perfect get-away for a day or days when combined with the other amazing trails this area has to offer.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Burns Canyon is referred to as 2N02 Arrastre Creek once in the jurisdiction of the Forest Service. It is a straight-through 19-mile long trail connecting Big Bear and Pioneertown. The road is comprised of hard-packed dirt with patches of protruding rock. Suitable for any SUV. As written here, the trail will climb over 4,300 feet through its course. While weather can be hot in the lower elevations, it can be cold and temperamental up high, so prepare for desert and cold mountain conditions. The eastern half of the trail before the Forest Service Boundary is on private property. Please drive with respect and care through this area.

Trail Reviews

4.8/5 (68)
Official Crew
110800
Temporary Closure
Visited: 03/18/2023

The forest service has deemed the San Bernardino Forest unsafe for public off-roaders to use until June 30th. For more information on this: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1095216.pdf If you disagree with the complete forest closure, please call (909) 382-2682 and ask to speak to the head ranger. You can also contact the head office in Washington,DC, and voice your concern there. (202) 912-7055 Another person you could contact your senator and express your feeling - (949) 598-5850 (Alex Padilla) or (202) 224-3121 (DC switch board) If you are unhappy with this at all, please make sure you sign up for the local off-road collations (Cal4wheel, and Corva). Feel free to reach out to them and ask what you can do. Cal4Wheel - (916) 381-8300 CORVA - 916-710-1950
Open
Visited: 03/16/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Completed this trail before closure, nothing seemed “unsafe”. Anyways, easy trail, clearance is a must for some rocky sections.
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 02/08/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Last review glitched out. Good trail. Easy trip up to big bear area.
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 02/08/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

S.
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 01/07/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

Great trail for people new to off-roading/wheeling, though the rain and snow has bumped the difficulty up a bit. In it's current state, I'd say 4 wheel drive is required, and clearance is a necessity. We started from Pioneertown just behind Pappy and Harriette's and ascended to Big Bear. My buddy's stock Tacoma TRD Pro was able to keep up with my Rubicon without an issue, though anything less would have struggled, if not failed to reach the end. The views are exceptional, and the changes in geography and altitude make for a truly surreal experience. Definitely recommend, just come prepared with recovery gear and traction boards if you are making this run in the winter!

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