It was a late start to the summer wheeling season but our group finally got organized enough to plan a run up to Big Bear. With passengers and friends our group of 15 staked our claim in yellow post sites at the Heart Bar campground just a short distance from Heart Break Ridge.

This well known trail is most famous for the abandoned Pontiac near the base of the loop which also lends its name to the often referred to Pontiac Sluice. The majority of the trail is an easy drive starting at Hwy 38 on the south east side of Big Bear and works its way east gradually revealing a high desert.

Stock high clearance trucks as well as highly modified crawlers should enjoy this trail. All but one short section has a by pass to avoid difficult terrain, but with a good spotter and experienced trail driver the rocky section can be navigated successfully. All of our moderately modified trucks including a 4-Runner, several Xterra’s, and an FJ Cruiser made it through the run without issue thanks to good spotting and experienced driving.

For additional options while on the trail consider following 2N02 down the mountain to Pioneer Town on the Rattlesnake trail. For a longer day consider taking the trail to 3N03 ending near Baldwin Lake and heading North to 3N16 where numerous trails off all difficulty can be found.