Burns Canyon Road
Granite canyon technical challenge near Big Bear
Burns Canyon Road drops off Highway 38 into a granite-walled canyon system that most Big Bear visitors never see. The route follows an old logging road past abandoned mill sites and through seasonal stream crossings that can run swift during snowmelt. Rock shelves and embedded boulders create technical challenges, while towering pines and granite outcroppings make this feel more like the Sierra Nevada than typical Southern California desert mountains.
This is legitimate 4WD territory requiring low-range gearing and rock sliders for the embedded granite sections. Snow closes the route from December through April, making late spring through fall the prime window. The route connects to Forest Service roads leading deeper into San Bernardino National Forest backcountry. Dispersed camping is allowed in designated areas, but water sources are seasonal. Expect solitude and some of the best granite scenery accessible by vehicle in the Big Bear area.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 12 mi / 19.3 km |
| Duration | Full day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 6800 ft |
| Best season | May-November |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD with sliders |
| Nearest town | Big Bear Lake, CA |
| Land manager | US Forest Service |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler handle Burns Canyon Road?
No, you need a modified 4WD with rock sliders at minimum. The granite obstacles will destroy stock rocker panels and the technical sections require good articulation and approach angles.
Is Burns Canyon Road accessible in winter?
No, the trail is typically closed or impassable from December through April due to snow at 6800 feet elevation. Best season is May through November when conditions are stable.
Do I need permits to run Burns Canyon Road?
No permits required, but you need a valid Adventure Pass ($5 daily or $30 annual) to park at Forest Service trailheads. The trail runs through San Bernardino National Forest land.
What's the hardest obstacle on Burns Canyon Road?
The granite ledge sections in the middle canyon require precise wheel placement and good spotting. These aren't optional bypasses - you're committed to technical rock crawling for several miles.
Are the water crossings on Burns Canyon deep enough to worry about?
The stream crossings are typically shallow (under 12 inches) but can be slippery on granite bedrock. More concern for traction than depth, especially after recent rains when rocks get greasy.