Welcome to the off-road encyclopedia. You can contribute to this site by clicking "edit this page" above. You should also register for our monthly newsletter.

From Dirtopia, The Off-Road Encyclopedia

White Mountain (3N17)

Location: Northwest of Big Bear Lake, CA. Enter into the forest through Fawnskin. Travel up Polique Canyon Road, about a mile west of Discovery Center (get day use pass and check for closures here). Make a right, following sign for Holcomb Valley. Turn Left when you reach 3N16. Go West on 3N16 for many miles, past Big Pine Flats. At some point near Little Pine Flats, the road turns north and changes names, can't remember the name (look at a map before you go!). You will then be out of the forest and into desert scrub for a bit. The entrance to the trail will be on your right, marked "To 3N17".

Length of Trail: Unknown Mileage, but allow for about 2.5-3.5 hours

Trail Difficulty: NFS rated as "Most Difficult", but it really is not that bad. I did it with my Toyota FZJ80 on 33" MTRs, no lift or sliders. There are a couple tight spots but if you take your time you can get out without a scrape. Most of this trail is rocky/sandy hillclimbs that makes for a fun challenge. No boulder fields or anything like that. Don't run this trail alone, as you are next to a drop of most of the trail and would want to have someone else with you for backup if you get in a sticky spot. There is little to no room to pass on this trail, save for a few turn-offs, so be prepared to back up if you encounter someone coming the other way. Easiest thing to do is watch the trail ahead of you when you round a bend, then pull off and rest for a bit if you see anyone coming.

You can run this trail both West -> East and East -> West, the former being the more enjoyable way, with more options to use lockers. If you are unlocked, you should have no problems going East -> West, as it is mostly descents, but if you are going the other way someone in the group should have lockers and be in front of you for a tug.

Vehicle Types: Anyone with 31"+ should be able to run this ok, but you will want grippy tires - be prepared for a tug if not. Air down to sub 20's for best grip here. Watch for sharp rocks!