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| Looking towards Big Bear Lake from near the summit of Gold Mountain |
The Hike
I arrived at the trailhead on Holcomb Valley Road and was surprised to see quite a few cars parked in the area. The trailhead is just before the entrance to the landfill located at the top of Holcomb Valley Road. Look for the white signs marking where the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) crosses the road.
Park off the road and head west on the trail. The first part of the hike was very pleasant with large areas of yellow flowers, cactus, and pine trees. I have hiked a few sections of the PCT in the Big Bear area and have enjoyed every step of it. The trail is well maintained and easy to follow. As the trail slowly rises, views of Baldwin Dry Lake come into view. I was surprised to not see any other hikers on the trail considering the number of cars that were parked near the start. In 1.2 miles, the trail begins to gain elevation through a series of very long switchbacks. These switchbacks were didn't feel like the switchbacks I was accustomed to on other trails due to their length. About halfway through the switchbacks the trail crosses a very rocky section.
While it did not feel dangerous crossing this section, I imagine it would be a little rough on the feet to attempt to cross this section in regular tennis shoes.
After about 2.6 miles, the PCT crosses a very noticeable forest road. Make sure to take note of a landmark or two in order to find the PCT again when coming back down. I missed this turn on the way back and added about .5 miles to my hike. In my defense, I was distracted by several motorcycles heading up the hill as I was coming down. This section of the hike becomes noticeably steeper and harder to hike due to the ruts caused by the off road vehicles that use this road. As I continued, I was still surprised I hadn't seen any other hikers. Where were all these people who parked at the trailhead? Perhaps they had headed east on the PCT? About halfway up I came to a clearing off to the right that provided spectacular views of Big Bear Lake below. As I stood there taking in the view and resting my legs I started to hear voices coming from the trail ahead of me. I continued towards the summit and came up behind a VERY large group of hikers making the trek to the top.
I later learned there were 31 of them! I began weaving my way through them. Fortunately they would stop every 1/4 mile or so to allow the slower hikers to catch up, giving me good opportunity to get in front of them. I wanted at least a few peaceful minutes at the summit before it was taken over by this large group. Eventually the trail began to flatten out, signalling the peak was near. The last 500 feet or so requires you to go off trail.
Once the road starts heading back down, head to your left a bit and you should find the summit. The last bit is a scramble up some rocks. Once at the top, look for one of three survey markers. Two of them have arrows pointing in the direction of the official peak, the third has a triangle on it and designates the official summit. There is also a summit log in a plastic jar right next to the marker at the summit. After signing the log I sat down to take in the views and enjoy a bite to eat. In just a few minutes I began to hear the rustling and chatter of the large group I passed earlier approaching the peak.
As they began to scramble up to the
summit I couldn't help but think they looked like a giant human snake making its way up the rocks.
One of the first hikers to join me at the summit said he met me a few weeks before at the summit of Gray's Peak. He recognized me from the tattoo of my mom I have on my right calf. That's the first time that's happened! Not being a huge fan of crowds while hiking, I gathered up my things and headed down. Just before reaching the turn off for the PCT, I started hearing the distinct sound of dirt bikes heading towards me.
Apparently these three motorcycles distracted me just enough to miss the turn and I continued down the forest road. After about 1/4 of a mile I felt like I was headed in the wrong direction. Sure enough I had missed my turn. As I headed back up the road I started hearing another motorized sound. Around the corner came a Jeep enjoying some off road time in the mountains. He stopped to ask if there were other hikers behind me. After I told him I was alone he informed me that there were 12 other Jeeps behind him. This must have been one of the groups I had seen earlier in the morning.
After waiting for them to pass, I retraced my steps and easily found the turnoff for the PCT. I followed the trail back to my car, kicked off my shoes and reflected on how this had been one of the more unique hikes I had done, based on the various encounters I had. The amazing views from the summit of Gold Mountain made this a great hike. Like I said earlier, I love hiking the PCT through the Big Bear area so I really enjoyed this adventure. Afterwards I had a wonderful "breakfast for lunch" at a place called the Grind and Grill. I ordered something called the Avalanche that consisted of biscuits, hash-browns, eggs, sausage (patties and links), and bacon are smothered in gravy. Amazing! I included a picture of it in the album below.
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| The Trailhead |
While it did not feel dangerous crossing this section, I imagine it would be a little rough on the feet to attempt to cross this section in regular tennis shoes.
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| Looking back after crossing a rocky section of the trail. |
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| This is where to head off trail to the left in order to reach the summit. |
As they began to scramble up to the
summit I couldn't help but think they looked like a giant human snake making its way up the rocks.
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| A large group snaking its way to the summit. |
Info and Stats
No permit needed to park at the trailhead
Total distance: 8.22 miles
Total elevation: 1,473 feet
Total time: 3 hours, 15 minutes
Getting There
The trailhead is located on Holcomb Valley Rd. just before the paved section ends at the landfill. Look for a post with a white sign that says Pacific Crest Trail.
From the 210, take Highway 330 north towards Big Bear. In Running Springs, continue on Highway 18 towards Big Bear. Just before the dam at Big Bear Lake, turn left on Highway 38 (North Shore Drive). Continue almost 13.5 miles (the 38 becomes the 18 about halfway through), then turn left on Holcomb Valley Road. Continue for just under a mile to the trailhead. Be sure to park clear of the road since lots of vehicles travel this road heading to the landfill.
Photo Gallery
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