Tag: Holcomb Valley

Holcomb Valley, located in the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California, is a picturesque region known for its rich history and natural beauty. Once a bustling hub during the California Gold Rush in the 1860s, the valley now offers a serene escape with its expansive meadows, lush forests, and diverse wildlife. Visitors can explore remnants of its mining past, including abandoned mines and historical landmarks, while enjoying recreational activities such as hiking, camping, and off-roading. Holcomb Valley’s scenic landscapes and historical significance make it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Belleville California – San Bernardino County Ghost Town

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The cabin at the Belleville California townsite is not original but moved to the location to represent the style of the structures of the town.
The cabin at the Belleville California townsite is not original but moved to the location to represent the style of the structures of the town.


Belleville is a historic community located in the Holcomb Valley region of San Bernardino County, California. The area’s history dates back to the mid-19th century when it played a significant role in the California Gold Rush.

Holcomb Valley, where Belleville is situated, was discovered to be rich in gold deposits in 1860. The news quickly spread, and a gold rush ensued as prospectors from all over flocked to the area in search of their fortunes. The population of the valley boomed, and various mining camps and settlements sprang up, including Belleville.

Belleville was founded in 1860 and named after James V. Belleville, one of the early prospectors in the area. The town rapidly grew and became a central hub for the Holcomb Valley mining district. It served as a supply center for nearby mining operations, providing essential goods and services to miners and their families.

The town boasted several businesses, including general stores, saloons, hotels, and blacksmith shops. It also had a post office, which opened in 1863. Belleville’s population reached its peak during the 1860s, with estimates ranging from a few hundred to over a thousand residents.

The remains of an Arrastres located in Belleville, San Bernardino, CA
The remains of an Arrastres located in Belleville, San Bernardino, CA

Mining was the primary economic activity in Belleville and the surrounding Holcomb Valley. Miners used various methods to extract gold from the area, including placer mining and hydraulic mining. Placer mining involved using pans, rockers, and sluices to separate gold from the gravel and sand of the valley floor. Hydraulic mining utilized high-pressure water jets to wash away hillsides and expose gold-bearing gravels.

However, the gold production in Holcomb Valley began to decline in the late 1860s, and by the 1870s, many miners had moved on to other gold fields. As the gold rush subsided, so did the population of Belleville. The town gradually declined, and most of its buildings were dismantled or moved to other locations.

Today, little remains of Belleville and the once-thriving mining operations of Holcomb Valley. Some remnants of mining structures, such as mine shafts and tunnels, can still be found in the area. The site of Belleville itself is marked by a historical marker, providing a glimpse into the region’s rich mining heritage.

Belleville Historic Monument
Belleville Historic Monument

Belleville Town Summary

NameBelleville
LocationHolcomb Valley, San Bernardino, CA
Latitude, Longitude34.3012, -116.8857
Elevation7,355 Feet
GNIS
Population1,500
Gold Fever Trail Marker7

Belleville Trail Map

References

Holcomb Valley Ranch

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Holcomb Valley Ranch is a historic region located in the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California, United States. It has a rich history that dates back centuries and has played a significant role in the development of the region.

Holcomb Valley Ranch is a picturesque and historic destination nestled in the heart of the San Bernardino Mountains in Southern California. This sprawling ranch, encompassing an area of breathtaking natural beauty, offers visitors a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and rustic charm of the region.

Surrounded by towering pine trees and rugged mountain peaks, Holcomb Valley Ranch provides a tranquil and idyllic retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. The ranch’s landscape is characterized by rolling hills, expansive meadows, and meandering streams, creating a serene and captivating atmosphere.

Steeped in history, the ranch holds a significant place in the annals of the American West. It was originally settled during the mid-1800s as a bustling mining community during the California Gold Rush. Today, remnants of the past can still be found in the form of restored log cabins, mining equipment, and other artifacts that serve as a testament to the area’s rich mining heritage.

Visitors to Holcomb Valley Ranch have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a variety of outdoor activities. The surrounding wilderness offers ample opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking, allowing visitors to explore the rugged beauty of the San Bernardino Mountains. Fishing enthusiasts can cast their lines in the nearby streams and lakes, while nature lovers can indulge in birdwatching and wildlife spotting.

For those seeking a taste of the Old West, the ranch offers a range of authentic experiences. Guests can saddle up and embark on guided horseback rides, traversing scenic trails and taking in panoramic views. They can also try their hand at gold panning, reliving the excitement of the Gold Rush era.

Accommodations at Holcomb Valley Ranch cater to a variety of preferences. Rustic cabins provide a cozy and comfortable retreat, complete with modern amenities, while campsites allow visitors to fully immerse themselves in the natural surroundings. The ranch also offers facilities for hosting weddings, corporate retreats, and other special events, providing a charming and memorable setting.

Whether seeking a peaceful getaway, an adventure in the great outdoors, or a journey back in time, Holcomb Valley Ranch is a place where nature, history, and relaxation converge. It offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of the San Bernardino Mountains while embracing the spirit of the Old West.

Trail Map

Campground Summary

NameHidden Valley Ranch
LocationHolcomb Valley, Big Bear, San Bernardino, California
Latitude, Longitude34.2976, -116.9123
Number of Sites

References

John Bull Trail 3N10

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The John Bull Trail 3N10 has the solid reputation as one of the toughest and most challenging trails in the Big Bear mountains of San Bernardino County.   This trail should only be done with in a group of well-equipped short-wheelbase vehicles. Lockers are recommended, but not always required. The entire trail is strewn with boulders of various sizes. There are also a number of sharp drop-offs along the way. Be prepared for scratches, dings and flat tires. This trail is not for stock SUV’s.

The trail is part of the “Adopt a Trail” program through the National Forest Service, and has been adopted by the So Cal Broncos (east end) and the Waywegos 4 Wheel Drive Club (west end).

Running the trail west to east is somewhat easier, there is a campground at the western starting point. Most off-roaders prefer to start at the east end of the trail. The official start point is off of the Burnt Flats Trail (3N02), although many catch it at the end of 3N32.

Around April/May 2009 the ends of the John Bull Trail 3N10 has had more boulders pushed in to make more difficult “gateways”, which prevent under-equipped 4x4s from running the trail.

A Forest Service Adventure Passes are required if you plan on stopping along the way. As of September 2016, forest visitors parked in standard amenity recreation fee sites in the four southern California national forests must display a valid recreation pass. This includes sites on the Angeles, Cleveland, Los Padres and San Bernardino National Forests. Such is the once great state of California.

Trail Summary

NameJohn bull Trail
LocationBig Bear, San Bernardino, California
Length14.4 Miles
Elevation Gain1768 feet
Route TypeLoop
DifficultyDifficult

John Bull Trailmap

Holcomb Valley Road 3N14

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Holcomb Valley Road 3N14 takes you through scenic Holcomb Valley
Holcomb Valley Road 3N14 takes you through scenic Holcomb Valley

Holcomb Valley Road 3N14, is a main artery in the road system above and behind Big Bear and with Holcomb Valley in San Bernardino County. This is a very easy route offers access to many trails, campgrounds, hikes and points of interest, including Dishpan Springs in the West and the John Bull, Gold Mountain and Jacoby Canyon Trails in the East.

From the East, the trail is found off of Doble Road near the north end of Baldwin Lake. The trail quickly climbs up to the Holcomb mine and mill sites. From there a quick transverse across Gold Mountain where the 3N14 trail proceeds to run the length of Holcomb Valley.

Holcomb valley is named for William Francis “Grizzly Bill” Holcomb, who, in 1860 discovered gold in the area. The prospecting life can be tough, and this is not different in the valley which would be named for Grizzly bill. This discovery started a gold rush and soon the town of Belleville was founded. The town reached a size on 1500 people, boasted 50 murders and contained a “Hanging Tree” where the guilty met their justice.

A Forest Service Adventure Passes are required if you plan on stopping along the way. As of September 2016, forest visitors parked in standard amenity recreation fee sites in the four southern California national forests must display a valid recreation pass. This includes sites on the Angeles, Cleveland, Los Padres and San Bernardino National Forests. Such is the once great state of California.

Holcomb Valley Road Trail Map

Resources

Gold Mountain 3N69

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Gold Mountain 3N69 Trail Head
Gold Mountain Trail Head

The Gold Mountain 3N69 Trail can be found in the San Bernardino National Forest near Big Bear Lake. The favored direction of travel is from South to North starting on Hwy 18 near Baldwin Lake. Starting immediately from the trail head, the trail climbs steeply up the mountain via a series of switch backs. Amazing views offer those who choose to drive this trail.

The trail is available to street legal vehicles only.

The US Forest Service rates the Gold Mountain 3N69 trail a black diamond most difficult trail. This trail is not recommended for stock SUVs. There are bypasses including one around the talus slope that will allow slightly modified vehicles to traverse the trail. Elevation ranges from 6700′ to over 8100′ and during the winter months snow and ice add to the difficulty of traversing the trail.

A Forest Service Adventure Passes are required if you plan on stopping along the way. As of September 2016, forest visitors parked in standard amenity recreation fee sites in the four southern California national forests must display a valid recreation pass. This includes sites on the Angeles, Cleveland, Los Padres and San Bernardino National Forests. Such is the once great state of California.

Gold Mountain Trailmap