Tag: Big Bear

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

Doble California – San Bernardino Ghost Town

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Doble California is a gold mining town and ghost town which is located off the western shore of Lake Baldwin in San Bernardino, California. The town began life as Bairdstown in 1873 when the Carter brothers filed a gold mine claim. The original town was named for Samuel Baird who was instrumental in securing financing from San Francisco and the capital to establish larger scale mining operations. Baird purchased the two richest claims from the Carter brothers in December of 1873 for a sum of $30,000. This “buyout” served as an impressive buyout for the short run of the Carter brothers.

One of these capitol investors was Elias Jackson “Lucky” Baldwin (April 3, 1828 – March 1, 1909)  and known as was “one of the greatest pioneers” of California business, an investor, and real estate speculator during the second half of the 19th century.

Baldwin moved to Virginia City during to rush on the Comstock Load. Opening a livery the savvy businessman soon acquired interests the Ophir Mine in the came from the Motherlode of Virginia City. Baldwin leveraged his profits from the Ophir Mine to acquire shares in the Hale & Norcross and Crown Point at the north end of the Comstock Lode.

Baldwin’s new company built a road from Cactus Flats to Big Bear. This new route allowed for the hauling in machinery and parts for the huge 40-stamp mill to process the ore from the mines. The town was establised on the valley floor almost directly below the new mill.  By September of 1874, the town boasts a blacksmith shop, a butcher, two boarding houses, and two saloons. Later, three general stores, two stables, three restaurants, two hotels, a bakery, a meat market, a Chinese wash house, tailor, shoemaker, and barber rounded our the businesses who serviced the miners and citizens of the small hamlet.

The mill was fired for the first time on March 6, 1875. The noise from the steam powered monster filled the valley of Big Bear as it processes 100 tons of ore per day. Despite this milestone, the town shutdown later in 1875 due to poor ore quality and the townsite is refereed to as Gold Mountain.

in 1894, Lucky’s son in-law, Budd Doble took invested $25,000 to reopen the mine and mill. The town was renamed in his honor and a small post office cemented this named into history. This town on Doble succumbed to poor profits and relegated to history in 1903

Today access to the Doble townsite is limited by the Forest Service due to recent fire damage.

Doble Mine, San Bernardino County, 1930 - Photography by Adelbert Bartlett, UCLA Library Digital Collections
Doble Mine, San Bernardino County, 1930 – Photography by Adelbert Bartlett, UCLA Library Digital Collections

Doble Town Summary

NameDoble California
LocationBig Bear, San Bernarino, California
Also Known AsBairdstown, Gold Mountain
Latitude, Longitude34.2986169,-116.8216958
GNIS270883

Doble Town Map

Referenes

Holcomb Valley Campground

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Holcomb Valley Campground features 19 single-family campsites and is located along 3N16 in Holcomb Valley, just outside 0f Big Bear, in San Bernardino County, California. Big Bear is a fantastic destination for those interested in outdoor recreation including hiking, biking, horseback riding, skiing, bouldering, star-gazing, flowers and wildlife viewing. There are many historic sites in Big Bear and the campground is an ideal place for access to the Gold Fever Off Road Trail.

Holcomb Valley Campground is located in a lush pine forest in Holcomb Valley, San Bernardino Mountains, California
Holcomb Valley Campground is located in a lush pine forest in Holcomb Valley, San Bernardino Mountains, California

Big Bear Lake is located in the San Bernardino mountains of California about 90 miles east of Los Angeles in southern California. The area is a full four season resort which offers great skiing in the winter.  Back country 4×4 trails offer a variety of opportunities from the daily driver to a purpose built 4×4. Hiking, biking, boating and camping are great activities in the spring, summer and fall.

Each family campsite accommodates a maximum of 8 people. Amenities include a picnic table, 1 fire ring, bear boxes and vault toilets. There is no water available. A campground host is on site during mid May through October.

Campground Map

Campground Summary

NameHolcomb Valley Campground
LocationBig Bear, San Bernardino, California
Latitude, Longitude34.302593, -116.895933
Elevation7,375 Feet
Number of Sites19
AmenitiesTent camping,Picnic tables,Toilets,Parking

References

Serrano Campground

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Serrano Campground is a campground with 108 campsites located near Big Bear Lake in San Bernardino, California. the campground is located just across the highway from Big Bear Lake. Big Bear is a fantastic destination for those interested in outdoor recreation including hiking, biking, fishing, boating, horseback riding, skiing, bouldering, star-gazing, flowers and wildlife viewing. There are many historic sites in Big Bear.

Big Bear Lake covered in snow near Serrano Campground
Big Bear Lake covered in snow.

Campground Map

Campground Summary

NameSerrano Campground
LocationBig Bear, San Bernardino, California
Latitude, Longitude34.2628059,-116.9154313
Number of Sites108
Elvation6,800 feet
Amenities

References

Hanna Flats Campground

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Hanna Flats Campground is an established campground located on Coxey Truck Trail – 3N14 in Big Bear, San Bernardino California. The campground features eighty five campsites and is located in a pine forest. Big Bear is a fantastic destination for those interested in outdoor recreation including hiking, biking, fishing, boating, horseback riding, skiing, bouldering, star-gazing, flowers and wildlife viewing. There are many historic sites in Big Bear.

Campground Map

Campground Summary

NameHanna Flats Campground
LocationBig Bear, San Bernardino, California
Number of Sites85
Elvation7,115 feet
AmenitiesPicnic table, fire ring, – no hook-ups, Vault toilets, tap water, campfire circle