Big Bear Bronco Bash is So Cal Bronco’s annual Main Event.  Now in it’s 23rd year, “The Bash” is a long weekend of Bronco Enthusiasts coming together to hit the trails and hang out.  BBBB is an “unevent,” meaning there is no official registration, no steering committee, and no official schedule.  It is absolutely FREE to attend Big Bear Bronco Bash and enjoy whatever is going on, as we have no official apparatus for charging money and incurring costs.  But that doesn’t mean nothing happens.  Far from it!  BBBB is an all-volunteer event, with individuals and groups stepping forward to make each aspect of the event happen.  In some cases they will ask for and accept donations to help cover their costs.  But attendance and participation is free.  That said, a “DIY” event like this does place some responsibility on each participant.  There is nobody to herd you, nobody to tell you where to go and what to do.  So it’s up to you to join in the discussions and find out how to make the most of the event.

LOCATION

Big Bear Bonco Bash takes place on the trails of the San Bernardino National Forest around Big Bear Lake. Our event headquarters is located at:

All BBBB group activities except runs and run staging, are held in the common area at the Majestic Moose Lodge. If you are not lodging at the Moose, you are welcome to attend these group events as a guest. If attending as a guest, please park somewhere along the outside perimeter of the resort, in order to avoid congestion and poaching of registered guests’ parking spaces. Please respect the resort and its owners, pick up after yourself and leave the facilities as clean as you found them.

The Trails of Big Bear Bronco Bash

Hitting the trails with your So Cal Broncos brothers and sisters is the greatest thing about Big Bear Bronco Bash!  Plan ahead so you’ll know what trail you’re doing each day so you can make the most of your time in Big Bear.  Below are some of our favorite trails in the area. PLEASE NOTE that this year, all Trail Runs are DIY or Volunteer-organized. See THIS THREAD on our Forum for more information.

EASY Trails in the Big Bear Area

Easy trails are suitable for stock 4X4’s as well as 2WD trucks and SUV’s with sturdy tires and good ground clearance. These may include seldom-maintained forest roads with occasional mild obstacles including ruts from runoff, mild rocky sections and moderate grades. Some sort of traction control device such as a limited slip in at least one differential may be helpful in some places but careful tire placement should suffice for 2WD vehicles with an open diff. Airing down is generally not necessary but may be beneficial for ride comfort. As road conditions may change, travel in groups and carry recovery and emergency equipment.  Looking for something even easier? Scroll to the bottom of this list for some self-guided auto tours on graded roads suitable for all vehicles.

MODERATE Trails in the Big Bear Area

Moderate trails are best suited for upgraded 4X4’s with at least one traction device, preferably a “hard” locker, and at least 33″ tires. Body damage is not likely, however rocker panel protection may come in handy for the occasional obstacle. Airing down for traction is recommended, so tire deflators and a method to air back up would be helpful. Trails may also get a Moderate rating for having long, sustained climbs which may tax cooling systems. Be sure your vehicle is in good working order, travel in groups and carry recovery gear and emergency equipment.

DIFFICULT Trails in the Big Bear Area

Difficult trails are best tackled in a lifted 4X4 with at least 35″ tires and two lockers, at least one of which is a “hard” locker. Sturdy bumpers and body armor are recommended to prevent sheet metal damage, especially in the rocker panel area. Airing down will be necessary. Recovery operations should be expected, so it is recommended to have at least one winch in the group as well as recovery straps and suitable attachment points on all vehicles. Fuel, brakes, steering and cooling systems should all be in top shape. Travel in groups and be prepared for emergencies. Carry extra food, water, warm clothes and lighting, and be prepared for a long day on the trail, possibly stretching into night.

EXTREME Trails in the Big Bear Area

Extreme trails are best left to purpose-built rock crawling buggies and highly modified 4X4’s with at least 37″ tires, two hard lockers, low gearing and upgraded steering components. Heavy duty bumpers and body armor are necessary, and body damage may still be possible. Well-built cages which extend forward to surround the cockpit and safety restraints are required as rollovers are possible. Every vehicle should be equipped with a winch, recovery gear and hard attachment points. Drivers should be experienced. Be prepared for breakage by carrying tools and spare parts. Carry extra food and water as well as warm clothes in case a long day on the trail extends into night.

Scenic GRADED ROADS in the Big Bear Area

These routes uses well-maintained graded dirt roads that are suitable for any street vehicle with sturdy tires, as four-wheel-drive and high ground clearance are not needed from spring through fall. During winter, snow and mud may make these routes impassible without four wheel drive.

BBBB: A History in T-Shirts

Event T-shirts have been a part of Big Bear Bronco Bash since the very first one.  It was drawn by Eva Phoenix, Terry Moistner’s tattoo artist, and we colorized it for the following year.  Since then each design was done by Dusty Sharp.  We didn’t do a T-shirt every year but for one year we actually did two (BBBBV).  If you’ve missed any, or your original is just tattered threads now, or if you weren’t there but want a piece of So Cal Broncos history, most of our past T-shirts are available as reproductions.  Just click on the one you want to go to the Gear Shop.

Where to Stay

As a “DIY” event, BBBB participants must make their own arrangements for lodging. Fortunately there are many great options nearby, from resorts to tent camping.   Here are some suggestions for lodging.   Try to get your accommodations squared away as early as possible, as it gets harder to find suitable lodging closer to the date of BBBB.

Majest Moose Lodge

The Majestic Moose is our headquarters for the Big Bear Bronco Bash. By the time you read this, it is probably already booked up. For alternate accommodations, we recommend the following:

Other Cabins & Resorts

The closest cabins to the Majestic Moose are:

Cabins 4 Less
39212 Big Bear Blvd.
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 866-3105
https://www.cabins4less.com

RV Accomodations

Tent Camping