Gold Mountain Trail update 5/2023

Great trail and nice people along the trail in Big Bear, CA. Lots of vehicles during the Memorial Day weekend. Several stock vehicles got stuck in the first obstacle/waterfall which caused a wait line. It was clear after that. On our way up, noticed a group turn back around. I would find out later on why. Got to the last obstacle which seemed pretty simple. It then became a struggle. Many Tacomas apparently besides myself and a Tacoma buddy bent their driveshafts. Particularly in the beginning part of the switchback where a sharp rock was sticking out in the middle. The obstacle looked pretty dug out. It’s either the winter caused it or some people moved rocks around. Got over the obstacle and helped my buddy out to get over. On our way down I noticed vibrations. Called my buddy over the radio and he also said he had vibrations. Got to camp and that’s when we saw our mangled driveshafts.

 

what a battle scare. Good thing you made it back to camp. Must of been a big one sticking out

 

$380 scar lol. After thinking about it some more and compared to other trails I’ve done, it’s not as hard as I made it out to be. At the time I felt it was harder just because of the damage incurred. As the summer goes, I’m sure people will stack more rocks and/or take better lines.

 

it does seem intimidating. I like going to big bear but i only stick to easy stuff. Im too afraid to break stuff lol