TORCH TRAIL REVIEW #001 | BALKY HORSE CANYON (BIG BEAR, CA)

Welcome to the debut of TORCH Trail Reviews. Our mission is simple: we want to be your go-to resource for discovering the best off-road routes in the country. Whether you’re looking for a weekend scenic drive or a technical challenge to test your suspension, this series will give you the breakdown on terrain, difficulty, and the gear you need to get home in one piece.

For our first report, we’re heading to the San Bernardino Mountains. We’ve teamed up with off-road enthusiast and content creator Michael Tran (known as the blue_beast_trd) to scout a trail near Big Bear: Balky Horse Canyon.

Why Balky Horse?

Balky Horse Canyon is a 4-mile connector trail. While many people stick to the high-traffic loops around Big Bear Lake, Balky Horse serves as the scenic gateway into Burns Canyon and Broom Flat. If you're planning a long-distance drive from the mountains down into the high desert of Pioneertown, this is the route that sets the tone for the adventure.

The Terrain Breakdown

In his review, Mike takes us through a landscape that shifts from alpine forest to open, rocky ridges. Here's what you need to know about the terrain:

Narrow Shelf Roads: This is the defining characteristic of the trail. You’ll spend a significant portion of the drive on shelf roads, or narrow passes cut directly into the mountainside. Mike notes that while the technical difficulty isn't extreme, the psychological factor is high. There is little room for error, and the drop-offs are steep.

Tight & Rocky: As seen in the footage, the trail isn't all wide-open road. It’s tight. You’ll encounter rocky steps and switchbacks that require a steady line. If you’re driving a full-sized rig or a long-wheelbase truck, pay close attention to your mirrors in the narrow sections.

High-Altitude Vistas: The payoff for navigating the narrow ledges is the view. As you climb toward Broom Flat, the trees thin out, providing panoramic views of the valley and lake. This is the kind of scenery that makes the "white-knuckle" shelf roads worth it.

Rig Requirements & Recommendations

Mike’s "Blue Beast" Tacoma is built to handle the terrain, but what about your rig?

High Clearance Recommended: While a stock 4x4 can manage Balky Horse in good weather, the rocky steps Mike encounters can easily catch a low-hanging skid plate or rear differential. A 2-3 inch lift is the sweet spot here, providing the breakover angle needed to clear obstacles without dragging.

Articulation & Traction: The rocky switchbacks can get off-camber. Having a suspension system that allows for maximum articulation ensures your tires stay planted on the rock rather than spinning in the air.

Check the Weather: Being a high-altitude trail, Balky Horse is subject to seasonal closures. Always check the San Bernardino National Forest "Mountain Top" ranger district for snow levels before heading up.

Summary Stats:

• Location: Big Bear, CA

• Distance: ~4 Miles

• Time: 1 Hour (estimated)

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Highlights: Incredible views, shelf road thrills, and easy access to Burns Canyon.

Closing Thoughts

Balky Horse Canyon is a reminder that you don't always need an "Extreme" rated trail to have a memorable off-road adventure. It offers a great mix of scenery and mild technicality that rewards focused driving and a well-built rig.

A huge thanks to Mike Tran for this review footage and for helping us kick off this series. Make sure to follow his channel for more California trail runs and Tacoma build videos.

Are you trail-ready? If you’re planning on hitting Balky Horse or any off-road trails this season, make sure your rig is dialed in. Check out our Suspension Lift Kits to give your truck the edge it needs.

Want to be featured in an upcoming review? Drop us a comment or message us @torchoffroad 

Stay tuned for the next trail review, where we’ll be heading to whole new terrain! -TORCH