Sand and Sky: Pioneertown to Green Valley Lake

Join SCORCH for an exciting off-roading adventure through diverse landscapes, from the desert to the mountains. Whether you prefer a day trip or a weekend campout, this event has something for everyone. Starting in Pioneertown, we'll traverse the desert, passing through remote communities, Joshua Tree forests, and picturesque meadows before ascending into the San Bernardino National Forest and making our way to Green Valley Lake, a beautifully secluded lake town.

The journey begins on Saturday, August 24, at 8:30 AM with an air-down and drivers meeting in Pioneertown. We'll then embark on a scenic drive through the desert, up into the forest, past Baldwin and Big Bear Lakes to our campsite at Hanna Flat Campground.

The ride features mostly easy trails with a few rocky sections, perfect for off-road enthusiasts of all levels. For those seeking a bit more challenge, an optional intermediate ride up White Mountain at sunset offers breathtaking views before returning to camp.

​Sunday morning provides flexibility: early risers can take an easy trail to Fawnskin and head home, while others can join us for a late morning departure to the charming lake town of Green Valley, with a stop at Holcomb Creek to watch off-roaders tackle one of Southern California’s toughest trails.

BUILD YOUR OWN ADVENTURE!

Our flexible event format lets you tailor the adventure to your preferences. Here are some options:​

• One-Day Adventure: Join us at the meetup point in Pioneertown, then head home after reaching the campsite or after the optional White Mountain ride. Fawnskin is just a short drive away for an easy return home.
• Two-Day Adventure: Experience the full event by participating in all planned rides and camping at Hanna Flat Campground.
• One Day / Two Nights: Enjoy the Saturday ride and camp overnight, then head home Sunday morning without joining the final ride.
• Full Weekend: Camp Friday night at Hanna Flat, drive to Pioneertown Saturday morning with a caravan of fellow SCORCHers (90 minutes on pavement), complete the entire ride, and return to camp for another night under the stars.

ROUTE DESCRIPTION
Saturday Morning and Afternoon:
We kick off our adventure at 8:30 AM in Pioneertown, gathering in the parking lot of The Red Dog Saloon. After our drivers meeting and airing down, we'll embark on our journey at 9 AM. The initial leg takes us through the stunning desert landscape, passing through remote communities and expansive Joshua Tree forests. You'll marvel at the scenic beauty of the meadows as we make our way towards the San Bernardino National Forest. Our path continues upward through the forest, with a picturesque view of Baldwin Lake and then into the serene woods above Big Bear Lake. We'll stop for a lunch break amidst the natural beauty, providing an opportunity to relax and refuel. After lunch, we'll head towards our campsite at Hanna Flat Campground, aiming to arrive by mid to late afternoon. The route includes a mix of easy trails with a few rocky patches that any 4X4 vehicle can get through.​

Saturday Sunset Ride:
For those seeking more adventure, there's an optional intermediate ride up White Mountain during sunset, offering spectacular panoramic views. This ride, beginning about an hour after our arrival at the campsite, provides a perfect way to end the day with a thrilling off-road experience. More details on this ride will be available after a scouting run closer to the event day. Check back here.​

Sunday:
On Sunday morning, we offer flexibility to our participants. Early risers can take an easy short trail to Fawnskin, a town two miles down an easy dirt road, to return to pavement and head home. For those wanting to extend the adventure, we'll depart the campground at 9:30 AM and make our way towards Green Valley. This leg includes a stop at Holcomb Creek, a popular spot for off-road enthusiasts to watch the action at the trailhead of one of Southern California's most challenging trails (which we won't be taking). We'll reach Green Valley by midday, allowing time to explore the charming town and grab lunch before heading home.

ABOUT CAMPING
The primary campground for this ride is Hanna Flat Campground, a family-friendly facility nestled in a pine-covered area of San Bernardino National Forest. UPDATE: The campground is now full. Visit the event website for a full discussion about camping options and a shopping list.

THE DISCLAIMER
The organizers of SCORCH meetups are not responsible for any damage done to your person or vehicle at the events, getting to the events, or after the events. Participate at your own risk.