Arctic Point

Arctic Point, taken from Holcomb Valley, photo by Kathy Wing

Arctic, photo by Sunny Yi

Arctic Point, taken from Holcomb Valley, Photo by Kathy Wing.

Peak Name

Arctic Point

21F

Elevation

8336

feet

Status

active

Region

North Of Big Bear Lake

Range

San Bernardino Mountains

Nearby peaks

Location

34.318825,-116.891672

Description

Arctic Point overlooks the serene Holcomb Valley, near the ruins of what was once the mining town of Belleville. It is usually hiked together with nearby Bertha Peak and/or Delamar Mountain. On your drive in, be sure to look for the grave of Charles Wilbur on your drive as you pass Holcomb Valley campground. Wilbur, a miner and later tax assessor who lived in the area, requested to be buried here, next to the pond that bears his name.

Route 1 wanders up gullies to the peak. Although it is a short hike, it is pleasant and worthwhile. There are several variations of routes to the peak.

Maps generated from CalTopo.com, reproduced with permission

Downloadable Maps, Files, and Guides

Route 1

Elevation Gain

800′

Navigation Difficulty

Easy

Distance

3 miles round trip on road and cross-country

Estimated time

2 hours round trip

Route Rating

Class 1, easy

Leader Rating Required

“I”, normal conditions

Driving route

Drive east on I-10 to I-215.
Drive north on I-215 to SR 210.
Drive east on SR 210 to SR 330.
Drive north on SR 330 to SR 18 at the town of Running Springs.
Drive east on SR 18 to the dam at Big Bear Lake. Turn left on SR 38.
Drive on SR 38 to Fawnskin.
Continue east on SR 38 for 2.0 miles to Polique Canyon Road (Holcomb Valley turnoff). Turn left (north). Note your odometer and go as follows:
At 1.5 miles, T intersection with 2N71 to the left. Go right (northeast) on 2N09.
At 2.0 miles, a gated road on the right.
At 3.9 miles, junction with 3N16. Turn right (east).
At 4.3 miles, fork. This is the turnoff for Gold Mountain. Turn left (northeast) on 3N07.
At 4.8 miles, fork. Go past 3N23 and shortly thereafter turn left on 3N43.
At 5.4 miles, the road goes down through a wash. Park just before the wash.
The roads in this area are confusing. Suggest you consult the latest Forest Service and HPS maps.

Hiking route

From the parking area (7550′), hike east up a gully that passes just south of elevation 7685′, and on up to the summit, which is the most southeasterly point on the ridge.

Route Notes

Printable Route