UPCOMING EVENT
Sand and Sky:
Pioneertown to Green Valley
8/24/2024 @8:30am
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.
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, and past Baldwin Lake 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:
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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.
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Two-Day Adventure: Experience the full event by participating in all planned rides and camping at Hanna Flat Campground.
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One Day / Two Nights: Enjoy the Saturday ride and camp overnight, then head home Sunday morning without joining the final ride.
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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. You can find reservations and more information about the campsite here.
Due to the popularity of SCORCH rides, it’s strongly recommended that you book your campsite as soon as possible, as spots tend to fill up quickly.
Facilities
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Toilets: The site currently has vault toilets. Flush toilets are closed at this time due to insufficient water production from the campsite well.
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Firewood: Available for purchase from the camp host (cash only).
Booking Details
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Cost: Fridays and Saturdays must be booked together, costing around $8 for both days, which includes parking for one vehicle. An additional vehicle costs $8 per day.
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Options: Since we are required to book two days but only need one, consider these options...
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Check-In Friday: Set up your campsite on Friday night and join the paved road caravan at 7 AM with other SCORCHers, including SCORCH Chief Event Organizer Jonathan Z, to the ride start in Pioneertown. This ensures your site is ready for your return late Saturday afternoon.
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Check-In Saturday: Book for both nights but leave the space vacant on Friday night, as long as you check in by 4 PM on Saturday. We'll arrive at the campground by 4 PM. If you are selecting this option, let Jonathan Z know your campsite number so he can let the camp host know on Friday night which sites will not be occupied until Saturday.
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First-Come, First-Serve Sites
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Hanna Flat also offers 41 first-come, first-serve sites, available for about $40 per night. Participants can arrive on Friday or with the group on Saturday to try and secure a spot.
Alternative Camping Options
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Holcomb Valley Campground: Another formal campsite nearby. More info here.
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Dispersed Camping: Free camping is generally allowed throughout the forest except in posted closed areas or within 200 feet of developed roads, trails, or facilities. More info on dispersed camping here.
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Yellow Post Sites: 13 first-come, first-serve sites available throughout the forest. More info here.
Sharing Campsites
Campers are encouraged to share campsites to ensure everyone has a spot. If you’re open to sharing your site, please post about it in the event chat on Meetup.
Make your camping arrangements early to secure your spot and enjoy a fantastic off-roading weekend with SCORCH!
BE PREPARED
Here are some recommended items to bring along. We get a little kickback from Bezos if you buy any with our links. You can also visit our store for more gear suggestions.
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Food for day-tripping or more food for camping
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VHF Radio ( good one / better one )
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A Camp Chair for Chilling ( like this one)
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Sunscreen
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Water
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Camping Gear
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Tools (if you got 'em)
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Cash for firewood if you're camping at Hanna Flat
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. We are a group of adults meeting up for an activity that takes a high degree of personal responsibility. All participants must do so at their own risk.
If you act like an asshat, douche, idiot, jerk, or in any way behave or operate your vehicle in a manner that is a risk or annoyance to others or does not respect the rules of the land we are on, you will be asked to leave the ride and be possibly ejected from SCORCH.