Burns Canyon Rd (2N02) to Big Bear - 2WD Tacoma Adventure | Trail Review

Burns Cayon Rd. or 2N02 is a trail located between Big Bear Lakes and Pioneertown. This trail is around 18miles and will take you along some cool scenic view of the back road between Big Bear Lakes and Pioneertown. I heard it was 2WD friendly so I decided to check it out myself.
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Things on my Tacoma
Bilstein 5100s shocks
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Old Man Emu leaf springs
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Husky Floor mats
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Rifle case on Tacoma
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Recovery boards
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Recovery straps
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Tires
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Wheels
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Exhaust
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Compressor
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Raptor Lights
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3inch MBRP cutback exhaust tip
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Throwback grill emblem
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Tailgate letter insert
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LED light bulb for taillight
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Bed Mat
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Fumoto Oil drain valve
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Husky Floor Mat front
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Husky Floor Mat Back
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Oedro Side Steps
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[@NitrousExpressCoyote]

Come do the Old Coastal Trail in Big Sur! I’ll meet you out there 🙌🏽

[@Michael_Tran]

It's been on my list for awhile now...how long is the trail?

[@stacky512a]

Heading up this next week. Novice driver but capable enough truck. The “squeeze “ between two big boulders has me a little spooked but we’ll see

[@Michael_Tran]

Nice! There should be plenty of people on that trail to help if needed. But yea I've heard of that big boulder..but seen pic of people going through it no problem.

[@stacky512a]

@@Michael_Tranthanks for the encouragement. I’ve been wanting to do this trail ever since i got my 4wd DCLB Tacoma in the summer of ‘22. Cheers Michael!

[@stacky512a]

@@Michael_Tran The squeeze between the boulders was no problem. I didn't even hesitate. Crux comes afterwards with some decent sized icebergs to go over though. Rough trail overall, but at no time did i ever get out to take a second look at a line.

[@PhatyMattyMcGee]

Do you have a locker or LSD in your Tacoma? If not a locker would make it way more capable off-road. Those cages in the mine are for bats. Keeps people out and lets the bats come and go. Anyway, enjoying the channel. Have fun out there!

[@O4lo]

Awesome video as always! I never been here before but that hill looks steep. Omg so close!!!! 😱

[@Michael_Tran]

There's a few more offshoot that looks really fun to practice on Kevin...im sure your Jeep wouldn't have an issue here

[@alwaysshifting9574]

Sick trail thanks for sharing

[@Michael_Tran]

No problem...hopefully you can see this trail yourself

[@MPTrailGroup]

Awesome bro!! One of my favorite trail in the area. Easy day for the taco!!

[@Michael_Tran]

That offshoot is fun to test out the 2WD capabilities. Thanks for your reference bro!

[@ericdrury5757]

Great trail in the summer with a 4x4 and if you want the Big Bear sushi place it’s bomb and 30 degrees cooler

[@Michael_Tran]

It's one of my favorite summer trail...been there at least 4 times now haha

[@SpencerHogg]

Hell ya nice attempt on the climb man!! These trails loooks sooo nice

[@Michael_Tran]

Gotta get your rig over here sometime Spencer!

[@truthknight]

Just came across your channel. Deep inspiration. I'm in the San Diego region and do Tapiado, Blair and Little Blair Valley, and other parts of Anza-Borrego in my 2WD Colorado any time it's not overly hot, but watching these videos I feel I can do a lot more with what I have. You've definitely got me thinking about a lot more places to explore.

[@Michael_Tran]

Thanks for the support. Yea...there's some awesome trail and most 2WD will some clearance and a good set of tires will be fine on. I think having a desires to go out and explore is the most important thing.

[@always4runnin507]

You know. It's the subway humor that got me.. subscribed!

[@Michael_Tran]

Haha..glad you got the joke

[@offroadingidiott]

Loving the content bro. Keep it up. See you on the trail

[@Michael_Tran]

Thank you..yes!

[@user-wg3wj6ur9z]

Thomas mountain is nice too. Shorter.

[@Michael_Tran]

Yea...we did it a few months ago. It's a nice easy trail

[@chrisrodriguez3630]

Awesome video. I live in OC, gonna hit up this trail this weekend in my ZR2.

[@Michael_Tran]

Should be fun bro!

[@bigbearweatherandmore6621]

Michael. Sick video broski. Keep up the great work G

[@Michael_Tran]

Thank you bro! I will try to do my best.

[@bigbearweatherandmore6621]

@@Michael_Tran 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@carloscabrera8591]

Awesome video man. Just recently got a 4x4 taco and looking for some spots to test it out close to the Inland Empire. Im new to the off road world.

[@e-man3905]

Million dollar smile on that blind turn attempt! Me...turn around and meet you guys at the breakfast joint.🤣 Great video.

[@Michael_Tran]

Haha...I had to at least attempt it. Dude...that place has awesome breakfast...anytime. They been there since 1975

[@roninstickersonetsy9510]

Burns canyon is a right of passage for any Southern California local, great video as always

[@Michael_Tran]

I've heard of this trail years ago...but had no idea where exact it is. Glad with YT I was able to see exactly the terrains before going...it's beautiful. Another trail im planning to go back and camp and explore those abandoned mines

[@roninstickersonetsy9510]

@@Michael_Tran absolutely there is so much to explore on that trail.

[@troychristman9258]

I think this is the trail we connected to after going up Rattlesnake Cyn near Johnson Valley. That offshoot looked really familiar. Good times!

[@Michael_Tran]

I want to do that next...so Rattlesnake canyon doesn't connect to big bear directly? Has to go through Burns Canyon rd.?

[@troychristman9258]

@@Michael_Tran RS canyon hits 2N02 just south of the BLM and Rattlesnake Cabins. I’ll have to look it up on Gaia tonight and let you know. I did it when my truck was all stock and didn’t use 4WD - I’d like to do it again with my lift and bigger tires to see the difference.

[@Michael_Tran]

@@troychristman9258 That's good to know...thinking of camping for a night doing that trail soon

[@GreatAussieDrives]

I've got mates with fully kitted out 4WDs who wouldn't make it up that track lol, great video and good on you for giving it a red hot crack!

[@Michael_Tran]

Haha...sometime it's the driver not the rig. I've seen brand new off roader with 4x4 not making certain trail cause they don't know how to use their rig properly. Thanks mate!

[@O4lo]

I always watch your channel for ideas on how to fly my drone.. I think you should make a video about it.

[@Michael_Tran]

Man...that's very flattering. Only reason I can get these shots if my wife is driving haha.

[@O4lo]

@@Michael_Tran dude same hahahaha! Ray and Nipoj too

[@tajmcgee7062]

Nice video! Right near my house! Lots of great trails for 2wd or 4wd out here. :)

[@Michael_Tran]

Nice! You have some nice area near your house to explore.

[@davidleanos8978]

That offshoot section looked pretty fun 👍🏻 I see you have a bed cover now .

[@Michael_Tran]

Definitely a cool area to have on David.

[@garetbirdsall2331]

That drone footage though! 👏👏

[@Michael_Tran]

Thanks man...it's gorgeous there

[@broinsocali]

I think I'll try this in my Outback.

[@Michael_Tran]

I think its doable

[@broinsocali]

@@Michael_Tran I can't get to crazy. I don't have any backup.

[@NoExperienceRequired]

Let’s go I have an Outback too 🤣

[@WIllardSnowlegendsandidols]

Hey I live right near here Have you seen Willy Boys Grave or Rattle Snake Canyon?

[@lakayken8]

Not bad mike. Almost. I thought u made all the way to the right turn.

[@Michael_Tran]

haha...yea, almost. I think a few more attempt would definitely help

[@Wolf4wdadventures.576]

Really liked the area you were trailing in... Great attempt on the climb with the blind corner. As you came up and hit the top section (blind corner) your left rear fell into that small ditch, if it was flatter I'm thinking you could have made it👍 but due to blind corner you had to slow down anyways, Good stuff though 🙂

[@Michael_Tran]

Yea, im sure with a bit more attempt I can get a bit farther...but we were running out of daylight plus...backing down that weird angle is kinda sketchy. Better safe than sorry I guest...but it's a fun area to have fun on. I want to camp there next time.

[@NoExperienceRequired]

Dude this video was awesome! Been in the Joshua Tree area for a few years but lagging on getting a truck for some better exploring. Loved the Subway sandwich part too, I’m pretty good at making them myself LOL

[@Michael_Tran]

Thanks man...Theres so much to see in this area. I've been here countless time and still haven't hit all the trails in this area lol

[@NoExperienceRequired]

@@Michael_Tran Your videos are definitely inspiring me to get out there!

[@durdyentertainment]

How many miles is from the start of trail to finish

[@DanielHernandez-jo9jy]

That Colorado should've put ZR2 instead

[@Michael_Tran]

It's a Z71 trailboss though

[@DanielHernandez-jo9jy]

@@Michael_Tran it's not. They didn't start making Colorado trailboss until 2023, and zr2 for that molded truck in 2022

[@Michael_Tran]

@@DanielHernandez-jo9jy look up 2022 z71 trail boss

[@Michael_Tran]

@@DanielHernandez-jo9jy Here's the time stamp..6:34

[@Firefighter_Lee]

Thanks man for bringing more awareness to the 2wd community by showing people that you don't always need 4wd to go off road. TRUCK GANG! 2WD!

[@BrandonLeeActual]

bro he got stuck and pulled up by the 4x4 on the FIRST HILL what the hell are you saying lol

[@Firefighter_Lee]

@@BrandonLeeActual Not every hill can be conquered bro, 4x4 will always beat 4x2 in the technical ideology, but, in the end, it's who's in the driver's seat. If you don't know how to use it, that 4x4 is just a sticker

[@anthonydraper1231231]

@@BrandonLeeActualalso that was just a side track, not necessary to enjoy the 18 miles of awesome trail.

[@BrandonLeeActual]

@@Firefighter_Lee wow, thanks for that old chestnut... haha

[@MikeMacias]

Another great video! I just got a Detroit Truetrac installed on my 2wd tacoma. Sounds like I should be able to handle this trail no problem. I would try the offshoot only if I have someone with me. But I haven't tested the truetrac yet... thinking I might try it out on this trail first. Maybe a quick run this weekend. Can't remember... you have a locker?

[@Michael_Tran]

I think with a locker it's doable...I really think a few more attempts and knowing when to turn at the top I would be fine. However this is just an offshoot...not needed to complete the trail. Just a fun area

[@MikeMacias]

@@Michael_Tran You definitely made a good decision to get pulled. It would have been bad if you slid down that hill LOL

[@Michael_Tran]

@@MikeMacias Yea..doesn't take much at a weird angle to flip your rig. Better safe than sorry

[@natewynn344]

Any great video. Wasn’t that Saturday the 22nd very windy up there, or was it the following day?

[@Michael_Tran]

It was windy...but kinda die down during the afternoon

[@chillax6486]

what PSi you have in that situation when you got stuck? i think the hole got you on top otherwise you have made it.

[@Michael_Tran]

I usually air down to around 15-20 psi

[@jgpainting8815]

Could you do the route without hitting that steep area with the blind turn?

[@Michael_Tran]

Yes, it's just an offshoot towards the end of the trail...optional to have fun. Whole trail is pretty easy with a bit of clearance any 2WD no locker needed can do it.

[@YoungKastrow]

Nice video! What area did you mention about getting mud in Big Bear if you guys got there early? I only heard you say something “valley”

[@Michael_Tran]

It's called Holcomb Valley...its an easy trail in Big Bear...3N16 is the forest rd name of it.

[@coffeedollsvp]

Easy enough to pull a pop up trailer?

[@Michael_Tran]

I've seen it a few weeks ago

[@Turtlemilk]

damn it... i just bought a 22 tacoma 2wd. i think i made a mistake man.

[@Michael_Tran]

Depending what you're planning to do with it...we took my 2WD truck everywhere. Tons of area that you can explore without needing 4x4

[@Turtlemilk]

@@Michael_Tran hey Michael. What should I get or let’s say what is the sweet spot for Tacoma’s ? 2.5 lift or 3 inch?

[@mariobarajas1875]

What part of socal are you located. Love your videos. I'm new to the truck world. Wouldn't mind trying out some trails. I have a 22 frontier

[@Michael_Tran]

I live in Orange County...but go exploring all over the place haha

[@mariobarajas1875]

@@Michael_Tran I'm down in San Diego County. Hopefully we can need up sometime. Show me the ropes.

[@muleone1355]

Do you guys always air down? Thoughts on 25 psi? Great vid!!!

[@Michael_Tran]

Normally yes...I do to around 20psi

[@jovanivenegas204]

On the steep hill where u hot stuck , is that the only way to continue the trail or os there easier way ?

[@Michael_Tran]

It's optional and just an area to have fun...the main trail is on the left

[@jovanivenegas204]

@@Michael_Tran thank u brother !

[@PittiesAndMore]

I couldn't tell but was the tow strap connected to his tow ball when he was pulling you on that obstacle? 😬

[@Michael_Tran]

No..his hitch receiver has a recovery point with mine soft shackle...I don't recommend connecting to a tow ball. Very dangerous

[@danielw00ds]

Can a Subaru Crosstrek (8.7 in clearance) get thru?

[@Michael_Tran]

Depending on weather.

[@ArnoldGarcilazo]

nice what size lift do you have?

[@Michael_Tran]

Bilstein 5100s on 2.5inch of lift

[@ExploreAnywhere]

Do both wheels spin on the 2wd tacomas?

[@Michael_Tran]

Yes..but the LSD help a bit not like a locker

[@MikeMacias]

Plan to do this trail in the morning and maybe one more trail from big bear in the afternoon. Any dispersed camping recommendations off of one of the trails?

[@Michael_Tran]

Tons of spots on this trail...the are where I got stuck and needed a pull is a good spot. Very level and a lot of flat surface

[@MikeMacias]

@@Michael_Tran found a great spot. also found the area you got stuck. pretty steep. great trail is has a little bit of everything. my son and I had a blast. cant wait to get back up to that area! maybe in a few weeks.

[@Michael_Tran]

@@MikeMacias Nice bro! Glad this video was helpful and you guys had fun together. That's what it's all about

[@juanceja4187]

What kind of exhaust do you have on your taco?

[@Michael_Tran]

It's the MBRP

[@luismoreno1031]

What kind of bumper do you have Michael ?

[@Michael_Tran]

It's the C4 Fab lo pro bumper with the light bar cut out

[@RoadRunner247]

I was inspired by your videos and had to bite the bullet and get a taco im from Orange County any spots u recommend locally ?

[@Michael_Tran]

Hey bro...nice choice. The Tacoma won't let you down. Locally I think Santiago Peak is a great beginner trail

[@iconutube]

Do you have a rear locker for the 2WD?

[@Michael_Tran]

I don't...just a limited slip differential

[@damiansmith391]

Where can u camp here?

[@Michael_Tran]

Anything along the trail..as long as you're away from the trail you will see flat areas throughout this trail

[@damiansmith391]

@@Michael_Tran anywhere on side of 2no2?how about tip top mountain?

[@Michael_Tran]

@@damiansmith391 I haven't try tip top mountain yet..it's on my list so I don't know if there's camping spots along the trail

[@blackdiamondrob]

is the trail clearly marked or do you use Gaia GPS?

[@Firefighter_Lee]

"Let's drain the snake" 😂🤣😂🤣

[@Michael_Tran]

Haha

[@Nikogotbeats]

Can you link the directions of the trail

[@Michael_Tran]

Link the direction? Alltrail app should have the map and direction

[@DanielHernandez-jo9jy]

I just Googled (burns canyon trail) on the Google maps and it gives you the directions.

[@Nikogotbeats]

@@DanielHernandez-jo9jy yeah I finally went, I had a great time

[@Andy-ec9yn]

Michael, you think this trail is do-able with a 4X4 Sprinter van?

[@Michael_Tran]

I think so...a few sections might be kinda tight if you have someone going from opposite directions but theres enough room to move out of the way if needed.

[@Andy-ec9yn]

Ok, thanks! Gonna give it a try later this year.

[@mattwho3769]

Do you have a rear locking diff?

[@Michael_Tran]

unfortunately no

[@mattwho3769]

Neither do I. Thanks for paving the way and showing what 2wd trucks are capable of! Great Channel

[@Michael_Tran]

@@mattwho3769 Thanks for the support man...yea I've always been into the outdoors...doesnt matter how I get there haha

[@CD-hc5ds]

Nice video! This route is currently under attack by several of the (NEW) local residents with money. You know, the ones who move in & want to claim the area as their community, saying the road is private. It IS NOT a private road! The beginning is Burns Canyon Rd (BLM RC1430) and is a GREEN STICKER ROUTE! till it hits US Forest (2N02) This was a wagon road in the 1800s from Big Bear to Rose Mine & on to Warren's well (yucca valley) The recent storms have caused some rocks to block 2N02 and the ass's that are wanting to close it are useing this as firepower. Any jeep clubs/ offroaders that have a decent rig & means to winch need to get up & help clear the way IF you want to keep this route? Its a beautiful day trip & camping area. DO NOT ALLOW THESE environmental terrorists to lock you out!! Or hardass you if your up there, its your FULL Legal right to be.

[@kcindc5539]

There’s 2WD, and then there’s 2WD in an unloaded pickup which, aside from an empty Econoline cargo van, is about the least capable vehicle out there. Okay so you’ve got some ground clearance but otherwise those tires are the only thing you’d have going for you

[@toddstellhorn1869]

Bro - Ditch the 2wd and step up to 4wd.

[@Michael_Tran]

Been wheeling in a 4x4 for the last 2 years.