Trails

Johnson Valley Trails

Sledgehammer
N 34º 24.872′
W 116º 28.464′
The original trail. It is non-stop technical rockcrawling from beginning to end, with steep hillclimbs and off-camber sections. The VV4W describes coming back down the canyon as “an experience all its own.” It can be run in fullsize vehicles.
Rating: 5
Jackhammer
N 34º 24.872′
W 116º 28.464′
Considered by many to be the toughest of the Hammers, it is a string of narrow, off-camber sections that offer no relief until the very top. The rock formations demand tight turns and a lot of finesse. The downhill segment is very steep and replete with dropoffs that score high on the pucker factor. It is not recommended for fullsize vehicles.
Rating: 5+
Aftershock
N 34º 25.368′
W 116º 26.129′
A more traditional trail in the sense that it is not all rock from the beginning to the end; there are actually sections that run through sand and dirt. However, the rocks that are there force the trail to twist constantly back and forth and up and down. It is a difficult run for fullsize vehicles
Rating: 4+
Sunbonnet Pass
N 34º 24.190′
W 116º 26.007′
This is actually two narrow canyons that are fully equiped with a series of tight squeezes with names such as “Hell’s Gate” and “Devil’s Slide.” It is not fullsize friendly. Even short-wheelbase vehicles will find that the walls quickly close in. Drivers will find a lot of sharp turns and steep climbs.
Rating: 5
Outer Limits
N 34º 27.263′
W 116º 27.11′
One of the newest trails, this one is replete with twisting, rocky ascents and three very tight, off-camber squeezes that nearly always take their toll in sheetmetal as drivers snake through. This trail is not for fullsize vehicles.
Rating: 5
Wrecking Ball
N 34º 25.355′
W 116º 28.328′
The name says it all. Possibly the toughest trail in the Johnson Valley OHVA, it is certainly the tightest and most technical. All rock from the very start, this trail is unrelenting in its demands of the driver and the vehicle. Body damage is almost a certainty, and probably the least of the carnage you can expect. It is not recomended for fullsize vehicles.
Rating: 5++
Clawhammer
N 34º 26.233′
W 116º 28.473′
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*credit to 4 Wheel Drive & Sport Utility, April 2000GPS coordinates are from Four Wheeler Magazine, January 2001, page 93


Big Bear Trails

Notes: Adventure Passes are required when stopping in the Forest

Holcomb Creek Trail (3N93-2N06 Loop) Holcomb Creek trail offers a variety of terrain from scenic valleys and water crossings to moguled hill climbs and challenging rock gardens. Although a locker is not required, it is highly recommended. The rock gardens and moguled hill climbs can create embarrassing (and dangerous) moments for the drivers of the unlocked vehicles as they are left searching for traction when their tires leave the ground. There are only by-passes for a couple of the hills and no by-passes for the rocks.Rating: ModerateRequirements: At least one locker, 31″ tires
Dish Pan Springs Trail (2N26Y to 3N34)  Because the challenges on this trail vary based on your direction of travel, we will travel from East to West and then turn around and run from West to East. Dishpan Springs trail is probably the most difficult trail on the mountain when run from West to East. More rollovers have been witnessed on this trail than any other trail in the forest. The real test is about halfway through the trail at the obstacle officially known as Devil Slide or more often referred to as the waterfall, wall or ballbuster. Although open vehicles have been known to make it up this obstacle with a little effort, in the interest of time and safety no open vehicles will be allowed on this run.Rating: DifficultRequirements: Minimum 31” tires & a locker. Low ground clearance vehicles are likely to get scraped on the rocks.
Rattlesnake Canyon trail: The Rattlesnake Canyon Trail offers a variety of terrain from the scenic drive north of Big Bear Lake to the hi-desert landscape of Johnson Valley along with water crossings and challenging rock gardens throughout the canyon itself. The trail starts at the bottom of Rattlesnake Canyon in Johnson Valley and will take us along old cattle routes, through the infamous Burns Canyon and then to Baldwin Lake. Although a locker is not required, it is highly recommended.Rating: ModerateA full tank of gas will be required for this run.
Devil’s Hole Trail (3N34D): This trail is a moderate trail offering a scenic drive to Devil’s Hole swimming area where we have lunch before moving on to a more challenging trail time permitting.Rating: ModerateRequirements: Minimum 31” tires & a locker. Low ground clearance vehicles are likely to get scraped on the rocks.
White Mtn Trail (3N17) This trail is rated most difficult by the Forest Service. It was closed for several years due to fire damage. The trail has been re-furbished by local clubs like the Inland Empire 4 Wheelers and the Forest Service. You will experience lots of scenery and unique vistas of the San Bernardino Mountain range and the high desert.Rating: DifficultRequirements: Minimum 31” tires & a locker. Low ground clearance vehicles are likely to get scraped on the rocks.
Pilot Rock/Silverwood Lake Trail (2N17X) Highway driving will be required to and from the trail. There will be an opportunity to air down at the trail head. The 2N17X/Pilot Rock trail can be as challenging as you want to make it, especially when run from West to East as we will. Most of the hill climbs have more than one line with varying degrees of difficulty. The trail consists of steep rutted hill climbs, off camber sections and a few optional rock obstacles near Pilot Rock that will challenge even well set-up rigs. The trail starts at Silverwood Lake and runs along a ridge providing great views of Silverwood Lake and the high desert. There are several options for the trip back to camp ranging from pavement to “most difficult” trails. The trail crew will choose the most challenging return trip that time allows.Rating: DifficultRequirements: Minimum 31” tires & a locker. Low ground clearance vehicles are likely to get scraped on the rocks.

** FULL TANK OF GAS REQUIRED PRIOR TO DEPARTURE**

John Bull Trail (3N69 to 3N10): Highway driving required. There will be an opportunity to air down at the trail head. John Bull, often called the “Mini Rubicon” is one of the most challenging trails on the mountain. It definitely has some of the best rocks. The trail has been known to challenge even locked vehicles. No open (no traction device) vehicles allowed on this trail.Rating: DifficultRequirements: Minimum 31″ tires and a locker. Low ground clearance vehicles are likely to get scraped on the rocks.
Onyx Summit Trail (2N61 to 2N70): The trail consists of several sluices, rutted hill climbs and great views of the high desert. Highway driving will be required. There will be an opportunity to air down at the trail head. Highway driving will also be required to get back to camp so keep this in mind when airing down. Because some time will be involved to get from camp to the trail head and the trail has several obstacles that would require some time to get open vehicles over, no open vehicles will be allowed on this trail.Rating: ModerateRequirements: Minimum 31″ tires and at least one locker. Low ground clearance vehicles are likely to get scraped on the rocks
**FULL TANK OF GAS REQUIRED PRIOR TO DEPARTURE**
Gold Mountain Trail: Some highway driving will be required. There will be an opportunity to air down at the trailhead. Although Gold Mountain Trail is rated “Most Difficult” by the Forest Service, it can be traversed by most stock 4 wheel drives. The views of the Big Bear valley are incredible! After the Gold Mountain Trail you’ll explore the historic Holcomb Valley.Rating: EasyRequirements: Stock high-clearance 4 wheel drives with low range. Low ground clearance vehicles are likely to get scraped on the rocks.