John Bull Trail
May 27, 2008
Big Bear California in the San Bernardino National Forest has 22 off road trails but only 4 stands out as real off road challanges. Dishpan Springs (3N34), Holcomb Creek (3N93), Gold Mountain (3N69A) and John Bull (3N10). If you choose to challange these trails we recommend that you travel in groups of at least two vehicles. Much of the reference material available on these trails list them as difficult, however the difficulty varies based on the weather, trail traffic and time of year. The books suggest that you have high clearance vehicle with lockers. I personally find that picking the right line and using some common sense is just as important as your equipment. Lockers are no substitute for a lack of driving skill. I have personally traveled and completed all of these trails in a Wrangler with 3 inch lift and 31 inch tires, better equipped vehicles will have an easier time. If you attempt to cross these trails in a stock vehicle I want to be there to take the pictures. The real beauty of the Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead area is you're never really that far from civilization. You can spend the day challenging the trails and the night sitting in a lake front cabin with your feet up on the fire. If you enjoy roughing it, then you may want to camp along the trail, just remember that you need an Adventure Pass which can be purchased all over the mountain. The trip from San Diego is about two hours give or take traffic.
JOHN BULL TRAIL (3N10)
John Bull Trail is probably the most difficult trail in the Big Bear area. It not only has some of the bigger challanges but is the most consistantly challanging. This is a very fun trail and unless you break something you won't regret finding this trail. It is one of the more remote trails in the area so it is generally a good idea to travel in groups, besides if you don't screw up you will probably be able to get a few good laughs out of your friends. This is a must do trail if you love off road challanges. You can get to the trail after playing on Gold Mountain Trail and turning left on 3N16 and then right on 3N02 and follow the signs. The oppisite direction by taking 2N09 north off of Highway 18. 
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