John Bull
Big Bear's granite technical masterpiece.
John Bull earned its reputation as Southern California’s answer to Moab, dropping into the Holcomb Creek drainage through a series of granite ledges and boulder fields that separate posers from players. The trail’s infamous off-camber wall and waterfall obstacle have claimed countless oil pans and egos, while the granite chutes demand precise wheel placement and nerves of steel. What started as a mining access route now serves as Big Bear’s premier technical challenge, where weekend warriors learn the difference between wanting lockers and needing them.
Expert difficulty requires a well-built rig with armor, lockers, and winch — plus the skill to use them without destroying the environment or your truck. Late spring through early fall offers the best conditions, though snow can close access roads into December. No permits required, but this is sensitive habitat where careless driving brings unwanted government attention. Success here means joining the ranks of serious rock crawlers, while failure often means expensive recovery bills and wounded pride.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 8 mi / 12.9 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 7400 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Built 4WD with armor and lockers |
| Nearest town | Big Bear Lake, California |
| Land manager | San Bernardino National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | fs.usda.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler or 4Runner run John Bull, or does it need to be built?
A stock rig will get you stuck or damaged. John Bull requires genuine lockers front and rear, skid plates, and a winch — this is not a trail where a stock vehicle with all-terrain tires will bluff its way through. Budget builds with basic armor and a locker have made it, but barely.
When does John Bull open after winter, and is snow a real concern?
The trail sits above 6,000 feet near Big Bear and typically opens late April to May depending on snowpack. Snow and ice on granite slabs are genuinely dangerous — May-October is the window, and even early May can surprise you. Check conditions with San Bernardino National Forest before heading out.
Do I need a permit or pay a fee to run John Bull?
No permit is required specifically for the trail, but you're in San Bernardino National Forest so an Adventure Pass ($5 daily, $30 annual) is required for parking. No reservation system, no group size permit — just the Adventure Pass.
What's the hardest section and what actually makes it expert-rated?
The mandatory winch obstacle midway through is what earns the expert rating — it's not optional, and rigs without a winch get recovered by someone else's. The granite slab climbs through the Holcomb Creek drainage are steep, slippery when wet, and have essentially no line correction room. One bad approach angle and you're on your rocker panels.
How deep are the Holcomb Creek water crossings, and is there a gas or resupply concern on this trail?
The creek crossings vary by season — spring runoff can push them knee-deep or higher, late summer they're typically ankle to shin depth. Fuel up in Big Bear Lake before you go; there's nothing at the trailhead and cell service is spotty enough that you don't want to be problem-solving mid-trail.
Trail track
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