3N08 is the perfect trail for the new and moderately experienced off-road enthusiast in the forest of Big Bear, CA. The trail provides plenty of dense forest scenery and some 4x4 challenges. The most notable obstacle on the trail is a rocky hill climb on the east end of the trail. This hill climb is a 40 degree climb with several moderate sized rocks and ledges. At roughly 30 feet long, the hill climb is just big enough to get the heart pumping and for you to second guess your line of attack.
This trail is fun and very scenic. We came in from the west end, off 3N14 and stayed a couple nights at the yellow post campsite. Can be done with 2wd, but high clearance is definitely recommended.
I decided to tackle this trail over the weekend for the first time. I'm still new to off-roading so this trail was on my list of trails to get my feet wet, so to speak, at traversing somewhat difficult rock obstacles.
Due to poor planning, I entered this trail from 3N14 which ends up putting you at the top of the rock waterfall. "No worries", I thought to myself. That was until I got out of the truck to determine a line and saw what I was up against. After staring at the waterfall for a few minutes trying to determine the best path down (no body protection on the 4runner), I finally swallowed the lump in my throat, got back in the truck, and took the bypass around that sh**!! I go out alone so I just couldn't find the courage to tackle that hill without a spotter.
Overall it's a great trail and there is an easier bypass around the waterfall should you decide to chicken out like me!
Ran this trial about a month ago. It was still snowing believe it or not. The ice made the hills in the middle of the trail pretty fun. I want to go back for sure.
Joshua Noesser grew up in Southern California but has lived in different parts of the country during his young adult life. Josh was first turned to four wheeling when he road with one of his friends dad up Surprise Canyon in the Panamint Valley at age14. After nearly 3 different roll overs later and a half dozen intense waterfalls, Josh was hooked. At 16 he purchased his first Jeep a CJ 7 and by 17 was putting his first locker in it.
Currently, Josh is the owner and CEO of Nybble, an IT Solutions Company based in Orange County, California. Nybble isn't your normal IT company where everyone stays in and plays video games. Nybble's average company trip is out on the trails since a good amount of his staff enjoy wheeling too. As Josh likes to say, he offers the only IT Company with the ability to provide services in extreme locations. "If you want a server at the top of The Hammers, we will take care of that for you."
Today you can find Josh out on the trail behind the wheel in one of his three different off-road vehicles. See the vehicles below for more information.
If you ever run into Josh, please say high, he is a very friendly person and is always happy to have a new person join the group.
