Johnson Valley

Cougar Buttes is one of the great off-road areas of Southern California that has yet to be discovered by the main stream off-road community. Just minutes from Big Bear and Johnson Valley, this small area is easy to miss with its few rock pile hills, it almost looks like it could be someone's backyard. But don't let this fool you, Cougar Buttes has everything Johnson Valley has but in a much smaller and more accessible area. Everything from high speed sandy roads to some of the most extreme rock crawling and Jeeping in all of the United States. Whether you are into rock crawling, some 4x4'ing, pre-running dirt roads, overlanding, or simply just want to take a short vacation. Cougar Buttes should be your place on your next trip.

A trail that many have heard of, Chocolate Thunder is a popular rock crawling trail in Johnson Valley, California. The trail is usually part of the famous King of the Hammers track and has even been one of the famous Shootout Challenges. The short but fun trail is full of large rocks that are big enough to flip even the largest vehicles, sand that can make climbing the countless ledges and waterfalls impossible, and unique and tight obstacles that can easily destroy a body panel or two. One of the unique things about this trail is it has some great spots on the sides of the trail that any stock 4x4 can get to, making it a popular place for people to gather to watch others work their way through. Now, if you want a good challenge or are looking for a unique night run, check out Chocolate Thunder in the home of KOH, Johnson Valley, and see if your offroad rig has what it takes to complete this trail.

Turkey Claw isn’t just a trail, it’s a rite of passage for true offroad warriors. Tucked into the legendary Johnson Valley, California, the stomping grounds of King of the Hammers, this short but savage rock-crawling beast will challenge your rig and your nerve from the very first boulder.

Whether you're behind the wheel of a nimble Jeep 2-door JL, a classic CJ, or a fully-built 4-door JKU, Turkey Claw doesn’t discriminate, it dishes out punishment and thrills in equal measure. Expect steep climbs, axle-snapping rocks, and narrow lines that demand precision, guts, and a serious sense of adventure. Body damage? Possible. Driveline carnage? Maybe. Epic stories and unforgettable memories? Guaranteed.

If you're craving a heart-pounding challenge in SoCal’s offroad playground, head southwest from Means Dry Lake and put Turkey Claw on your must-conquer list. It's not just a trail, it’s a test of everything you and your 4x4 are made of.

SOS is an insane and extreme rock crawling trail that will put any 4x4 or buggy to its test. Whether you are a Toyota, a 2 door Jeep Wrangler, a 4 Door JKU person, or a tube buggy. SOS will make even the most extreme hardcore off-road enthusiast think twice in the first few feet of the trail. Body damage, driveline failure, bad days, but great memories are all likely to be found on this trail. The next time you decide to have an adventure in the home of The King Of The Hammers in Johnson Valley, California, take a trip to he southwest of Means Dry Lake and check out one of the most insane but epic 4x4 trails in Southern California. If you are interested in taking over this trail review, please sign up to be a contributor at TrailsOffroad.com and become part of the team.

A true legend of the off-roading world, and often called the easier of the three Hammer Trails. Claw Hammer, located in Johnson Valley in Southern California, home of King of the Hammers, offers a difficult to severe-rated rock crawling trail in a short but exciting package. Be ready for lots of technical obstacles with cringe-worthy waterfalls, mountainous rocks, and boulders that just don't seem to offer a way around. The risk of doing body damage is high, along with vehicle failure. Based on how experienced your group is, you can get through this trail in as short as 45 minutes. But the average group takes about 4 hours. Whether you are a Jeep person, a Toyota junky, or a buggy driver, when looking for a truly epic offroad trail that makes most people's top 5 lists, check out Claw Hammer.

Camp Rock Road provides a desert escape to enjoy the quiet, solitude, and beauty of the surrounding rugged landscape. The road cuts a swatch between the Ord and Fry Mountains. The many spurs beg to be explored. Many lead to the now abandoned gold mines that once dotted these hills. This 30-mile-long dirt road is an easy drive with its wide, sandy flat surface, allowing one to enjoy the passing scenery. There are many camping opportunities along the road and connecting spurs within Burea of Land Management lands.

Box Canyon, tucked into the Newberry–Rodman Mountain BLM sub-region of the southern California Mojave Desert, is a short but dramatic 4x4 route often called the “Grand Canyon of the Rodmans” for its tall lava-cut canyon walls. The drive moves from open desert into a narrow corridor of dark rock and sand where the high walls create striking scenery and, during morning and late afternoon, welcome patches of shade in an area that regularly sees summer temperatures over 100 degrees. The surrounding Rodman Mountains Wilderness is important habitat for the federally protected desert tortoise, so drivers should stay on designated routes, travel slowly, and give wildlife plenty of space.

Aftershock is a fun but difficult rock crawling trail.  The trail is not as hard as the Hammers but harder than almost anything else most have tried.  The trail is a narrow canyon with waterfalls, giant boulders, and soft sand to mix things up.  Be ready for some body damage and breakage because, like most of the other Johnson Valley trails, this one isn't forgiving.

This technical rock crawling trail, known as Dorito Hill, is located in southern California's Cougar Buttes, a small section of the Johnson Valley OHV Recreation Area in San Bernardino County. Dorito Hill, while short, is one of the difficult 4x4 sections here in Cougar Buttes. Wheelers looking for an off-road challenge will enjoy running up and over Dorito Hill as a quick warm-up before hitting Hammer Down or Split Finger. Off-roaders looking for an easier day might want to stay off this trail. Still, they will find many easier trails and multiple dispersed camping opportunities in the surrounding area of Cougar Buttes.

If you want insanely hard, then the Hammer Trails are for you. A collection of large boulders, massive ledges, towering waterfalls, and spots you just have to drag through. This trail is going to make you work for it. This trail is only for the highly experienced with a well-built rig and strong roll cage. Do not attempt this trail alone and do not attempt this trail unless you have recovery gear, spare parts, and a group of at least 3 vehicles.

One of the big names in Johnson Valley, Upper Johnson Canyon aka Big Johnson is one of the few intermediate trails in the Johnson Valley range. Because of its location in Southern California near Los Angeles and Orange County, these trails see a lot of traffic for the people that are not looking for the extreme trails of the legendary King of the Hammers area. This awesome but short trail has plenty of optional hard obstacles for the more extreme person while plenty of easier options for the newer drivers that want to get out and test out their vehicle. Run this as part of Lower Johnson and this can make for a good hour or two run for a group of friends looking to do something different. So the next time you hear Johnson Valley, don't think this is too extreme for me, instead head out to the Johnson Trails and have a little fun.

If you are out looking for a "short-cut" in Johnson Valley and wanting something different, check out Fielders Choice which may be a short cut by distance, but not by time. This cool little cut over path takes you over the mountains from Hammers Bi-Way to Claw Hammer. The trail does have a couple of obstacles that will give most people a challenge but nothing too hard that requires an overbuilt vehicle. If you are in the area and just want to do something different, check out Fielders Choice

Following the Rodman Mountains Wilderness border while on BLM land, Canyon Route provides access to some of the most beautiful and extensive 2,000-year-old petroglyphs open to the public. With a short hike to both sides of the canyon, you will discover the evidence of ancient Indians grinding areas used for seeds and grains, along with an abundance of intaglios and trails on top of the canyon. The rough rocky trail, partially responsible for preserving the intaglios by limiting access, requires a high clearance vehicle. The first part of the trail is well maintained due to its use by the Red Top Mine, an active cinder mine aptly named for its mining red cinder. An excellent dispersed camping spot is located near the canyon's end on BLM land and can be used following the guidelines provided by the BLM Barstow Field Office.

Spooners, a Johnson Valley trail named after a couple of guys who got stuck on the trail and had to spoon to survive overnight cold temperatures, is one of the original Johnson Valley rock crawling trails. Located near Outerlimits, this nearly 3-mile long trail is one of the furthest trails from Means Dry Lake and is positioned directly against the military boundary on its northern end. With large boulders over 4 feet round, waterfalls over 5 feet tall, and a difficult S-Turn obstacle that can quickly end your day with one wrong move, Spooners is a trail only for the bravest and built. This trail is best suited for modified vehicles with lifts, larger tires, skid plate protection, and locking differentials. Body damage and mechanical failure are likely.

Even though the trail got its name from two guys camping on it, users should be aware that this trail does not offer any suitable camping options.

Guacamole is a straight-through rock-crawling trail just west of Means Dry Lake. This short but fun trail offers obstacles, waterfalls, and plenty of rocks to challenge even the most hardcore group. The main obstacle of the trail is on the southwest end, a boulder waterfall roughly 5 feet tall with a v-notch that can often destroy rocker panels and sometimes cause body damage. The trail is often combined with Resolution to create a longer route. Guacamole is an excellent trail for people looking to get their feet wet on the Johnson Valley Trails but want to avoid getting in over their heads. This trail is best suited for modified vehicles with larger tires, skid plate protection, and locking differentials.

Although this trail does not host any suitable camping options, the northeastern trailhead offers plenty of open areas for people to hang out, camp, and watch the entertainment.

Located within the Johnson Valley OHV Area, JV4228 is an east-west route, linking Soggy Dry Lake and Cougar Buttes, passing through beautiful, jumbled boulder formations. This sandy desert trail has no obstacles and would be enjoyed by new offroad explorers in a 2-wheel drive high clearance vehicle. Expect washboards and occasional exposed rock.

Dispersed camping is abundant along the trail and can be enjoyed when following the BLM Dispersed Camping Guidelines. Book docking in large RVs is common along the western end of the trail. Campfires may be prohibited, and it is the responsibility of campers to know and follow the current Campfire Restrictions.

Located in the Johnson Valley OHV area and Fry Valley, Green Rock Mine Road cuts through the remains of its namesake Green Rock Mine and the mounds of green rock left over from the mining operation. This high elevation provides expansive views to the south of the desert floor and distant San Bernardino Mountains.

While starting over an easy desert floor, the trail becomes very difficult once climbing into the Fry Mountains over large loose rocks. The last half mile of the trail requires a high clearance four-wheel drive vehicle with an experienced driver.

Dispersed camping is allowed here when following the Bureau of Land Management Dispersed Camping Guidelines. Several dispersed campsites can be found around the mining camp with flat areas large enough for several vehicles and high enough to provide nice views to the south of the desert and distant mountains. Campfires are generally prohibited, and if you plan to camp, you are responsible for knowing the Campfire Restrictions.

Located in Johnson Valley, JV4207 starts at Highway 247 to reach into the Johnson Valley OHV Area, eventually reaching the edge of Soggy Dry Lake. It travels over the flat desert until reaching a set of rugged hills at the trail's end. The Johnson Valley Shared Use Area will occasionally be off-limits due to military usage, and those borders and off-limit periods can be found on the Johnson Valley OHV website.

Several dispersed campsites are located in the hills at the end of the trail and along the edge of Soggy Dry Lake and can be used when following the Bureau of Land Management Camping Guidelines. Campfires are generally prohibited, and the camper must know the current Bureau of Land Management Campfire Restrictions.

The hills near the trail's end are the only driving challenge due to their ruggedness, steepness, and off-camber cut during the descent, requiring a high clearance four-wheel drive vehicle.

Means Dry Lake is a broad, hard-packed lakebed located in the Johnson Valley OHV Area of Southern California’s Mojave Desert. It serves as a central hub for offroad recreation and provides direct access to iconic trails like Jackhammer, Sledgehammer, and Claw Hammer, as well as milder desert routes for casual riders. The terrain is flat and firm, making it suitable for dispersed camping, staging, and large gatherings.

Best known as the site of the annual King of the Hammers event, when the area becomes a bustling temporary city, Means Dry Lake is otherwise quiet and open, offering scenic desert views, dramatic sunsets, and exceptional stargazing. The area has no services, so visitors must be self-sufficient. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for deeper trail exploration, but the lakebed itself is accessible to most vehicles. Camping is primitive but widespread, with ample space for RVs and trailers.

If roughing it isn't your thing, check out the many options in Yucca Valley, which include hotels and other housing options.

This route is the most efficient way to get from Means Dry Lake to Claw Hammer and many other famous Johnson Valley rock trails. The path is a heavily traveled route full of whoops and sand. Two-thirds of the way to Claw Hammer, you will pass the base of the sandhill or sand dunes, where you can test your traction and horsepower. This easy route can be rough and bumpy at times, but the biggest concern comes from areas of soft sand that are easy to get stuck in; thus, airing down is highly recommended.

Johnson Valley OHV area is an open OHV area, meaning you can drive anywhere, and you don't have to stay on the path if you choose not to. Portions of Johnson Valley are shared with the Twentynine Palms military base, and closures go into effect when training takes place. Please be sure to visit the BLM website: https://www.blm.gov/visit/johnson-valley-ohv-area to see closure schedules.

Located in Johnson Valley, JV4310 travels over a checkerboard of private and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land.

With no existing campsites visible from the trail, several suitable open and flat locations will provide dispersed camping sites when on BLM land and meeting the BLM Camping Guidelines. Campfires are generally prohibited, and it is the responsibility of the camper to know the current BLM Campfire Restrictions.

JV4310 is a sandy trail passing over several washes. A high clearance two-wheel drive vehicle will do well on this trail.

Boone Road is the main eastern entry into California’s Johnson Valley OHV Area, a legendary off-road destination best known for the annual King of the Hammers event. Year-round, it serves as a gateway into vast desert terrain and offers easy access for all kinds of vehicles, including RVs, trailers, rock crawlers, and overland rigs. The road is wide, flat, and beginner-friendly, leading to the iconic lakebed and some of the most challenging trails in the country, including the infamous Hammers.

Whether you're exploring or camping, Boone Road delivers a true desert experience. It cuts through open terrain framed by rocky hills and dry lake beds, drawing adventurers from all over. Just past the bridge, the road opens into flat, level ground that’s perfect for dispersed camping. There’s plenty of room for tents, trailers, rooftop setups, and RVs under the vast desert sky.

North of Lucern Valley, OM6600 treks along the southern end of the Ord Mountains under the shadow of several high-voltage powerlines. The road cuts straight across the desert, making slight elevation changes as it passes unique granite rock formations popular with rock climbing enthusiasts. One of the signature formations here, known as Hercules' Finger, is a 70-foot-tall, free-standing monolith sculpted by millions of years of erosion. The road is a mixed surface of hardpacked dirt and sand, with several sections of deep sand whoops. In addition, exposed rocks up to baseball size will be encountered along the road. There are many flat areas along the road where camping would be suitable and has been previously used. However, be cautious of private property parcels along the western half, as several campfire rings exist in areas of posted private property, and users should avoid camping there.

This road is suitable for any vehicle with decent ground clearance.

Looking for a way to cut between Jack and Sledge Hammer. Well, this is your cut-through. The Jack and Sledge Connector is a convenient​ off-road trail at the top of both trails, meaning you can run up one canyon and then back down the other. Of course, the hard part is the other trails, so if you can do those, you should be good to go here. Due to its short nature, camping is not found directly along this trail, but there are endless camping opportunities on surrounding trails.

The Road to Backdoor is a dirt road that leads around the mountain and runs directly into Backdoor. This road isn't very popular since Backdoor is such a difficult trail. The road is comprised of mostly hard-packed dirt, with some soft sand as you get closer to the Backdoor obstacle. All 4x4's can easily handle this road.

Johnson Valley OHV area is an open OHV area, meaning you can drive anywhere, and you don't have to stay on the path if you choose not to. Portions of Johnson Valley are shared with the Twentynine Palms military base, and closures go into effect when training takes place. Please be sure to visit the BLM website: https://www.blm.gov/visit/johnson-valley-ohv-area to see closure schedules.

Rodman Mountain is a dead-end, quickly ascending trail that leads to a series of radio towers. The trail winds along the hillsides as it continuously climbs up a 1.5-vehicle-wide track with several wide areas where passing can take place. The trail surface is fairly rough with small exposed rocks, square in size and roughly baseball to softball in size. The top of the mountain treats you with a grand panoramic view, giving a real bird's-eye perspective of the desert valleys below. High-clearance SUVs and trucks are capable of completing this trail, but 4WD may be required if the conditions are wet. A side spur near the start of the trail leads to a fantastic and secluded campsite, far below the towers and well protected from the wind. It is only large enough for one or two vehicles and best suited for vehicle camping, rooftop tents, and ground tents if you don't mind a slightly unlevel surface.

Tucked away in the rugged heart of Johnson Valley, California, the legendary Sunbonnet Trail stands as one of the original and most revered Hammer Trails, branching off the iconic Means Dry Lake, affectionately known to off-roaders as Hammer Town USA. This trail is a true proving ground, drawing thrill-seekers from across the country to the unforgiving expanse of the high desert.

Carved by time and weather, Sunbonnet is a brutal test of driver and machine, packed with massive granite boulders, vehicle-squeezing notches, and extreme features like 4-foot ledges and 7-foot waterfalls. The trail demands precision and grit as it throws one obstacle after another, turning sheer climbs, narrow squeezes, and near-vertical drops into the kind of heart-pounding moments that offroad legends are built on.

Perched at around 3,400 feet above sea level, the climate here is as extreme as the terrain. Blistering summer temperatures can soar to a scorching 115°F, while winter nights plunge toward a bone-chilling 0°F, turning the trail into an entirely different beast with each season.

Due to the sheer intensity of the obstacles and the very real risk of significant body damage, only heavily modified rock crawlers should attempt to conquer Sun Bonnet. This trail isn’t just a drive; it’s a battle of machine versus nature, where every scratch and dent tells a story of grit, determination, and desert conquest.

Part of the King of the Hammers Qualifying course in Johnson Valley California, this steep hillclimb is not for the faint of heart. One side is extremely steep and loose, with rocks in the right spots to make it hard, and on the other side is a drastic drop that is about 4 feet. This is a short straight-through trail only suited for well-built rigs and experienced drivers.

A quick shortcut from Means Dry Lake, The Road to Short Bus, and Comp Hill is a quick path to these two popular areas. So if you are looking for an easy way to get there from means dry lake, this is your shortest route. Camping is not found directly along this trail, but there are endless camping opportunities on surrounding trails.

Located along the valley's western edge that splits Claw Hammer and Outer Limits, Kings Veto is one of the hardest of the hard. It is a trail reserved for only the most extreme off-roaders. Infamous for causing catastrophic vehicle failures and brutal body damage, this short yet savage canyon is a true reckoning for even the most seasoned drivers.

Littered with boulders larger than most rigs, sheer vertical ledges towering over six feet, and a relentless, unforgiving gauntlet of rocks, King’s Veto offers no mercy. It demands constant front digs, winching through near-impossible lines, and an acceptance that carnage is just part of the journey. It’s no surprise that the team behind King of the Hammers added this trail to the course with one goal in mind: eliminate as many competitors as possible.

So if you think your ultra-built rig is unstoppable, and you’ve got what it takes to face this brutal stretch of terrain, King’s Veto will be more than happy to prove you wrong. But hey, at least you’ll have one hell of a story to tell.

A unique side attraction when visiting Johnson Valley is Skull Rock, which is located on a sandy wash at the end of Stellar Road. The road to get to this hand-painted boulder is an easy, hard-packed dirt road just south of the popular Cougar Buttes area. You first pass several private property parcels before entering the Johnson Valley Open OHV Area, where the road becomes a bit sandier as you continue straight towards the rocky hills. As is typical of routes within Johnson Valley, the trail splits in several directions as you come to the edge of a sand wash, up against the base of the hills. Head northeast to the start of the wash, and there you will find the skull, north-facing, hidden in the desert landscape.

Dispersed camping is allowed throughout Johnson Valley, and there are plenty of wide-open, level areas to fit any type of camp setup and any group size. Cougar Buttes is very close and a popular area for camping, with decent wind protection.

Located along the western edge of the Johnson Valley OHV Area, minutes from Lucern Valley, North Valley is one of the primary routes through a popular area known as Cougar Buttes. This trail is a straight connector between Astral Road and Powerline Road, providing access to many hardcore side trails and abundant dispersed camping. It travels over packed dirt and patches of soft sand, making it suitable for any vehicle. It is not uncommon to see large RVs and motorhomes camping together in small groups like wagon trains. There are two pit toilets along the route, but no trash receptacles.