Johnson Valley OHV Area is a mecca for recreational offroading. Its infamous web of heartstopping trails are some of the most hardcore in the world. What makes the area so popular is its diversity of difficulty, which offers trails for every skill level and every OHV type. From punishing rock crawling to casual trail riding to high-speed desert running, Johnson Valley has it all.
It might be most well known for the extreme rock crawling found in the mountainous area known as the "Hammers." But, for those in stock or lightly modified 4X4s, Johnson Valley is also home to plenty of intermediate and novice trails. Then, adding to the variety, miles of open desert roads surrounding the Hammers are perfect for those with a need for speed.
Johnson Valley OHV Area is shared land between BLM (Bureau of Land Management) and the adjacent Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center of Twentynine Palms. Its history of rock crawling goes back to the early 1990s, when some of its most iconic trails, including Sledgehammer, Jackhammer, and Aftershock, were broken. Then, in 2007, the yearly King of the Hammers competition was founded, which exponentially grew Johnson Valley's popularity.
The harsh desert landscape brings with it extreme summer heat that consistently exceeds 100-degrees. It's not uncommon to see temperatures reaching 120-degrees in the mid to late summer months. High winds are also commonplace and overnight temperatures can dip below freezing in the winter, so keep these factors in mind when planning your trip out to Johnson Valley OHV Area.
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.
If you want insanely hard, then the Hammer Trails are for you. Sledge Hammer is the southernmost trail of the Hammers in Johnson Valley, California. This extreme 4x4 trail is a collection of large boulders, massive ledges, towering waterfalls, vertical climbs, and spots you just have to drag through. This trail is going to make you work for it if you are wanting to complete it. Once on this trail, it is clear why this is one of the hardest trails in the country and why it makes the cut for one of the hardest parts of the King Of The Hammers race. If you think you have what it takes to do this run, have a rig that is built for the extreme, and have plenty of off-roading experience, then this is for you!
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.
If you want crazy hard and people say you are a bit insane, then Jack Hammer is the trail for you. Known throughout the off-road industry as one of the single hardest off-road trails in the world, Jack Hammer will not leave you disappointed about being challenged. Many have tried, and many have failed even in the most built rigs. This 4x4 trail is going to bend, break, and destroy the common failure items and things you didn't even know that could get damaged. Have your pocketbook ready and a solid recovery plan because it is rare people leave this trail untouched. This trail is only for the most experienced with a very built rig and strong roll cage. The rating of this trail is well past difficult and is above severe in the extreme area. Do not attempt this trail alone and do not attempt this trail unless you have recovery gear, spare parts, and a group of other offroad extremists that are looking for a day of fun in Johnson Valley, California.
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.
Once in Johnson Valley, many people wonder where the best dispersed camping is at. Morongo Basin Desert Run Road (aka Desert Run Road) is one of two favorite spots for the locals to camp at. Desert Run Road is almost totally protected from the aggressive winds that can wreak havoc on the Means Dry Lake. The weather isn’t the only reason to choose this trail for camping. Immediately off of Desert Run Road is some of the best 4x4 and off-road trails in the area including trails like a Turkey Claw, which is an extreme rock crawling trail.
Mommas Sand Hill is a popular place for razors and other side by sides to hang out and there are several natural dirt bike courses against the hillside. So the next time you are in the area and wondering where to camp, take your RV, 5th Wheel, or tent and look to Desert Run Road.
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.
Backdoor is probably the single hardest rock crawling obstacle that is possible without a winch. Only minutes from the famous King of the Hammers basecamp, this short trail can provide hours of entertainment for bystanders or years of bragging rights for drivers. For the drivers that think about trying this trail, most will turn around before even starting the trail while some will try and quickly fail. The majority of those who try it will rollover, but there are always the lucky few who will make it. ***Important Notice*** This trail is only for those with a very good/strong roll cage and a well-built vehicle.
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.
One of the big names in Johnson Valley, Lower Johnson Canyon, aka Little 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. 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.
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