3N10 – John Bull

5/5 (42 reviews)
Big Bear City, California (San Bernardino County)
Last Updated: 05/08/2023

Trail Information

Highlights

Altitude
Camping
Desert
Forest
Ghost Town
Iconic
Mine
Mud
Overland
Rock
Sand
Scenic
Snow Wheeling

One of the must do off-road trail in Southern California and maybe even the United States. 3N10 - John Bull is a legend in the off-road community and there is no question why this epic offroad trail is on the Jeep Badge Of Honor App. Often used as the proving grounds when planning for legendary trips the Rubicon or the Dusy-Ershim, this trail will test a vehicle to their breaking point and further. If you are thinking about attempting to conquer this extreme 4x4 trail, you can expect large boulders over 36 inches round, loose rocks that love to do body damage, and big trees that seem to jump out of nowhere and kiss your vehicle and leave a body damage mark that you will get to tell stories about for a long time. But be warned though, this trail will put the driver to the test just as much as the machine. So if you are in Southern California and looking for an amazing yet challenging trail, look no further then this difficult trail, 3N10 - John Bull Trail in Big Bear's Holcomb Valley settling within the San Bernardino's National Forest in Southern California.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Commonly referred to as the mini Rubicon Trail, John Bull is one of the most difficult trails in the San Bernardino Forest trail system. Large boulders, tight turns, and small squeezes between trees are just some of the obstacles you will encounter. Once you arrive at the infamous "Gate Keeper" you will start crawling your way up boulder fields with rocks the size of small cars. Mixed with loose dirt, traction is minimal and ground clearance is your friend. Short wheelbase vehicles tend to fair better, but a properly armored SUV or pickup truck can make it though without many hang ups. There is no right or wrong way to run the trail, but most run it west to east. There are a few areas where it would be tricky to get by a group of vehicles that are going the opposite way.

Stay the trail, people are leaving the trail which will result in the trail being closed. Also, respect the historic items out there. Make sure the rocks you find or logs laying around are not tools or cabins of the old mining days. Many of the items have been destroyed recently.

Trail Reviews

5/5 (42)
5950
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 05/27/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Got to the trailhead early and had the trail to ourselves most of the time. We started with little John Bull to do the whole trail together. By the time we got to the west gatekeeper the people were hitting the trail and we got done just in time! Had a blast with my friends in a 2dr Bronco and another Jeep buddy. This trail is a lot of fun!
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 05/27/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

This was our first time doing John Bull. We did run it solo only because we are both capable backpackers and weren’t afraid of hiking out. We did have some assistance for first 20 yards of the gatekeeper by a nice gentleman who was there hanging out and wanted to help spot. Once we warmed up and got through it was a fun day on the mountain. Picked our lines carefully, backed up and attacked again when needed. Finished in about two and a half hours. We had a great time and loved every minute of it.
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 05/20/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Awesome trail!!! I’d say the gatekeeper is more challenging than tinman, so if you can do that you can do the rest of the trail! My jeep is 4” lift 33’s no lockers! I did not have to pull line and I did this trail alone. (not recommended.) this is definitely an intermediate trail, know your line and watch for drop ins that can high center you! Have fun!!
Official Crew
120550
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 05/08/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Ran the trail and it was a bit different. Lots of water on the trail and the obstacles changed up a bit. Still the same difficulty. Its worth doing while the water is running on it as it makes for a fun an unique experience.
Official Crew
120550
Open
Visited: 05/05/2023

Trails are officially open https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1095216.pdf

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