Hammer Down Trail - Cougar Buttes

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5/5 (15 reviews)
Lucerne Valley, California (SanBernardino County)
Last Updated: 03/18/2023

Trail Information

Highlights

Cougar Buttes, in the Johnson Valley OHV Recreation Area, is home to a number of rock crawling trails, but none quite like this three-quarter mile stretch. Hammer Down is a serious 4x4 trail that is likely to break, bend, dent and possibly roll your rig. From Gate Keeper to Gate Keeper, the rock obstacles here are continuous. It's hard to tell where Hammer Down obstacles end and the next starts. Boulder, after boulder, after waterfall, after hard rock notches, after boulder, this trail will keep you in low range, with your head out the window watching your tire placement.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

5/5 (15)
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 09/30/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

One of FAVORITE boulder-crawling trips near Cougar Buttes. Will definitely twist and articulate your suspension to the extreme!
Trail Review: Hammer Down Trail - Cougar Buttes - Tom Cantwell
Trail Review: Hammer Down Trail - Cougar Buttes - Tom Cantwell
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Official Crew
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82050
Open
Visited: 03/18/2023

There might be a lot of confusion lately with the San Bernardino National Forest order ( No. 05-12-00-23-03 ) closing almost all forest trails in southern California. This trail is still open.
Trail Review: Hammer Down Trail - Cougar Buttes - G. Martin
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Official Crew
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130100
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 01/18/2022

Ran this trail really quick while in the area. A lot of fun.
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 01/15/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Had fun on Hammer Down. A short challenging trail.
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Official Crew
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82050
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 10/30/2021

Hammer Down in a Geo 😉
Trail Review: Hammer Down Trail - Cougar Buttes - G. Martin
Trail Review: Hammer Down Trail - Cougar Buttes - G. Martin
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