If the lower part of Sledge Hammer wasn't enough, don't worry. 3rd Canyon is a continuation of Sledge Hammer that can give you a little more fun before heading down the mountain. This exciting little trail is a blast if you still have more time in the day. The only downside, if you want to call it that, is you have to run Sledgehammer first. If you are in Johnson Valley California and want a little more fun after you just got done running Sledgehammer, check out 3rd Canyon.
To get to this part of Johnson Valley from Lucerne Valley, take Old Woman Springs Road (Highway 247) east for 24.5 miles. Turn north/left at the Johnson Valley Sign (Boone Road). Follow this road roughly 4 miles to the dry lake bed (Means Dry Lake).
Take it to Sledge Hammer and take this canyon up. Right before you exit the canyon, the trail is on the left.
Camping
Dispersed
Land Use Issues
The US Government has come to an agreement with the Off-Roaders that use the area, and we will be sharing areas of the land in Johnson Valley with the US Military. During these times which are unknown, civilians will not be allowed in the area. There is no set schedule yet of when it will be closing and reopening. This is a growing concern for many people that enjoy the area for the fear that they will permanently close this area after the first time they use this area for military training.
Ran up there the other day by myself (ish). Had a few razors. It was a ton of fun dragging them through Sledge but decided it was best to turn around on 3rd. Didn't want to get stuck or break.
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.