Josh Noesser
Mapping Crew - California
Trail Reviews: 43400 points
Questions Answered: 9850 points
Off-Road Experience:
6+ years
Off-Road Style:
Rock Crawling
My Garage:
- (4" lift, 35" tires)
- (4.5" lift, 38" tires)
- (Stock lift, 35" tires)
- 2019 Jeep Wrangler (4 door) (2.5" lift, 37" tires)
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.
My Garage (4)
Lift Size: 4"
Tire Size: 35"
The vehicle he drives the most is a 2001 Jeep Wrangler TJ with a 4.0, 35's Falken Mud Terrain, and 4-inch ProComp lift. This Jeep does have open diffs which is something that Josh really enjoys. Josh was driving fully locked up vehicles so long that driving the open vehicle is adding the extra challenge and bring a whole new life to some of the older trails.
Lift Size: 4.5"
Tire Size: 38"
His other jeep which is currently in testing and being used on trail. This is a 79 CJ 7 with a 4.0 Stroker (4.7), 38's falken's, Raceline Beadlocks, Dana 60 HD Front, 14 Bolt Rear, Detroit's, NV4500, Atlas, Custom Built 4 link and 3 link Suspension, 18" Coil Overs, Spuderwebshade, custom belly armor, and the list goes on. Before all the cool toys were added this Jeep, Josh has successfully either created or traversed almost every trail in Southern California.
Lift Size: Stock
Tire Size: 35"
As for the last vehicle, it is a 2002 Ford F250 Diesel 4x4 CrewCab. It might not be a rock crawler but Josh does use this vehicle for trails rating 1-4 and will tow his jeeps through trails up to a 4 rating to get to campsites that are very remote. He did recently replace the rims with 20" Raceline Wheels and Falken A/T tires.
2019 Jeep Wrangler (4 door)
Lift Size: 2.5"
Tire Size: 37"
My Trail Reviews (106)
(within last 6 months)The Hex (02/15/2021)
Love this trail, we ended up breaking a front axle, but we were able to return the next day and run it
3N22 - Elliott Ranch (02/02/2021)
I have used this trail a few times now to get around traffic or double back after doing cleghorn. It is a great little trail but you have to watch out of OHV's.
South Fork Palm Wash (02/01/2021)
This is probably one of the coolest trails in the area. I never knew it was there and only heard the stories. Now it is a must-stop every time we go.
Front Door - Comp Hill (02/01/2021)
Quick update to the trail
2N56 - Sheep Canyon (01/31/2021)
Easy trail
Connector Road (01/28/2021)
Point a to point b
Trail 201 (01/28/2021)
Its better than taking the asphalt.
Voodoo Rock Garden (01/28/2021)
Not bad, this is a lot of fun. This is a great side detour when in the area and great for all levels of people.
Voodoo (01/28/2021)
Not what I was hoping for with a name like voodoo. Maybe should be call boohoo. But the side trails are great.
Tilted Table (01/28/2021)
Its a connector route.
Craptastic (01/27/2021)
Didn't run the trail as it looked too extreme for the group I was with. But I wouldn't mind going back and giving it a try.
Superstitions Sand Dunes (01/26/2021)
This area was a ton of fun. You don't get to play in sand dunes very often that are this large.
Sand Dam and Pass (01/26/2021)
Sand Dam is worth seeing at least once. Pretty cool area.
Mine Bypass (01/25/2021)
It's cool as in I have never done it, but overall neat little trail.
3N14 - Coxey Road (01/24/2021)
Let it snow.
Ran up the trail for a snow run. It was a ton of fun.
Bowen Ranch Road (01/24/2021)
Good to know where this is at. A shortcut to the hills if you know where you can start at.
It was snowing on the way out yesterday.
3N16 - Holcomb Valley (01/24/2021)
Ran up for a snow run. Went west to east starting at 3N14 but as we neared Holcomb Valley the road iced over making it impossible to continue on. Saw several people slide into each other which our plan was to get off the trail as fast as we can.
Mine Trail (01/21/2021)
Neat little canyon. I like the dispersed camping spots.
Mine Loop (01/21/2021)
Very fun little trail. I was shocked when we fell upon this. Had a blast.
Giant Rock (01/20/2021)
Something everyone should do at least once
Mojave Road (01/14/2021)
Old Trail Video
3S04 - Main Divide South - Santiago Peak (aka Saddleback Mountain) (01/13/2021)
Reports show the trail has been reopened.
5S01 - Indian Truck Trail (01/13/2021)
Reports show the trail has been reopened.
The Void (01/12/2021)
I really enjoyed these sand dunes over the others in the area.
Holy Cross (01/12/2021)
This was very interesting as you normally don't see things like this. Well worth it.
Wheeler Road (01/11/2021)
Been a long time since i have been out there. We ended up camping for a full week out there. Just the wife and kiddo. It was pretty nice.
Little Blair Valley (01/04/2021)
Updated the photos for the exit. Great little trail.
3N34 - Dishpan Springs (12/16/2020)
Sounds like the gate is closed to the road below the trail. The trail is open and you can access the trail via the other trails in the area. Use the map feature above to find ways around the locked gate.
Lava Tube Road (12/09/2020)
Stopped for the first time here, how cool
Jack and Sledge Connector (12/07/2020)
Was up on Jack the other day having a little fun.
Jack Hammer (12/07/2020)
Ran the trail with some good friends and had a blast. The trail was hard like always and I can't wait to go back again. One guy in our group did end up winching 4 times I believe. But as I always say, the ones that struggle the most are having the most fun.
Upper Johnson (Big Johnson) (11/30/2020)
It's been a long time since I did this trail. It was a good day.
SOS - Johnson Valley (11/30/2020)
Ran up to the second early exit then headed over to blue berry
Lower Johnson (Little Johnson) (11/30/2020)
Cool little trail, its been a while since I ran it.
Bismarck’s Back Door (11/30/2020)
1st time doing this new path. It was a pretty cool little drive up the canyon and the views from the top were pretty awesome.
Chocolate Thunder (11/30/2020)
The trail is super torn up from Thanksgiving up there. The holes behind the waterfalls are giant.
Aftershock (11/30/2020)
So we ran this trail and wow it was fun. Been too long as we rarely head that far back up the canyon.
Aftershock (11/30/2020)
Just a little proof Aftershock hasn't changed much since 2001.
As you can compare, the main obstacle is exactly the same.
Turkey Claw - Johnson Valley (11/30/2020)
Did a fast run up the trail and it was a ton of fun. Can't want to go back.
Off-Your-Rocker (11/27/2020)
Quick run up to the true ending as now told. Will remap soon....
It gets harder hahahahhaaahaha
Aftershock (11/27/2020)
Fun times, just ran it and loved it.
Wrecking Ball (11/27/2020)
Ran it twice now, first time 5 hours, second time 15 minutes....
Arroyo Seco Del Diablo Trail (11/20/2020)
Ran up the trail for a quick remap. Several new landslides are there which might cause issues in the winter and spring. Please be careful when on this trail.
Mojave Road (11/20/2020)
Ran the trail and it was a good time. Had a few issues that slowed us down but didn't stop us. Can't wait to go back.
Afton Canyon (11/20/2020)
Ran the trail and had a ton of fun. THe water crossing is filled in which sort of sucks. But besides that it was a good time.
Sandstone Canyon (11/20/2020)
Ran the trail, feel it might be at the easiest it has been in a long time in the lower half. The middle landslide is getting really easy too. But be warned, someone dug out the backside of it so with the sand it is easy to slide into a rock and hit your door.
Odessa Doran Scenic Loop Lower (11/04/2020)
Did a quick drive through the other day as I headed to the the harder trail. One of the camping areas was packed with like 20 RV's
Mud Hills Center Route (10/26/2020)
Decided to tour guide and take people through this on our way back. Still a ton of fun.
Odessa Doran Scenic Loop Lower (10/26/2020)
Ran up the canyon looking for places to camp.
Doran Canyon - Gate Keeper Bypass (10/26/2020)
I don't know why, but the group didn't want to do the gatekeeper in Doran, so we took the bypass.
Mule Canyon (10/26/2020)
Ran the canyon super quick to spot out some campsites for a couple weeks out.
Phillips Canyon West Wash (10/26/2020)
Ran the canyon really quickly looking for a couple of campspot for this winter.
Doran Canyon (10/26/2020)
Ran the trail for fun yesterday. It was a ton of fun. Got to winch someone so that always makes it better.
Odessa Canyon (10/26/2020)
Ran the trail after looking for camping spots. One of our guys somehow got sideways in one of the narrow spots. That was pretty funny
Phillips Canyon West (10/26/2020)
Ran down the trail twice so we could go up Odessa and Doran canyon. This is a great little trail and going up is a ton of fun.
Kramer Arch (10/26/2020)
What might be the only trail that it takes longer to talk about it than do, this is a blast of a little trial. I love just swinging through the arch as we pass by.
3N32 - Union Flat (10/24/2020)
Just ran the trail as we went to join bull. Getting a little torn up
Chocolate Thunder (10/23/2020)
Old Video
Mojave Road (10/20/2020)
Not sure if true but I am seeing photos around the internet that the rail company filed in the water crossing
Afton Canyon (10/20/2020)
Not sure if true but I am seeing photos around the internet that the rail company filed in the water crossing
3N16 - Holcomb Valley (10/19/2020)
Ran a majority of the trail the other day. Still a nice drive and the conditions seem to be getting better.
3N93 - Holcomb Creek Trail (10/19/2020)
I was suprised to see the middle rock garden still hard... In fact it was hard enough to give people problems even without water. Now the east gardens were harder, but the big one at the west trailhead was super easy...
3N69 – Gold Mountain (10/19/2020)
Little better look at the new rock garden on the trail.
3N10 – John Bull (10/18/2020)
Ran the trail really quick. The gate keeper is dead as in super easy.
Fielder's Choice (10/15/2020)
First time cutting over the hills. This was a cool little "short cut". The lower hills was slippery causing problems for the group. It was a ton of fun.
Nightmare (10/13/2020)
Been running this trail since the 90's. I always thought it was claw hammer. Didn't see why Claw Hammer spits right. Oh well. Fun trail and had a ton of fun.
Claw Hammer (10/13/2020)
Ran the trail really fast to get to nightmare. Love this trail. Brings back so many good memories.
Chocolate Thunder (10/13/2020)
Ran the trail the other day and it was a ton of fun. We did all the hard lines making it for a unique day.
Exit from Claw Hammer and Nightmare (10/13/2020)
Ran the trail on the way out of Nightmare this last weekend. Good times
Fissure Mountain Trail (10/11/2020)
First time doing this trail and I was happily surprised on how cool it was. Its not to hard but not to easy so it is perfect for a mixed group of skills and vehicles. But the views.... That was the best part.
Sledge Hammer 3rd Canyon (10/05/2020)
Ran part of the canyon the other day. Ton of fun
Short Bus (10/05/2020)
Quickly passed through this trail... Just wish I had a Bronco to drive on it to see what it felt like.
Camp Rock - Johnson Valley (10/05/2020)
Ran Turkey Claw and took this path on the way out. It is easy and has lots of great views from up on the ridge. You can also get cell service up there with AT&T
Morongo Basin Desert Run Road - Johnson Valley (10/05/2020)
The path was good and friendly to my 40 foot RV. I love this area for camping since the wind is usually a little better over there.
Boone Road - Johnson Valley (10/05/2020)
The road in was in great condition. KOH as really helped out this road and it is so RV friendly now.
Sand Hill - Johnson Valley (10/05/2020)
No way I can pass this up. But the Jeep didn't want to go to the Top today :(
Road to Claw Hammer - Johnson Valley (10/05/2020)
Quick run up the road heading to Fissure Mount. The path was better than normal but still a lot of whoops
Means Dry Lake - Johnson Valley (10/05/2020)
Went out camping with the Fam and friends. Such a great place to relax and forget the world.
Road To The Hammers - Johnson Valley (10/05/2020)
The easiest way to the Hammers
Hammers Scenic Byway - Johnson Valley (10/05/2020)
Ran the trail with a group of friends this weekend. Ton of fun
Sledge Hammer (10/05/2020)
What a better way to start off the season with a quick run on Sledge!!!
Front Door - Comp Hill (10/05/2020)
Still there
Lazy Days - Johnson Valley (10/05/2020)
Took this out from Turkey Claw. It was in good condition and I was able to hold a decent speed heading out.
SOS - Johnson Valley (10/05/2020)
We had a flat tire in the group while on turkey claw, so while waiting for people to get the tools out I ran up about 400 yards and had a little fun. This is a great little trail.
Turkey Claw - Johnson Valley (10/04/2020)
Who doesn't like a good Turkey Claw??? Love this trail and can run it in a few minutes. Good 15 minute break from camp
2N09 - Polique Canyon (09/30/2020)
Updated the tracks to include the new campground
3N69 – Gold Mountain (09/30/2020)
Due to all the illegal bypasses showing up on the trail. Forest service and Bear Valley 4x4 are adding a gatekeeper to this trail to keep the people that shouldn't be on this trail off. It was this option or close the trail. So let's thank the Bear Valley 4x4 club next time you see them for helping keep things open.
Remember, if you can't make the obstacles on any of the Big Bear Trails, just turn around and head back down. Don't be the person that gets the trail closed by making or taking an illegal bypass.
3N10 – John Bull (09/30/2020)
A giant rock fell in on the trail at the gatekeeper as you start climbing the hill. I am guessing someone winched it down but it's not clear if it was done on purpose or accident. Overall, it gave the area a little bit of a challenge.
Temple Mine (09/22/2020)
Ran the trail last weekend to see what was going on with the wash out. I found the spot people were talking about near the end of the trail. But with that said the trail wasn't bad and I was easily able to keep driving through. Could have been its already worn down on the sides making it less of camber. I believe we might have got up to about 15 degrees or so. Thus plenty of safety net. Yes the trail does have the rocks in it like Paul's photos below but my JLU with wider rims and wheels on it had no issues just driving around it in 2wd. You can see in the photos below and was able to see with my own eyes that Paul filled in the erosion with the rocks so "Thank you". This should slow it down for a while till someone can come fill this in.
I did check out the two alternate routes heading out. The one near the mine and the southern one that rides the ridge. Both are very cool but I think I like the southern one more. Just watch out for the turn at the top. Both are in the same difficulty range of this trail so no need to be stressed. There is really cool old house off the one he highlighted on the page below. Very cool area.
Wild Horse Road (09/22/2020)
checked out this cool little trail on Sunday. Very nice drive. I do wish the water was as deep in the photos. The muddy creek crossing got the blood pumping as the first crossing I tested the mud and watched my front end sink to the diff. I was able to get out on my own power. We then headed to the one in the trail guide and we were able to cross without a problem.
Well that is the vehicles. I fell in the mud and got to enjoy being covered in mud for the 10 hour drive home after the trail :/
McKay Flat Road (09/22/2020)
Ran down the trail between a few others. Saw some wild horses on the trail which was really cool
Hidden Splendor (09/22/2020)
Still love this trail. I think waypoint 7 or maybe waypoint 10 are the best spots on the trail. So hard to decide.
The trail was super easy. I was able to carry a good speed in the places you can see some distance. Made for a relaxing weekend.
North Temple Wash (09/22/2020)
The trail was graded and looks like the gov plans on maintaining the trail. Overall this was a freeway and is suitable for any vehicle.
Dusy-Ershim Trail (09/21/2020)
The area is still under temporary closure and will likely run through the end of the season for this trail. Lets just hope the fire doesn't hit this trail.
3N10 - John Bull East aka Little John Bull (09/11/2020)
Great little trail
3N02 - Burnt Flats (09/09/2020)
Never ran the trail to the end. I really liked the views from the trail and it was nice to get cell service too.
Rattlesnake Canyon - RC3331 (09/09/2020)
Ran the trail to get to the old Rattlesnake Canyon Upper. Still rather easy and never put in 4wd.
Upper Rattlesnake Canyon (09/09/2020)
Been a long time and I am excited to see the rezoning happened making much of this trail legal once again to travel on. What a fun day.
The Rubicon Trail (09/08/2020)
The trail was closed due to the forest closure. Please reach out to the rangers office for more details.
3N93 - Holcomb Creek Trail (08/18/2020)
Trail has seem some great changes to how difficult it is. I still am a firm believer this is hardest trail right now in the mtn range and all the rollovers are proving my thoughts on that.
3N16 - Holcomb Valley (08/17/2020)
Quick run out there and it started raining so we bailed.
3N09 - Van Dusen Canyon (08/17/2020)
Quick run out there but it started raining so we left.
I wish they would take all the drainage back out so you could get RV's back there like it used to be.
2N09 - Polique Canyon (08/17/2020)
We out there and while there checked out the boy scout camp / campground. Pretty cool place.
3N69 – Gold Mountain (08/17/2020)
Went and ran the first couple obstacles really quick. Had to take off early because we had a meeting at noon. Cool little trail.
3N16 - Holcomb Valley (08/17/2020)
The section between crab flats and Holcomb creek is close for trail repairs till the end of the month.
Hill Top Hot Springs (08/01/2020)
Such a cool area. I never knew all this was here. I will be stopping by this a whole lot more.