Post by SidiousJK on Jun 12, 2017 21:31:58 GMT -8
As some of us have recently returned from a Big Bear weekend, I though I would discuss a general trail description of each trail. The first I will be discussing is the famous John Bull Trail in Big Bear. John Bull is listed as trail 3N10 on the maps. we completed it by starting on 3N16 at the dump taking 3N16 to 3N02 then to 3N10. This way is going from East to West. Based on the obstacles, it is easier, in my opinion to run it West to East, as you are going down the biggest obstacles instead of climbing them.
To begin, SDJC rates John Bull at 7-8 on our 10 point scale. This is not recommended for stock Jeeps, nor Jeeps without at least a rear locker. Yes, I have seen videos of people taking a stock Jeep on John Bull. No, I would never go on that trail if a stock Jeep is with my group.
The beginning of the trip starts on 3N16 right next to the city Dump. This is what we refer to the interstate of Big Bear. 3N16 takes you to many of our favorite trails. You will drive on 3N16 for a little over 2 miles before turning onto 3N02. 3N02 is an easy section of trail. You will stay on 3N02 for a little under 3 miles before you start 3N10 John Bull.
You get to the gatekeeper. Starting all the way on the left near the tree is the easiest, but you then have to cut across to the right to hug the wall. I have taken the gatekeeper directly straight and will say that nearly any Jeep will get hung up in places as the tires slip off of various boulders. After getting past the wall, you continue up the hill climbing many smaller boulders. You then come to the waterfall.
The waterfall has several lines you can take. The far right line is the easiest. The middle line will stretch any suspension lift, and you may need to be winched out. The far left takes you right next to trees but is easier than the middle. There is a small clearing on the left that you can fit around 11 Jeeps to hang out and eat. After the waterfall, you continue on up the trail. There are additional boulder fields. At the sharp right turn, stay to the inside, or you will likely high center.
Once you start your descent, the trail is easier, but don't make the mistake and think you are done with the fun. there are several step downs right next to trees. you can see the damage on the trees as other vehicles have tilted into the trees and rubbed off the bark, and damaged their rigs. Once you are done with 3N10, you can make either a right or left on 3N16. This past weekend we went left and drove the 3-4 miles back to where we started and took Jacoby Canyon down.
John Bull is a Jeep Badge of Honor trail. The trail changes throughout the year as erosion from rains and snow, and large groups, like the Jeep Jamboree tear up the trail. This past weekend, the boulder right next to the wall at the gatekeeper was solidly in the ground. Previous times I have gone, it has been loose enough to move when you tried to climb it.
If you want to go on John Bull, I recommend limiting the number of Jeeps to no more than 10, with 4-5 being optimum. As it can be run either way, you may run into groups coming the other way. It is a fun and challenging trail. With a group over 5, expect to spend around 5 hours to complete the trail.
The first image is of a small drop before you get to John Bull. The second image is of the gatekeeper. The third image is of the waterfall.
To begin, SDJC rates John Bull at 7-8 on our 10 point scale. This is not recommended for stock Jeeps, nor Jeeps without at least a rear locker. Yes, I have seen videos of people taking a stock Jeep on John Bull. No, I would never go on that trail if a stock Jeep is with my group.
The beginning of the trip starts on 3N16 right next to the city Dump. This is what we refer to the interstate of Big Bear. 3N16 takes you to many of our favorite trails. You will drive on 3N16 for a little over 2 miles before turning onto 3N02. 3N02 is an easy section of trail. You will stay on 3N02 for a little under 3 miles before you start 3N10 John Bull.
You get to the gatekeeper. Starting all the way on the left near the tree is the easiest, but you then have to cut across to the right to hug the wall. I have taken the gatekeeper directly straight and will say that nearly any Jeep will get hung up in places as the tires slip off of various boulders. After getting past the wall, you continue up the hill climbing many smaller boulders. You then come to the waterfall.
The waterfall has several lines you can take. The far right line is the easiest. The middle line will stretch any suspension lift, and you may need to be winched out. The far left takes you right next to trees but is easier than the middle. There is a small clearing on the left that you can fit around 11 Jeeps to hang out and eat. After the waterfall, you continue on up the trail. There are additional boulder fields. At the sharp right turn, stay to the inside, or you will likely high center.
Once you start your descent, the trail is easier, but don't make the mistake and think you are done with the fun. there are several step downs right next to trees. you can see the damage on the trees as other vehicles have tilted into the trees and rubbed off the bark, and damaged their rigs. Once you are done with 3N10, you can make either a right or left on 3N16. This past weekend we went left and drove the 3-4 miles back to where we started and took Jacoby Canyon down.
John Bull is a Jeep Badge of Honor trail. The trail changes throughout the year as erosion from rains and snow, and large groups, like the Jeep Jamboree tear up the trail. This past weekend, the boulder right next to the wall at the gatekeeper was solidly in the ground. Previous times I have gone, it has been loose enough to move when you tried to climb it.
If you want to go on John Bull, I recommend limiting the number of Jeeps to no more than 10, with 4-5 being optimum. As it can be run either way, you may run into groups coming the other way. It is a fun and challenging trail. With a group over 5, expect to spend around 5 hours to complete the trail.
The first image is of a small drop before you get to John Bull. The second image is of the gatekeeper. The third image is of the waterfall.
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