Hard Off Road 4X4 Trails In Southern California

Getting tired of the easy 4x4 trails and looking for some trails that are a bit more difficult in Southern California? This video is the NotaRubicon’s list of our favorite "more difficult", hard, and black-diamond offroad trails in the Southern California area.
To complete any of these 4x4 trails it is recommended that your Jeep or 4WD vehicle have at least 33 inch tires, a moderate lift, disconnected sway-bar or AntiRock sway bar, and at least one locker. None of these off road trails should be attempted alone.
Hard Off Road Trails In Southern California:
5 - John Bull (3N10 - Big Bear)
Located in the Big Bear Lake, this 3.5 mile black-diamond OHV trail has several rocky areas and a few extra-credit spots. The east-side gatekeeper is one of the hardest in the area. After you make it through the first mile, the trail gets easier, until you reach the west-side gatekeeper, a long, moderately difficult rock-garden.
Full Review of the John Bull Jeep Trail:
• John Bull (3N10) Trail...
4 - Pinyon Mountain Trail
Located in the mountains between Borrego Springs and the town of Julian, most of of Pinyon Mountain Trail is not too difficult but it’s two famous obsticals, "the squeeze", and Heart Attack Hill should only be attempted by experienced off-roaders. Pinyon Mountain trail is a “one way only” trail with no bypasses.
3 - Marble Canyon aka "The Bar Trail"
Sometimes referred to as a “secret” 4x4 trail, Marble canyon is a short trail that boasts rocks.. LOTS of rocks, that are round and smooth, and tend to roll around under your jeep, like giant marbles.
2 - Mottino Wash
An off-shoot of Rattlesnake Canyon in the mountains between Lucerne Valley and Big Bear, Mottino Wash is a short, very difficult trail complete with rocks, ledges and a few extreme-extra credit spots.
1- Garden of Eden
While most of the Garden of Eden trail is not very difficult, this trail boasts one of the most difficult and dangerous gatekeepers in Southern California. A nearly sheer-vertical wall, barely wide enough for a Jeep, approximately 30 feet tall.
Because of the legendary status of this trail, most off-roaders keep it’s location a closely guarded secret. There is also some debate as to whether or not the Garden of Eden off road trail is a "legal" trail.
If you have questions about any of these trails please leave a comment and we will do our best to answer.
Additional video footage provided by: Yasu Yamamoto and ",sig askvik"

[@mdumais1973]

Great video Randy! Even though I have done all 5 trails with you thanks for showcasing my Jeep on trails 1 and 2 :)

[@airsearch9192]

This is the NotaRubicon's best yet. Good work boys!

[@XxNiTrODONxX]

I need some trails diesels will have fun on 😁 I know this is mostly a jeep channel but I've honestly been looking for a trail to hit with some DIESELS as well as jeeps, baja bugs, and other off road vehicles. Hope to see more as always!

[@GT4JB]

You guys definitely make this pretty damn fun! Loving your show as well

[@matthewsipe8905]

That 1st one, was spotter error.. Pinion is cool

[@RobDTom]

I knew Garden of Eden would be #1!

[@TheNotaRubicon]

The Garden of Eden trail (the gatekeeper) is INSANE! When we first walked up to it, we said "where does the trail go? It just ends at this mountain?" When the trail leader pointed up the mountain/wall, we were like "OMFG, NO WAY"... It takes some big nuggets!!

[@RobDTom]

Apparently my nuggets aren't as big as yours!

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Check out our Garden Of Eden video and you will not notice any big orange Jeeps going up it! Our nuggets are human-sized, and proportional to our brain-size! (ie; we aren't crazy!)

[@RobDTom]

Ha! Well said!

[@RobDTom]

See you tomorrow morning at Cleghorn!

[@chefdanielb]

What about Bronco peak? It's harder than some on this list.

[@joserodriguez4608]

What is tougher in your opinion Calico/Doran or John Bull. I’m in a JLU Rubicon, 2.5 inch lift, 35’s, sliders and manual transmission:)

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Ohh.. tough question! I think I would say John Bull is a hair harder - but not by a lot!

[@WFORacer]

Ready to attempt in my AWD Rav 4 Limited , 🤣🤣🤣

[@Yahase11]

If I show my wife this video, she would flat all my tires and put locks on them.

[@yeolderuckas8568]

I'm moving to CA from Texas and I'm not familiar with the Socal offroad laws.. Do you need a permit to go on these trails? Can you take a RZR on these trails?

[@TheNotaRubicon]

No permits required on any but many are for street legal vehicles only

[@yeolderuckas8568]

@@TheNotaRubicon Thanks for your reply!