Skip to content

John Bull Loop trail

John Bull Loop trail

John Bull Loop trail

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

The John Bull Loop Trail near Big Bear, California, is a renowned off-road adventure for enthusiasts seeking rugged terrain and stunning vistas. Situated within the San Bernardino National Forest, this trail offers an exhilarating challenge with its rocky pathways, steep inclines, and technical obstacles, making it a favorite among experienced off-roaders. Spanning approximately 6 miles, the John Bull Loop Trail winds through diverse landscapes, including dense pine forests and open meadows, providing a captivating backdrop for the journey. As adventurers navigate the trail, they’re rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. With its mix of natural beauty and adrenaline-inducing obstacles, the John Bull Loop Trail offers an unforgettable off-road experience in the heart of Southern California’s wilderness.

Start at Van Dusen Canyon Rd. (3N09) and head up 3.5 miles to Holcomb Valley to 3N16 turn left, to 3N07 turn right, to 3N43 turn left to “The John Bull Trail” (3N10). It’s about 3 miles of venturing before you come to 3N32. Turn right to 3N16, take another right at 3N09 which will lead you back to your starting point.

Related stories from Big Bear Lake

dog holding #1 hotel award

2025 award-winning dog-friendly hotels

Ready to sniff out 2026's best adventures? Our loyal pack of discerning DogTrekkers wants the...

Read More
Marina Riviera Big Bear. Photo by Hotel Marina Riviera.

Boutique digs in Big Bear

Big Bear Lake earned serious bragging rights in 2025: USA Today crowned it the #1...

Read More
1. A dog walking along a mountain trail surrounded by colorful wildflowers with scenic mountain views during daytime.

Secret mountain hikes with dogs in California

Dawn in the Sierra Nevada is a quiet, pink-tinted secret. My dog, Scout, knows it...

Read More
Big Bear Polar Plunge. Photo by Visit Big Bear.

As Big Bear Lake warms up in 2026, the events begin

Lights, camera, wag! This March, Big Bear Lake takes center stage with the debut of...

Read More
Southern California poster with dog in it

Introducing the DogTrekker Southern California portal

Sunshine, surf, mountains and deserts, Southern California is a dog lover’s dream. DogTrekker.com’s brand-new SoCal Portal pulls...

Read More
Maya (RIP) at the Sacramento River, Redding.

DogTrekker® 15th anniversary

DogTrekker.com launched 15 years ago, guided by a mission to leave no dog behind – whether...

Read More
Dog at Big Bear Lake resized

Big Bear Lake: mountain playtime for you and your pup

Big Bear Lake is a tail-wagging alpine getaway just a couple of hours from many...

Read More
Big Bear Visitors Center

Big Bear Lake pet-friendly lodging for every travel tribe

If you’re traveling with the whole pack, planning a romantic retreat or looking for an...

Read More
Maya & Roxanne on a Holloway's Marina & RV Park Pontoon Boat. Photo by Dave Kendrick.

Wagging tails and water play in Big Bear Lake

As the crowds thin, the air cools and the leaves turn, in the fall Big...

Read More
A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.

Fall trails and starry skies in Big Bear Lake

Autumn in Big Bear Lake means crisp mountain air, golden aspens and trails ablaze with...

Read More
A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.

Guide to the best dog parks in Southern California

Runyon Canyon Park, Los Angeles Southern California is a canine playground like no other—a sun-soaked...

Read More
A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.

8 dog-friendly lakes near Southern California to beat the heat

When Southern California’s valleys start to bake under the late-summer sun, savvy dog lovers head...

Read More

Related listings in Big Bear Lake

A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.

Hanna Flat trail

Just a 25-minute drive from downtown Big Bear Lake in San Bernardino County, the Hanna...

Read More
A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.

Bristlecone Trail

Located in Big Bear Lake near Snow Summit and the Buttercup Campground in San Bernardino...

Read More
A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.

Grout Bay Loop bike trail

Discover the scenic Grout Bay Loop bike trail at Big Bear Lake in San Bernardino...

Read More
A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.

Veteran’s Park

Veteran’s Park in Big Bear Lake, located just east of Pine Knot on Big Bear...

Read More
A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.

Wyatt’s Grill and Saloon

Wyatt's Grill and Saloon features comfort food with an attitude including burgers, flatbread pizzas, wings...

Read More
DogTrekker

Royal Thai Bistro

The Royal Thai Bistro, located in the center of the bustling Big Bear Lake Village,...

Read More
A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.

Dana Point Park

Dana Point Park in Big Bear Lake, located in San Bernardino County within the Inland...

Read More
A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.

Oak Knoll Lodge

Oak Knoll Lodge is located off the main highway on secluded National Forest Land in...

Read More

© 2026 DogTrekker.com