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California Trails

Boone Road - Johnson Valley

5/5 (12 reviews)

Yucca Valley, California (San Bernardino County)

Last Updated: 08/10/2022

Trail Information

Highlights

Altitude

Camping

Desert

Iconic

Sand

Wash

Boone Road of California's Johnson Valley (AKA Hammer Town USA - home of King of the Hammers) is the major artery that takes people in and out of Johnson Valley. Comprised mostly of a dirt road, this dirt super highway is a great place to see some of the most epic 4x4 and extreme off-road rigs that people can dream up. While the road itself is an easy drive, on the north end is some of the hardest known trails in America. If passing down highway 247, from either Lucerne Valley or Yucca Valley, take a quick detour and check out one of the most legendary offroad areas in the world.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

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Josh Noesser

Official Crew

Trail Navigation

Boone Road is a main artery that takes you in and out of Johnson Valley's Means Dry Lake (AKA Hammer Town USA). The road is mostly maintained and is easily drivable in all types of vehicles including RV's. There are several wash crossings and the road ends into a dry lake bed. If for any reason the road is wet, I would highly advise against taking anything but a 4x4 down this road. 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. Please see URL for access issues for more information.

1. Boone Road and Old Women Springs Road (0 mi)

Boone Road - Johnson Valley - Waypoint 1: Boone Road and Old Women Springs Road

The road starts out at the 247 and heads north.

2. Wash Crossing (0.3 mi)

Boone Road - Johnson Valley - Waypoint 2: Wash Crossing

The first of two wash crossings you will have to navigate to get to Means Dry Lake.

3. Wash Crossing (0.9 mi)

Boone Road - Johnson Valley - Waypoint 3: Wash Crossing

Second of the two wash crossings you have to navigate while traveling to Means Dry Lake.

4. Boone and Barnes Road (Stay Northwest or Go Left) (2.2 mi)

Boone Road - Johnson Valley - Waypoint 4: Boone and Barnes Road (Stay Northwest or Go Left)

The road comes to a left turn and heads north again. If you go right, this takes you onto a private road. ***Do not take Barnes Road, the locals are not happy about the traffic on their road.***

5. Bridge (2.4 mi)

Boone Road - Johnson Valley - Waypoint 5: Bridge

This new bridge was added some time back to cross this rather deep wash. The bridge is easy to cross where it is wide enough for 1 vehicle at a time. This is also a common spot for people to do jumps between the two sides of the bridge. You are not required to stay on the road in the area. If you would like to drop down into the wash and try climbing out, you have this option.

6. Desert Run Road (2.7 mi)

Boone Road - Johnson Valley - Waypoint 6: Desert Run Road

One of the few major dirt roads that cross this path. Desert Run Road takes you west towards Turkey Claw, Mommas Sand Hill, and the base camp for the Morongo Basin Search and Rescue event.

7. Means Dry Lake (AKA Hammer Town) (3.6 mi)

Boone Road - Johnson Valley - Waypoint 7: Means Dry Lake (AKA Hammer Town)

The Road eventurally dumps you out in the middle of Means Dry Lake (AKA Hammer Town USA). A lot of people like camping here due to the open area and plenty of space for RV's.

Trail Reviews

5/5 (12)

Josh Noesser

Official Crew

110800

Open

Visited: 05/09/2022

The trail should be open now.

Josh Noesser

Official Crew

110800

Temporary Closure

Visited: 04/29/2022

Closed for military drills from april 29 to May 9th 2022

Josh Noesser

Official Crew

110800

Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 12/10/2021

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Video from our latest trip

Josh Noesser

Official Crew

110800

Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 11/30/2021

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

I like the guy's review below this one.

G. Martin

Official Crew

72900

Open

Visited: 11/30/2021

Found a new obstacle around wp5 🤪

Boone Road - Johnson Valley

Trail Information

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Trail Difficulty and Assessment

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Trail Navigation

1. Boone Road and Old Women Springs Road (0 mi)

2. Wash Crossing (0.3 mi)

3. Wash Crossing (0.9 mi)

4. Boone and Barnes Road (Stay Northwest or Go Left) (2.2 mi)

5. Bridge (2.4 mi)

6. Desert Run Road (2.7 mi)

7. Means Dry Lake (AKA Hammer Town) (3.6 mi)

Trail Reviews

From the Community

Josh Noesser

Boone Road - Johnson Valley

Trail Information

Highlights

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Recommended Vehicle:

Concerns:

Summary:

Community Consensus

0 votes

2 votes

0 votes

Mandatory

Optional

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Trail Navigation

1. Boone Road and Old Women Springs Road (0 mi)

2. Wash Crossing (0.3 mi)

3. Wash Crossing (0.9 mi)

4. Boone and Barnes Road (Stay Northwest or Go Left) (2.2 mi)

5. Bridge (2.4 mi)

6. Desert Run Road (2.7 mi)

7. Means Dry Lake (AKA Hammer Town) (3.6 mi)

Trail Reviews

From the Community

Josh Noesser

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