Trail Overview

This trail takes you from the Soggy Dry Lake in Johnson Valley to Cougar Buttes. It's a fun ride for the whole family. It's all dirt and two-track, with some sand and some rocks that are all easily navigable by even the most novice rider. It's recommended to do it before noon so as not to have the sun in your face on the way.

Photos of Soggy Dry Lake to Cougar Buttes

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Difficulty

The only occasional difficulty might be soft sand and one might find deep ruts close to the lake bed.

Technical Rating

Mason C

Sep 13, 2025

Open

I ran this trail in my RAM 2500 Big Horn on AT tires. Along the way, you’ll hit a few consecutive steep climbs and descents. They’re short and narrow with rocks on both sides, so a good approach angle definitely helps—but it’s not a deal breaker. Just take it slow and you’ll be fine. There are also several deep ruts throughout the trail, so keep your speed down. In the last third of the run heading toward Soggy Dry Lake, there’s a short but very steep climb, close to a 45° grade. My RAM 2500 Big Horn scraped the side steps pretty hard there, and they sit 14 inches off the ground. Overall, I’d call this trail a solid Level 3. Not really suitable for a stock SUV unless it’s lifted, but it’s still plenty of fun for Jeeps and Broncos.

huffy hafera

Jun 12, 2024

Open

Kinda fun, kinda frustrating. Lots of semi deep sand. That was fun. There are a TON of other trails that crisscross this trail, making it really easy to get off the trail. The “correct” trail will take you up some semi off camber rocky ridges. Great if you have a spotter. I did not. If you are solo, I would just take BLM roads across the lake bed and skip the rocky part. Wish I had! Def not for low clearance. Def will need 4wd and decent tires.