Trail Overview
Johnny Bull is a fun intermediate single track through the San Juan National Forest in southern Colorado. The trail is a long ascent from northwest to southeast, gaining over 3,000 feet over 5.8 miles. The north end starts at the Johnny Bull Trailhead and parking area, and it immediately crosses the West Dolores River. The water crossing is smooth and free of big rocks, but could be deep in springtime. The trail starts climbing up through scenic aspen groves, with several switchbacks that can be challenging due to big roots and embedded rocks, and the potential for any new log hazards. The trail is narrow in spots as it side-hills through the pines and aspens. Expect frequent roots across the trail that create small ledges, and several moderate rock obstacles. There are lots of smooth and flowy sections in between the obstacles, but the roots can be slick when wet. The trail keeps climbing, getting rocky again on the south end of the trail. It intersects with North Calico on a ridge line at the scree field just below Calico Peak, with scenic views of the red-colored mountain. The trail is open to motorized use from 6/1 to 10/31.
Difficulty
Johnny Bull is rated as upper intermediate difficulty due to frequent moderate rock and root obstacles throughout the constant steep climb. There are several moderate switchbacks and narrow sections of side-hilling. Expect changing conditions with log hazards, which can be especially challenging in the narrow side-hilling segments.
