John's Trail

John's Trail is a 1.1-mile point-to-point trail rated 7 of 10 located within the Sand Mountain Open Riding OHV Area. Although this is a short trail, the obstacles are big and come in rapid succession. There are a few bypasses, and many optional lines. The trail consists of a series of rocky, off-camber, suspension flexing gulches. The trail ends with some steep ledges and some optional 8 to 9+ obstacles. Starting at the trailhead is a series of waterfalls that get progressively larger as the trail continues uphill. Cresting over the last waterfall leads to the first major drop. A double waterfall that requires careful placement and avoidance of a hole at the bottom. As the trail continues, there are several additional steep waterfalls and a V-notch which must be negotiated. This leads to the second drop before a short transition to the final wash. There are several more moderate waterfalls within this last wash. There is a nasty hole that is severely undercut, which tends to just trap rigs. A bypass is available for those that don't wish to attempt this obstacle. The final obstacle on John's Trail is a long slick rock climb. At the top of this last obstacle are multiple lines of various difficulty to make the exit. First time drivers should stop and evaluate the line of their choice. Cell phone service is generally good throughout the mountain and the nearest services are located in Hurricane.