John Bull Loop Trail is a 7.8 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Campo Seco, California that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Horses are also able to use this trail.
Great hike through EBMUD watershed, a beautiful display of wildflowers on the east side of the trail. Not a lot of shade, lots of cows and beautiful views of the lake. A quick walk to the top of John Bull Peak Spur Trail is a must! There's a picnic bench at the top with a 360 view where you can see Mt. Diablo in the west and the snow-capped sierras in the east. Please note a permit is required to use this trail.
You will need to buy a permit from EBMUD for each person doing the hike: https://www.ebmud.com/recreation/buy-trail-permit/
March 1, 2021We went on a Sunday and I would say it was lightly trafficked. No other hikers and only a few equestrians. We had John Bull Peak all to ourselves for lunch, great spot to enjoy 360 degree views. Below the peak and towards the west there is another picnic table overlooking Pardee Reservoir. Mid 60s is a perfect temperature, as others have pointed out there is no shade on most of the trail. Fun hike!
February 21, 2021Great for late winter
February 21, 2021February 13, 2021Nice hike - would not recommend in the summer months. Question. Did I see ranch seco twin towers at some point ?
February 7, 2021January 16, 2021November 28, 2020August 1, 2020Came at 3pm in the peak of heat, not the best idea but this hike is well worth the little struggle haha bring plenty of water, not too much shade, 8 miles in total with all the vista stops . Kicked my ass but still a good hike .
June 20, 2020Absolutely no shade. Very open with dry grass. A lot of people ridding horses. It was nice to get out. No access to the water however, you can see the lake. Completed 5/31/2020
February 15, 2020We did this hike last week and it was beautiful. Yes it was flat and a wide trail, through cows etc. but when you got to the edge of the reservoir it was beautiful. We packed a lunch and ate on the edge of the creek. The loop took us about three hours with a lunch break.
June 3, 2019January 24, 2019John Bull peak for lunch, thru cows for a loop back. Approximately 7 miles plus. More of a roadway than trail. Dogs not allowed. EBMUD permit required, buy before you go. Permit covers four people. Great views over Pardee Reservoir.
December 15, 2018Arrived right at day break, not sure if I would have enjoyed this trail as much later in the day. Like the previous reviews view stated, it is mostly a gravel road and at some spots you do have to tip toe through the cow patties but over all it was an awesome conditioning trail for me with great views of Pardee and Camanche lakes. The entire loop took me about 3 1/2 hours to complete.
July 10, 2018Very beautiful area, nice views from the trail. No real shade so dont go in the middle of the day! Lots of wildlife, great for birding.
February 14, 2018The description of the loop is deceiving. There is no signage in the parking lot says you need to hike at least 4 miles before the loop trailhead. The trail that starts at the parking lot is part of the Coast to Coast Trail. The trail is actually the size of a small road..well maintained. Moderate walk, with the exception of the hill as you go towards the parking lot. Did not seem so steep on the way in!
November 13, 2017Nice hike. No lake access.
May 16, 2017It's just a gravel road for horses. You need a permit and they don't issue it at the "trailhead". There is also no lake access.
May 7, 2017
First to ReviewPlease note: no dogs allowed. Also, permit is needed from East Bay Mud.
January 18, 2021January 17, 2021September 5, 2020August 9, 2020June 21, 2020June 7, 2020May 8, 2020March 29, 2020
