Can I Camp On The Rubicon Trail?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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beautiful place! In the National Forests near the trail and alongside the trail,

dispersed is allowed in most areas

. the roads or the Rubicon Trail! Virtually ALL of the camping on the trail itself is dispersed.

Are there restrooms on the Rubicon Trail?

Along the Rubicon,

there are a total of 13 bathrooms/outhouses

. Due to the volatile nature of the area, the Rubicon Foundation asks you to use the restrooms along the route to help keep the trail open.

Are there bears on the Rubicon Trail?

Bears are well trained to expect to find food wherever lots of humans congregate and

bear encounters are common along the Rubicon

. Ideally, food is hung in sealed containers from a rope strung high up between two trees. That'll keep the bears from getting it though not necessarily other animals.

How long does it take to complete the Rubicon Trail?

It is deemed by many as the most difficult OHV (off-road highway vehicle) route in the nation. Although it's only 22 miles long, it generally takes experienced off-roaders

5 hours

to complete. This is not a trail for vehicle owners who are concerned about scratches or dents.

How hard is the Rubicon Trail?

Enjoy this 16.40 mile, out and back trail near South Lake Tahoe, California. Generally considered a

moderately challenging

route, it takes an average of 7 h 7 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking and trail running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring.

What do I need to do the Rubicon Trail?


Participants must have a Jeep Wrangler model year 1997 to present or a Jeep Gladiator model year 2020 to present

in order to participate in the Rubicon Trail Jeep Jamboree. You are required to complete a Release of Liability Waiver for all occupants of your Jeep 4×4. You must bring it with you to on-site registration.

Can a stock Rubicon do the Rubicon Trail?


Stock 4WD vehicles have run the Rubicon Trail

, but it's easier if you have some recommended upgrades suggested by Jeep Jamboree USA: 35-inch off-road tires, skid plates and rock rails, and front and rear locking differentials.

What happens if you break down on the Rubicon Trail?

What if we break down or get stuck?

You will get stuck

! Learning to get un-stuck is one of the skills you'll aquire from our guides on the trail.

Is the Rubicon Trail open?


The Rubicon Trail is Open

and the guidelines for traveling are: Stay on the trail 25′ from center of the roadway. Do not drive thru meadows or over vegetation.

Can you drive the Rubicon Trail?

Try this 18.70 mile, point to point trail near Pollock Pines, California. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 8 h 58 min to complete. This is a very popular area for

off-road driving and scenic driving

, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring.

Can you bike Rubicon Trail Tahoe?


This trail would make an amazing ride on a mountain bike

. It's pretty long coming in at 20 miles so get an early start. If you choose you can even make it a two day trip and camp at spider lake. Plenty to see and lots of different trail from easy to technical.

Where does Rubicon Trail start and end?

The Rubicon Trail is located in Northern California near Lake Tahoe.

The beginning of the trail is off Hwy 50 near Loon Lake and ends on the west side of Lake Tahoe at Tahoma

. What about GPS way points and info for the Rubicon? Most people start the Rubicon at Loon Lake, but you can also begin at Wentworth Springs.

Can you do the Rubicon without lockers?

“Sure, you can drive a stock Jeep through there—that's what they're made for!” “

I crossed the Rubicon on 31-inch tires and no lockers

!” “I did the whole trail in 8 hours!”

How much does it cost to do the Rubicon Trail?

The Rubicon's status as a county road means that there are

no gates or fees

, just like when Smith crossed the trail over 60 years ago. That designation also means that all rules of the road apply including seat belt usage and drinking and driving.

Why is the Rubicon Trail so famous?

Not only is it considered the most demanding trail in the world, but it's a historical icon for the off-road community. More importantly,

it's where the sport of Jeeping and off-roading began

. All thanks to one man who saw the opportunity in El Dorado County.

Do you need a permit for Rubicon Trail?

RUBICON-TRAIL.COM


If you plan of having a nice campfire you will need a campfire permit issued by the US Forest Service

. If you don't have that permit you'll get a ticket. Starting 2003 the trail will be patrolled daily by Sheriff deputies.

Do you need a winch for Rubicon Trail?

For off-road enthusiasts, when you want to conquer the Rubicon Trail.

You should have an electric winch

. Maybe your budget is not enough, and the winches of WARN and Smittybilt are too expensive.

Can you do the Rubicon Trail in a UTV?

It is logistically difficult in a UTV to drive in one trail head and out the other side unless you have someone meet you with your tow rig since

you can't drive your UTV on the street in California

.

Can a Jeep Sahara do the Rubicon Trail?

Is a Sahara or Rubicon better?

If you're looking for off-roading vehicles straight from the factory, you can't go wrong with the Rubicon.

For those who plan on passionate off-roading frequently, the Rubicon definitely outscores the Sahara

.

Are Jeep Jamborees worth it?


Yes, they are great fun and well worth it for the those just starting out

. After you have been wheelin' for a time, it may not be the same, but you can't beat the experience and trail knowledge you'll gain by going. I learned a lot and since then have been a trail guide on other events.

What size tires are on a Rubicon?

Vehicle Modifications Suggested for the Rubicon Trail. TIRES: I recommend

no less than 31′′ tires

, and that's only if you're ok with dragging bottom a lot and have good skid plates. You should use tires with good sidewalls, like BFG's with a 3 ply side.

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.