The Rubicon Trail is a
22-mile
-long route, part road and part 4×4 trail, located in the Sierra Nevada of the western United States, due west of Lake Tahoe and about 80 miles (130 km) east of Sacramento.
How difficult is the Rubicon Trail?
Difficulty:
Moderate
. Mileage (one-way):4 1/2 mile. Rubicon Trail is a 16.4 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near South Lake Tahoe, California that features a lake and is rated as moderate.
Is the Rubicon 4×4 trail one way?
Perhaps the best known and most popular 4×4 trail in the world. A rare combination of difficulty, beauty, length and pure rock-crawling pleasure. Great camping next to crystal-clear lakes with stunning views. Most people drive the trail in the direction described here, but
it can be driven in both directions
.
Where does the 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 Trail without lockers?
Reserved for the toughest off-road trip in the U.S.A. – the Rubicon Trail.
Requires 4WD with 4-LO, front and rear lockers
, skid plates, rock rails and an aftermarket rear differential cover.
Does the Rubicon Trail have bypasses?
There is no bypass
, because the trail is on the side of a hill surrounded by vegetation. We’re sure it has an official name, as most obstacles on the Rubicon do. This rough, rocky climb can be a challenge.
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.
Is there an easy route on the Rubicon Trail?
Discover 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.
Can a stock Rubicon make 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.
How do you prepare for the Rubicon Trail?
You will definitely want to
bring a full-size spare tire and a jack capable of lifting your vehicle to change the tire
(or place rocks under them if you are high centered). We also recommend a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, recovery points front and rear, and a strap at a minimum.
Is 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.
What do I need to do the Rubicon Trail?
- 35-inches or taller offroad tires – MINIMUM. …
- Rocker panel protection. …
- Skid plates. …
- Traction device. …
- Recovery points. …
- Read and download our PDF guide below for a full rundown on vehicle requirements for the Rubicon.
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 is the trailhead for the Rubicon Trail?
The western end of the Rubicon Trail has two trailheads. The true trailhead is located at the
Wentworth Springs campground, while the more popular trailhead is at Loon Lake
. These trails converge at Ellis Creek, approximately one mile from the start of each course.
What is the elevation of the Rubicon Trail?
Total Elevation Gain: 1,400 feet.
Highest Point: 6,600 feet
(Vikingsholm parking lot) Trail Conditions: Packed dirt, granite steps, steep drop-offs, and some asphalt (the trail travels briefly through Emerald Bay State Park)
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.
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.
Are there bathrooms on the Rubicon Trail?
While
there are outhouses on the Rubicon Trail
, sometimes there are many individuals visiting the trail and they cannot take that much usage. There are always people who leave “white flowers” behind that soil our precious land. What is a “white flower”? It is toilet paper left behind.
Can a Tacoma do the Rubicon Trail?
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 you do the Rubicon on 33s?
Even a mild lift and solid set of 33’s on a today’s Rubicons makes them capable of more than most drivers are willing to challenge
. Remember this, 35’s, 37’s and 40’s look badass but can only make up for lack of skill so much.
Where do you park for the Rubicon Trail?
The Rubicon Trail parking area is located in the
D.L. Bliss State Park on CA-89, approximately 2.5 miles north of the Vikinsholm parking area
. Notes: Remember to park one car at the Rubicon Trail parking area and one at the Vikingsholm Parking Area. You can also use public transportation.
What is the history of the Rubicon Trail?
Originally a Native American trail connecting the Sacramento Valley and Lake Tahoe, the Rubicon Trail was re-discovered by European immigrants in the 1840s
. By the 1890s, the trail had become an actual road (by the standards of the day) and was used to reach the Rubicon Mineral Springs Resort and Hotel.
Who made the Rubicon Trail?
Sierra Phillips Clark
, locally known as “Vade,” purchased the Rubicon Springs from the Hunsuckers and added it to Potter’s Springs a mile away, founding the Rubicon Soda Springs Resort. She convinced El Dorado County to make the trail from Hunters’ Retreat (over Burton’s Pass) to Rubicon Springs into a one-way road.
