Rubicon 
| Length: | 0.0 miles |
| Difficulty: | Easier: 1 Harder: 10 |
| Trailhead Elev: | 0 feet |
| Maximum Elev: | 0 feet |
| Trailhead: | Lat: 38.98444 Lon: -120.33111 |
| Reader's Rating: |  (14 votes) |
| Nearby Trails: |
Trail Description
In California lays the El Dorado National Forest. In this forest rests an off road mecca called The Rubicon Trail. To date, the Rubicon Trail is the most written about trail in the USA for good reason. It's filled with rocky hill climbs, huge granite slabs, narrow passages between trees, far away lakes, one obstacle after another and majestic views. It’s no wonder wheelers flock to this trail year after year. In late October to early November, the trail is inaccessible due to excessive snowfall. The area becomes accessible again in June after the snow melts. The trail is also closed to the public during the Jeepers Jamboree that takes place the last weekend of July and the first weekend of August. The area is managed by the U.S. Forest Service that is based in Placerville off Highway 50 at Camino Heights Drive. They can be contacted @ (530) 644-6048. The Jeepers Jamboree has guided rigs through the trail since 1953. The Rubicon Trail is considered to be an “unmaintained†county road. A few major groups have a big hand in helping to keep this trail open like the Friends of the Rubicon.
Preparing for this trail
The Rubicon Trail is a difficult trail. It is somewhere between 12-17 miles from what I have been told. The trail can be traveled in just one day under ideal conditions. No traffic and no vehicle down time. Expect at least 2 days to get through the trail if not 3 days. The average temperatures range from 75-80 degrees during the day to 30-40 degrees at night. Dress accordingly and bring extra clothes just in case. There are many lakes in the area and also some great steams so you may want to bring a swim suit. I advise a tent and sleeping bag over trying to sleep in your rig.
A major issue that has plagued the trail is human waste. Bring a portable toilet and carry it out with you. Digging a hole and coving it up after your done will not work. The area around Spider Lake has been closed in the passed due to this issue. Please do your part to help keep the trails clean and open for all to use.
Having a rig that is in good mechanical condition is a must. The trail is not recommended for full size rigs. It is however advised more for rigs no wider the Jeeps or Broncos. I ran a Jeep Cherokee through the trail and wouldn’t advise a wheelbase over 108â€. I also recommend 4†of lift or more and at least 33†tires. Having at least a rear locker is also recommended. Bringing spare parts is also a good idea. There is no part stores around for quite a ways and you don’t want to leave a broken down rig on the trail. Carry a spare tire and have the tools in order to change it. One rig in our group blew three tires throughout the run. Spare axle shafts, drive shafts, u-joints, fan belts, radiator hoses and hardware is also wise to carry. Packing extra fluids like coolant, gear oil, motor oil, brake fluid and such is also advised. Be prepared for the worst just in case. Also be prepared to gain “trail scarsâ€. Dents, digs and scratches are going to happen on this trail. Have the proper recovery gear and attachment points on your rig. I advise that at least one person in your group have a winch also.
Bring plenty of food. There are no McDonald's out there. Being that campfires are not allowed trail side and only allowed in dispersed campgrounds with a permit I suggest bringing food that does not need to be cooked. Bring plenty of fresh drinking water also. Camp stoves are permitted however with permit.
Pack it in and pack it out means that you will be hauling out your trash also. Plan for this ahead of time by carrying extra trash bags and know where you’re going to put it. Many wheelers on the trail will attach a burlap sack to the rear of their rigs to haul recyclables off the trail.
Bug repellent is also recommended. Using a product with DEET is my personal pick. Unless you like scratching off your skin were a mosquito bite once was then make sure to spray it on. Sun screen is also recommended. Other things like a fire extinguisher, flashlight and a stocked first aid kit and a CB are essential too.
Getting to the trail
From Sacramento you take highway 50 toward Placerville. When you reach Ice House Road you go north to Wentworth Springs Road. Follow it north to the Loon Lake cut off. This intersection is paved and street signed. Approximately 6 miles in you will cross the first earth dam. The road turns into a graded gravel road at the second earth dam. This will take you over the second earth dam and onto toward the staging area and the trail head.
There is also a staging area on the other side of the trail on the Lake Tahoe side. This can be accessed via highway 89 and McKinney Rubicon Way north of Tahoma.
The Trail
The trail leaves the staging area and goes over a section of slab before you get to the trail head. This is where Gatekeeper was before the powers that be blew it up. This area leads you through some tight trees and rocks. Modest off cambers can also be had here. This leads out to huge granite slab. This slab is approximately one half mile wide. You can easily get lost on this slab. One of the groups has come through and placed road reflectors on the slab showing where the trail is. This was extremely helpful when we came in on the trail after dark. If you don’t see one then look for tire tracks and oil stains. Don’t underestimate the power of these slabs. Water run off has has cut grooves and even shelves into the granite. Stick a tire in the wrong place and you’re done. Also you get great traction on the slabs but can be hard on your rig if you get to hopping or have a weak part you don’t know about. We had a rig in the group drop his transfer case on the ground after sheering the case itself in half. One other guy and myself turned him around and towed him back out to the staging area. By the time we got back to the point where he broke it was real dark and we were watching the reflectors to see where the trail was. The rest of the trail toward the Little Sluice offered some great running. Many off cambers, large boulders, small slabs, dirty hill climbs and some tight fits. Being that we were attempting to catch the rest of our group and running at night I am unable to describe it well. I will say this, great running!! This area through here does have sections of private property and may or not be posted. Please stay on the trail where ever you go.
There are many areas to pop your tent up along the route to the Little Sluice. Don’t go far from the trail though. New regulations require your rig to be close to the trail and NOT off trail.
The first night our group camped at the Little Sluice. We found that this was not the ideal place to camp that night due to the all night partying and load music. The Little Sluice itself has become almost impassable to most rigs. This is a small canyon that is filled with boulders the size of Volkswagens. The bypass for this is around the north side. From this vista Spider Lake can be seen.
The trail drops down into a rocky valley with some moderate challenges for a modest built rig. Another bypass can be had to the left after the first hill descent. This will lead you down a small granite slab rather then the scattered boulder trail most of us took.
From there you’ll end up at another large granite slab. This is vary off camber for quite some time and runs to Buck Island Lake. There is camping all around Buck Island Lake with fire restrictions. Close to the top of this slab is the cut off toward the Big Sluice. Going south will put you into the Big Sluice before you get to Buck Island Lake. The main bypass for this is to take the off camber slab directly toward Buck Island Lake. When you reach the Spillway the trail crosses a stream and goes over the dam. The trail continues parallel to the lake and over the ridge. A ways down the other side the trail turn left and goes into the Big Sluice Box. This has got some nice sized boulders and helped with adding “pucker factorâ€. At the base of the Big Sluice is the Rubicon River. There is an “A†frame bride that allows you to cross the river. If you made it this far then you know you’re getting close to through THE CON.
The other side of the bridge leads you to Rubicon Springs. There is camping here that will cost you $10 per rig per week. You can camp right down by the river with an overlook of the falls. Swimming, fishing and bathing are to be had. Please use only bio-degradable products if you chose to bath in the river. From what I learned in the 1930’s this area was used as a resort. There was even a hotel that was accessible by car from the Lake Tahoe side. The caretaker of the camp ground was friendly and even gave us some trail advice about Cadillac Hill.
When leaving Rubicon Springs you will pass a helicopter landing pad. Then trail then runs along side the river for a bit, crosses Miller Creek and then up Cadillac Hill. Here it starts running through dense forest and you guessed it, up hill. When we went through, there was some water rolling down the hill out of a spring making it slightly muddy in spots. About 2 miles from Rubicon Springs is what some people were calling Morris rock. This is the last big obstacle on Cadillac Hill. This rock claimed 3 broken bolts from one of our rigs causing the steering box to sheer off the frame. After we gained 2 bolts from a passer by we got moving again.
The trail winds through some small obstacles and trees till it gets to another small slab. Then back into the trees and modest rocks. The next lake you pass is called Miller Lake. At this point it is a dirt road for 4 miles to the newest staging area.
GONGRATS you made it through the Rubicon Trail.
This was by far the best trail my Cherokee has had the privilege to transverse. There are plenty great sights to be had and even more areas of “pucker factorâ€. This area is under the gun though. Being how awesome it is the area does attract many people. Many other people want to keep us out. So please Tread Lightly! Pack it in, Pack it out.
I would like to formal thank Scott Morganto of Robbs Valley Resort. www.dorobbs.com Not only did he and his entire staff provide a wonderful and secure place to park my tow rig and trailer but made us feel like family. Hey Scott, we will be seeing you again!
GPS COORDINATES
Hwy 50 & Ice House Rd. N38 46.16 W120 26.85
Ice House Rd & Wentworth Springs Rd. N34 19.03 W116 48.93
Chalet @ Loon Lake N38 59.07 W120 19.81
Loon Lake Dam N39 00.27 W120 18.75
End of granite slab N39 00.85 W120 18.42
Little Sluice N39 1.21 W120 16.46
Route to Big Sluice N39 00.81 W120 16.00
Buck Island Dam N39 00.33 W120 15.29
Rubicon Springs Campground N39 1.12 W120 14.78
Top of Cadillac Hill N39 2.09 W120 15.21
End of Trail N39 4.21 W120 8.42
Hwy 89 N38 46.16 W120 26.85
Preparing for this trail
The Rubicon Trail is a difficult trail. It is somewhere between 12-17 miles from what I have been told. The trail can be traveled in just one day under ideal conditions. No traffic and no vehicle down time. Expect at least 2 days to get through the trail if not 3 days. The average temperatures range from 75-80 degrees during the day to 30-40 degrees at night. Dress accordingly and bring extra clothes just in case. There are many lakes in the area and also some great steams so you may want to bring a swim suit. I advise a tent and sleeping bag over trying to sleep in your rig.
A major issue that has plagued the trail is human waste. Bring a portable toilet and carry it out with you. Digging a hole and coving it up after your done will not work. The area around Spider Lake has been closed in the passed due to this issue. Please do your part to help keep the trails clean and open for all to use.
Having a rig that is in good mechanical condition is a must. The trail is not recommended for full size rigs. It is however advised more for rigs no wider the Jeeps or Broncos. I ran a Jeep Cherokee through the trail and wouldn’t advise a wheelbase over 108â€. I also recommend 4†of lift or more and at least 33†tires. Having at least a rear locker is also recommended. Bringing spare parts is also a good idea. There is no part stores around for quite a ways and you don’t want to leave a broken down rig on the trail. Carry a spare tire and have the tools in order to change it. One rig in our group blew three tires throughout the run. Spare axle shafts, drive shafts, u-joints, fan belts, radiator hoses and hardware is also wise to carry. Packing extra fluids like coolant, gear oil, motor oil, brake fluid and such is also advised. Be prepared for the worst just in case. Also be prepared to gain “trail scarsâ€. Dents, digs and scratches are going to happen on this trail. Have the proper recovery gear and attachment points on your rig. I advise that at least one person in your group have a winch also.
Bring plenty of food. There are no McDonald's out there. Being that campfires are not allowed trail side and only allowed in dispersed campgrounds with a permit I suggest bringing food that does not need to be cooked. Bring plenty of fresh drinking water also. Camp stoves are permitted however with permit.
Pack it in and pack it out means that you will be hauling out your trash also. Plan for this ahead of time by carrying extra trash bags and know where you’re going to put it. Many wheelers on the trail will attach a burlap sack to the rear of their rigs to haul recyclables off the trail.
Bug repellent is also recommended. Using a product with DEET is my personal pick. Unless you like scratching off your skin were a mosquito bite once was then make sure to spray it on. Sun screen is also recommended. Other things like a fire extinguisher, flashlight and a stocked first aid kit and a CB are essential too.
Getting to the trail
From Sacramento you take highway 50 toward Placerville. When you reach Ice House Road you go north to Wentworth Springs Road. Follow it north to the Loon Lake cut off. This intersection is paved and street signed. Approximately 6 miles in you will cross the first earth dam. The road turns into a graded gravel road at the second earth dam. This will take you over the second earth dam and onto toward the staging area and the trail head.
There is also a staging area on the other side of the trail on the Lake Tahoe side. This can be accessed via highway 89 and McKinney Rubicon Way north of Tahoma.
The Trail
The trail leaves the staging area and goes over a section of slab before you get to the trail head. This is where Gatekeeper was before the powers that be blew it up. This area leads you through some tight trees and rocks. Modest off cambers can also be had here. This leads out to huge granite slab. This slab is approximately one half mile wide. You can easily get lost on this slab. One of the groups has come through and placed road reflectors on the slab showing where the trail is. This was extremely helpful when we came in on the trail after dark. If you don’t see one then look for tire tracks and oil stains. Don’t underestimate the power of these slabs. Water run off has has cut grooves and even shelves into the granite. Stick a tire in the wrong place and you’re done. Also you get great traction on the slabs but can be hard on your rig if you get to hopping or have a weak part you don’t know about. We had a rig in the group drop his transfer case on the ground after sheering the case itself in half. One other guy and myself turned him around and towed him back out to the staging area. By the time we got back to the point where he broke it was real dark and we were watching the reflectors to see where the trail was. The rest of the trail toward the Little Sluice offered some great running. Many off cambers, large boulders, small slabs, dirty hill climbs and some tight fits. Being that we were attempting to catch the rest of our group and running at night I am unable to describe it well. I will say this, great running!! This area through here does have sections of private property and may or not be posted. Please stay on the trail where ever you go.
There are many areas to pop your tent up along the route to the Little Sluice. Don’t go far from the trail though. New regulations require your rig to be close to the trail and NOT off trail.
The first night our group camped at the Little Sluice. We found that this was not the ideal place to camp that night due to the all night partying and load music. The Little Sluice itself has become almost impassable to most rigs. This is a small canyon that is filled with boulders the size of Volkswagens. The bypass for this is around the north side. From this vista Spider Lake can be seen.
The trail drops down into a rocky valley with some moderate challenges for a modest built rig. Another bypass can be had to the left after the first hill descent. This will lead you down a small granite slab rather then the scattered boulder trail most of us took.
From there you’ll end up at another large granite slab. This is vary off camber for quite some time and runs to Buck Island Lake. There is camping all around Buck Island Lake with fire restrictions. Close to the top of this slab is the cut off toward the Big Sluice. Going south will put you into the Big Sluice before you get to Buck Island Lake. The main bypass for this is to take the off camber slab directly toward Buck Island Lake. When you reach the Spillway the trail crosses a stream and goes over the dam. The trail continues parallel to the lake and over the ridge. A ways down the other side the trail turn left and goes into the Big Sluice Box. This has got some nice sized boulders and helped with adding “pucker factorâ€. At the base of the Big Sluice is the Rubicon River. There is an “A†frame bride that allows you to cross the river. If you made it this far then you know you’re getting close to through THE CON.
The other side of the bridge leads you to Rubicon Springs. There is camping here that will cost you $10 per rig per week. You can camp right down by the river with an overlook of the falls. Swimming, fishing and bathing are to be had. Please use only bio-degradable products if you chose to bath in the river. From what I learned in the 1930’s this area was used as a resort. There was even a hotel that was accessible by car from the Lake Tahoe side. The caretaker of the camp ground was friendly and even gave us some trail advice about Cadillac Hill.
When leaving Rubicon Springs you will pass a helicopter landing pad. Then trail then runs along side the river for a bit, crosses Miller Creek and then up Cadillac Hill. Here it starts running through dense forest and you guessed it, up hill. When we went through, there was some water rolling down the hill out of a spring making it slightly muddy in spots. About 2 miles from Rubicon Springs is what some people were calling Morris rock. This is the last big obstacle on Cadillac Hill. This rock claimed 3 broken bolts from one of our rigs causing the steering box to sheer off the frame. After we gained 2 bolts from a passer by we got moving again.
The trail winds through some small obstacles and trees till it gets to another small slab. Then back into the trees and modest rocks. The next lake you pass is called Miller Lake. At this point it is a dirt road for 4 miles to the newest staging area.
GONGRATS you made it through the Rubicon Trail.
This was by far the best trail my Cherokee has had the privilege to transverse. There are plenty great sights to be had and even more areas of “pucker factorâ€. This area is under the gun though. Being how awesome it is the area does attract many people. Many other people want to keep us out. So please Tread Lightly! Pack it in, Pack it out.
I would like to formal thank Scott Morganto of Robbs Valley Resort. www.dorobbs.com Not only did he and his entire staff provide a wonderful and secure place to park my tow rig and trailer but made us feel like family. Hey Scott, we will be seeing you again!
GPS COORDINATES
Hwy 50 & Ice House Rd. N38 46.16 W120 26.85
Ice House Rd & Wentworth Springs Rd. N34 19.03 W116 48.93
Chalet @ Loon Lake N38 59.07 W120 19.81
Loon Lake Dam N39 00.27 W120 18.75
End of granite slab N39 00.85 W120 18.42
Little Sluice N39 1.21 W120 16.46
Route to Big Sluice N39 00.81 W120 16.00
Buck Island Dam N39 00.33 W120 15.29
Rubicon Springs Campground N39 1.12 W120 14.78
Top of Cadillac Hill N39 2.09 W120 15.21
End of Trail N39 4.21 W120 8.42
Hwy 89 N38 46.16 W120 26.85