The Rubicon: a trail so grueling that Jeep named its upgraded, rock-crawling Wrangler model after it. Situated deep in the California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, this route has become the testing ground for drivers hoping to prove their offroad worth (and for their often custom-built rides that take a serious beating on the trail). The Rubicon Trail is one of the toughest trails in America, much it consisting of hopping up and over bowling bowl-sized or larger granite boulders. It’s no place for beginners, but if you’ve got the experience and stamina, completing it will earn you some serious bragging rights.
Planning Your Route on the Rubicon Trail The route starts in the old mining colony of Georgetown , on a paved route that does nothing to indicate the perils ahead. Ten miles later, the unmaintained dirt track begins next to the stunning beautiful Loon Lake and continues for twelve miles to Lake Tahoe. Those dozen or so miles will take all day (or more), though; this is some of the most challenging terrain you’ll ever encounter.
Perhaps the most important piece of advice for the Rubicon is to not underestimate it. On paper, it looks like a short jaunt through some rocky terrain, but it is anything but. Mishaps are likely, whether in the form of equipment that needs field repairs or an accident that causes a (hopefully only) minor injury. Each quarter-mile is a struggle, and the full route requires a whole lot of energy to get through.
Fortunately, the trail is quite popular; though it might be a remote stretch of wilderness, you’ll likely have plenty of company that can help you deal with any problems that might arise.
Safety Most of the people driving the Rubicon do so in a Jeep or a light-duty truck. Numerous boulders will need to be navigated, so you’ll want to use a dirt bike or a lightweight dual-sport to give yourself enough maneuverability.
Fuel The trail is only 22 miles long, but it’s located in fairly remote territory. You’ll want to fuel up at Georgetown, but unless you have a small gas tank (less than two gallons), that should be enough to get you to Tahoe.
Food and Accommodations Many riders choose to camp along the trail (it’s a great way to make friends and meet fellow rock crawlers), and campsites are available at Airport Flats , Wentworth Springs , and the north shore of Lake Loon . None of these sites charge a fee.
There’s no food along the route, and you’ll want to keep your bike as light and maneuverable as possible, so bring some simple no-cook snacks such as energy bars and nuts. If you’ll be spending the night on the trail, just-add-water foods like instant mashed potatoes or freeze-dried backpacking meals are best.
Afterwards, treat yourself to a nice meal and a warm bed at Lake Tahoe , where there’s a variety of accommodations to fit any budget.
Sights For safety’s sake, you’ll need to keep your eyes on the road throughout this challenging ride. Perhaps the most interesting sight is just seeing the other rock crawlers – Jeeps slowing making their way over boulder-strewn hills, and sometimes failing spectacularly.
When problems occur, there’s usually something of a traffic jam, which will give your body time to rest. Take this time to enjoy nature, and don’t get too frustrated about getting anywhere quickly.
Lake Loon and Lake Tahoe, the bookends of the dirt track section, probably provide the most impressive scenery. Take some time to enjoy them, and to get your head in the right place, as your time in between the two lakes will be full of challenges.
Emerald Bay from the Rubicon Trail – Photo Credit: Ray Bouknight / CC BY Loon Lake – Photo Credit: Nick Ares / CC BY View from Cadillac Hill – Photo Credit: Camron Hall / CC BY Featured image of Rubicon Trail – Photo Credit: Nv494 / CC BY
