Rubicon Trail
Dates
June 17-21, 2026 (1 night on the trail)
About
The Rubicon Trail is one of the most famous and challenging 4x4 trails in America. This 22-mile route through the Sierra Nevada between Georgetown and Lake Tahoe offers world-class rock crawling with legendary obstacles that have tested off-roaders for decades.
This is an extreme difficulty trip. Expect steep granite slabs, tight squeezes, and technical lines that require skill, patience, and a well-built rig. We’ll be tent camping on the trail for 2 nights, soaking in the alpine scenery and tackling obstacles together.
Famous Obstacles
- Little Sluice – Technical granite crawl requiring careful line selection
- Big Sluice – One of the trail’s most iconic and challenging sections
- Cadillac Hill – Steep, rocky descent that lives up to its reputation
- Walker Hill – Another classic Rubicon challenge
- The Soup Bowl – A fun water crossing (conditions vary)
Itinerary:
- Tuesday 6/16 - arrive at Airport Flats Campground
- Wednesday 6/17 - hit the trail from Tahoma side and camp at Buck Island Wednesday night
- Thursday 6/18 - leave Buck Island and wheel out to Loon lake and back to Airport Flats campground
- Friday 6/19 - others arrive at campground for the weekend
- Saturday 6/20 - half-day run Loon Lake to Wentworth Springs loop followed by potluck dinner at Airport Flats
- Sunday 6/21 - travel home
Vehicle Requirements
This trail demands a properly built rig:
- 4WD with low range – Essential for the terrain
- Lockers – Front and rear lockers strongly recommended
- Lift and 35”+ tires – Minimum for clearance on obstacles
- Rock sliders and skid plates – Body damage is likely without protection
- Winch – Highly recommended for recovery situations
What to Bring
- Tent and sleeping gear for 2 nights on the trail
- Food, water, and cooking supplies for 3 days
- Recovery gear (tow straps, D-rings, tree saver)
- Full-size spare tire (two spares recommended)
- Basic tools and repair supplies
- First aid kit
Questions?
This trip requires experience and a capable vehicle. Come to our monthly club meetings to discuss details, assess readiness, and coordinate logistics.