Rubicon OHV Trail is a 30.1 kilometer heavily trafficked point-to-point trail located near Pollock Pines, California that features a lake and is rated as difficult. The trail offers a number of activity options. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
Perhaps the best known and most popular 4x4 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. The trail reaches elevations above 7,000 feet and is partially snow covered in the winter. However, only the Granite Bowl is officially closed to vehicular travel at that time. From a practical standpoint, however, the trail is for summer use. A mix of granite slabs, soft dirt, sharp rocks and large boulders that require precise maneuvering to avoid body damage. Several extreme sections can be bypassed but many very rough sections cannot. Cadillac Hill is very steep, tippy and potentially dangerous. During wet periods, one water crossing can be very deep and muddy. Extremely dusty with tight brush in places. With an expert spotter, you might get a stock, high clearance, short-wheel based 4WD vehicle through without body damage, but the average driver should not try it. Best done in a modified vehicle with ample body protection and lockers. Travel with a group.
To avoid driving trail during the busy Jeep Jamboree, usually held in August, go to jeepjamboreeusa.com/trips.cfm for dates. The Rubicon Trail is in the Eldorado National Forest, Pacific and Georgetown Rangers Districts. Call 530-333-4312 for information.
This trail receives extremely heavy use and is under constant scrutiny by environmental groups. Make sure you stay on designated routes at all times, follow "Tread-Lightly" guidelines, pack out your trash and use low-impact camping techniques. Presently, the trail has inadequate toilet facilities. Disposal of solid human waste and toilet paper is a major concern. Please bring plastic bags to clean up after yourself just like you would for your dog in a public park. If possible, bring a porta-potty. Make sure you have permits and applicable licenses for fishing and hunting. A permit is also required to hike or camp in the Desolation Wilderness. (Day-use permit is free.)
Riding from Loon Lake on eMTBs. That trail is a bear even with the torque assist on an eMTB! We rode to the Big Sluice and back. It was super fun talking to drivers and spotters and learning how they navigate the trail. What a beautiful sunny day. My favorite part was riding the huge open granite slabs.
What a trail! I've been here multiple times. It's ultra difficult, but doable with a lifted rig and at least 31 in tires. 33 in + and a locker is recommended. Plan on staying the night if you are planning on going all the way through. Average speed is about 2-3 miles an hour. THERE IS NO CELL RECEPTION FOR 99% OF THE TRAIL.
95 Yota 4Runner dual t's on 37s /5:29 gearing. Used my sliders once. I love this place ! Mosquitoes are going to bite you and is probably the only not soo cool part of my trip. Have to do it again before this years pandemic wheeling season comes to an end.
This is a beautiful trail . Have been running it since the late 70s . Three times this year , most recently with my Daughter. It changes each year, some years worse than others. if your rig is sound you can do it in a day . But it should be done in a minimum of 4 days to really enjoy the area . Should plan on staying at buck for 2 days , hike the waterfall for a beautiful reward.
You cannot do this trail in a stock jeep without lots of careful wheel placement, lockers, rock stacking and even then there are large portions of the trail that a stock JK or JL couldn’t do with out body damage or mechanical damage. It’s a super cool trail with lots of traffic during events. With heavy traffic it can easily take you 8hrs to drive from loon lake to rubicon springs and back.
























































