Rubicon 4x4 Trail, California

Overview: 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. 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.

Rating:

Difficult. 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.

This trail is one of 75 trails from the book, Guide to Northern California Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails, by Charles Wells, and is available at www.funtreks.com.



Tips: 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.)

Trail conditions can change without notice. FunTreks, Inc. and its owner and employees are not responsible for injury, death, or vehicle damage as a result of using this guide. The content of this guide is the property of FunTreks, Inc. and is made available to the user pursuant to EveryTrail’s Terms of Service (http://www.everytrail.com/tos.php)