Rubicon Trail
Rubicon Trail is a expert 22 miles off-road trail near Lake Tahoe, CA. It requires a properly built 4x4 with 35" minimum tires, 4"+ lift kit, Front & rear lockers and is best run July - October. Stock trucks and Jeeps are not recommended; plan on the required modifications before attempting it.
Trail Conditions
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The Rubicon Trail is the crown jewel of American off-roading, a 22-mile granite gauntlet through the Sierra Nevada that has tested vehicles and drivers since the earliest days of four-wheeling. Starting from Loon Lake and descending to the historic Rubicon Springs, the trail winds through ancient glacier-carved terrain featuring massive granite boulders, steep ledges, and narrow passages that require precise wheel placement. The trail's legendary obstacles like Cadillac Hill, Big Sluice, and Walker Hill have broken countless vehicles and created lifelong memories. Rubicon Springs, roughly midway through the trail, offers a peaceful camping area with natural hot springs where wheelers have gathered for over 70 years.
Fun Facts
The Rubicon Trail has been used since the 1880s, originally as a cattle drive route.
The annual Jeepers Jamboree, started in 1953, is the oldest organized off-road event in the world.
The trail crosses both El Dorado and Placer counties at elevations up to 7,800 feet.
Cadillac Hill got its name after a 1950s Cadillac was abandoned there after breaking down.
🛞 Tires
🔧 Suspension
⚙️ Drivetrain
🪢 Recovery
🛡️ Protection
📦 Other
Closest campgrounds to Rubicon Trail:
- Zephyr Cove Resort · Zephyr Cove · 12 mi
- Topaz Lodge & Casino RV Park · Gardnerville · 20 mi
- Washoe Lake State Park · Carson City · 24 mi
- Virginia City RV Park · Virginia City · 36 mi
Where to Camp
GPS Coordinates
Import into Gaia GPS, OnX Offroad, or Garmin
Map of Lake Tahoe, CA
5-Day Forecast
Nearby Trails
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
Expert-level terrain demands a purpose-built rig. Use every tool here before committing.
Tire Size Calculator
Convert tire sizes and compare diameter differences before you swap.
Running 35s or 37s? Confirm fitment and sidewall height before you go.
Gear Ratio Calculator
Find the right gear ratio after lifting or upsizing tires.
Low-range crawl ratio is everything on technical terrain, calculate yours first.
Wheel Fitment Calculator
Calculate backspacing and offset so wider wheels clear your suspension.
Extra wheel width = extra clearance on tight lines. Check offset before buying.
MPG Calculator
Estimate fuel economy after a tire upgrade, important for remote runs.
Remote Expert trails have no fuel stops. Know your range before you leave.
Trail Matchmaker
Not sure this trail matches your rig's current build? Find out fast.
Answer 6 questions and confirm Rubicon Trail is right for your setup, or find a better match.