Rubicon, West Side

No Reviews

Location Lake Tahoe, CA

Rating Difficult,

Length 5.8mi

Time 8hrs

Guide Trail # 13

Vehicle Types

Vehicle Types Defined

Overview

Our all-time favorite offroad trail. A bucket-list must.

The Rubicon is our all-time favorite. It’s a mix of gorgeous scenery and very challenging terrain. Our group camped overnight at the halfway point below Buck Island Dam. Trail is under constant scrutiny by environmental groups; stay on designated route at all times. ATVs, UTVs and dirt bikes are allowed. U.S.F.S. fire permit and portable toilet required. Official map and accurate trail information available free at www.rubicontrailfoundation.org.

Rating

Difficult

Trail Ratings Defined

West Side is dominated by open granite tracts interspersed with tight boulder fields and tall ledges. Lockers, lifts, 33" minimum tire size and skilled driver recommended. Optional Little Sluice and Old Big Sluice significantly increase difficulty.

Stats

Length

5.8mi

Just the first half

Time

8hrs

High Point

6,764ft

Best Time To Go

June-Sept.

Avoid Jeep Jamborees if possible. Snowstorms have closed the trail even in July

Current Conditions

(530) 644-2349Eldorado National Forest, Pacific R.D.

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Trail Updates

06/16/2020
Submitted by Larry
June 5 through June 7, 2020. The Rubicon Trail is open and in good shape. As of these dates, camping was restricted/closed around Loon Lake. The forest service Chalet at Loon Lake was not available for rental. Camping at Buck Island Lake and Rubicon Springs is open.

6/31/2019
Submitted by Larry
The trail is in good condition with several water crossings, the deepest of which was about 2 feet deep. Camped at Rubicon Springs. A few spots of patchy snow near Lake Tahoe which is easily passable and is melting fast.

10/31/2018
Submitted by Rafael Romero
The weather is amazing right now! Went this past weekend. Temperatures were 40-60 degrees!

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