RUBICON TRAIL GUIDELINES

The Rubicon Trail guidelines for travel are:

Stay on the trail 25' from center of the roadway
Do not drive thru meadows or over vegetation
Respect private property and natural resources
Look for trail markers
Straddle ruts, gullies and washouts
Cross streams at designated points only
Minimize wheel spins
Be patient at hold ups
No shooting over lakes, rivers and around the granite, it is unsafe
No drinking and driving, buckle up
Know your local fire restrictions
Pack it in/Pack it out
Use a WAG BAG
Complete pre-trip inspection and maintenance
Carry and Use a Spill kit and dispose of any used Spill kits in the hazardous materials sheds at the staging areas
Use a spotter
Carry or locate a HAM radio
Help other wheelers in need

Pre-Trip Maintenance should include:

Check engine and transmission fluids
Check brake fluid, pads and shoes
Check radiator coolant
Secure battery straps
Check belts & hoses for leaks and cracks
Check power steering system
Check seat belts
Check tires for wear and damage
Check lug bolts
Check for loose nuts and bolts
Grease all fittings
Check winch & cable

What to Bring on the Trail:

First Aid kit
Tool Bag (include the essentials for any unforeseen repair)
Fire Extinguisher
Tent
Sleeping bag
Change of Clothes
Jacket
Sunscreen and Insect Repellent
Flashlight with Extra Batteries
Ham Radio
Tarp

Additional Accessories You Should Consider:

Spare Parts and a Spare Tire
Onboard Welder
A winch rated at roughly twice your vehicle's weight, preferably equipped synthetic rope
Extrication hardware (tree strap, clevis, dowels, chain, etc.)
Tow strap
Work gloves
Hi-lift jack
Adequate attachment points for towing (tow hooks!)
Roll cage
High quality seat belts
A functional parking brake or Line Lock device

Other Things to Consider When Traveling the Rubicon Trail:

Travel in pairs and not alone
Fire permits are required - Fire restrictions are in place which means no campfires are allowed, but with a permit from the U.S. Forest Service you can have a propane fired device (stove, fire pit, etc)
Electronic devices, such as you cell phone, will NOT work. HAM radio is highly advised. Check online for HAM operator classes in your area as a license is required to operator a HAM radio. (El Dorado repeater 146.805-.600PL 123.0, Tahoe repeater 145.350 RX, 146.205 TX, PL 123.0, Rubicon repeater 444.9875 +5.00 PL 156.7 [use on the Rubicon])
If it is your first time on the trail - pay attention to the trail and your surroundings
Be prepared to spend an extra day or two in case of emergency or broken equipment
Bring enough food and water to cover you for a few extra days if you break down
Bring a tent, sleeping bag, change of clothes, and a jacket.

Rubicon Winter Use Suggestions

Winter on the Rubicon can be challenging, go with someone experienced if you can. Let someone know where you are going and when to expect a check in. NEVER go alone.

Conditions can change by the minute in the winter. It is not only storms but the ability to travel on the snow. Cold temps can give you the ability to stay on top of the snow but a change in temp by just a few degrees can leave you sinking in. Nighttime travel can be advantageous but comes with its own set of difficulties. Look for the “sparkles” on the “crispy” snow.

What to bring?

Clothes and Food: Always carry spare boots, spare clothes, gloves, and enough food for at least one extra day. Dry bags are great for anything you do not want to get wet, like clothes and food.
First Aid Kit
HAM Radio
A dual battery setup and high amp alternator to keep up with the demands are strongly advised. Your winch will drain your battery quickly when used for extended periods. On board air is almost a must have when running very low tire pressures. Bead lock wheels are also advised. Very often your tire pressure could be down below 2 PSI and without a bead lock wheel the chances of losing a bead are significantly increased.
Bring extra fuel. You will use more fuel in the snow scratching and clawing your way for every little bit of forward progress.
Carrying a spare serpentine belt, V belts, spare tire, plug kit, tools, welder, hoses, parts, fluids, etc.
Tow Equipment: When you think you have enough straps, pack some more. There are areas on the Rubicon that a winch point can be very few and far between. It may be helpful to carry four steel and have four soft shackles on all corners. A spare winch rope is recommended.
Bring a shovel, chainsaw, and axe.
Snowshoes and Boot Snow Chains
Shelter: If you need to hunker down you need to be able to make shelter and sometimes fast. Heater buddies work great but don’t depend on them for your only source of heat. Tarps are always useful. Carry lots of tarps along with twine, bungie cords, etc. Canvas tarps are recommended because they are treated with a paraffin wax that will keep you dry. Winter is no time to have inferior gear. A summer bag isn’t going to cut it in freezing temps.

What to Expect From Your Tire Size:

30”-33” Tires will most likely cause travel to be slower and ground clearance will be limited. Because some of the more difficulty sections of the trail where more ground clearance is an advantage, heavy duty differential covers are advised to avoid dragging the differential over rock causing the diff cover to possibly peel off.
35”-37” Tires will provide more ground clearance making the travel on the trail a little bit easier. There will still be the differential hang ups here and there.
38” & up” Tires will give the vehicle a huge advantage in ground clearance. Even with the larger tires the trail still poses a challenge.
Rocker protection, body armor, and front locker or front and rear lockers are recommended with all size of tires.

Trail Conditions Update