[fzmax]

In 2023 my wife and I are planning a trip to run the Rubicon trail and anything else we can fit in. Although we have done a lot of online research there is so much information out there, many of it conflicting, I thought I would post some questions and see if anyone that has been there can help.

We would be driving there from Maryland. Both our Jeeps are similarly set up and we are fairly experienced.

What is the best and worst times of year to run the Rubicon? Our schedule is open, we would like to be there in the best weather conditions as we will be camping a lot.

How long does it take to run the entire trail? I have read about traffic jams that make NYC traffic seem tame, has anyone experienced this? I am expecting two days, but we will be equipped for four just in case.

How tough is the trail really? We prefer black trails on the green-blue-black-red scale. For anyone from the east coast, how does the Rubicon compare to the black trails at place like Rausch Creek? None of the videos I have watched looks anything like wheeling in the Northeast.

We have been debating about taking both Jeeps or just one. Unless we are running a green trail in a state park or something else easy, we always take both, but this is a real long ride. This is probably my biggest concern.

Any thoughts, experience and input are appreciated.

 

[snout]

@Jeep Momma has some great write-ups and YT videos about this exact type of thing. She's out on a wheeling trip with the TNT folks this week, but I've tagged her here to see this thread. I think you'll find her info useful / valuable.

 

[Jeep Momma]

Hey! I used to live in Maryland! I’ve wheeled Rausch Creek! Kyle was my instructor! I took his off road classes. I have a Rubicon 3.5” with 35’s. I wheeled greens-blues-a purple and a few blacks at RC and AOAA.
I ran the whole Rubicon Trail with no damage (minus scraps and dings) I never needed a winch. A good spotter helps in the tough spots. I was able to do quite a bit with out a spotter. I’m you do blacks at RC you will do fine. Very comparable. However, it’s long!!! It can be exhausting. I would take more time on the trail than 2 days and enjoy it! We went in June. It was hot! Bring more water and food than you would think. I’d run it during the week. Less people. The trek to Loon Lake from Tahoe is long!
I’m have videos on my YouTube channel! Jeep Life with Jeep momma

 

[fzmax]

Thank you. Just what I was looking for, someone who has been to the same places.

 

[NoWhining]

Ran it with Jeep Jamboree so I'd have access to mechanics etc. in case of break downs. They did 2 nights at Rubicon Springs and it was a really relaxing way to do it, but you'll need reservations. Spotters are recommended. Depending on how heavy the winter is, June through Sept/Oct. is probably best. Used to live up in the sierras and have seen it snow every month of the year. We did it in August and while the valley temps were in the low 100s, it was really comfortable up on the trail. Lake Tahoe rarely gets much above 90 and usually cools off at night.
You'll have fun! No whining now....

 

[xkid]

There’s a Facebook page as well. Informative. Fires were nearby and it got closed a couple of times.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[fzmax]

Thanks. There is so much (mis)information out there, it is hard to pick through it all. The biggest issue is bringing two Jeeps or not.

 

[Jeep Momma]

Thanks. There is so much (mis)information out there, it is hard to pick through it all. The biggest issue is bringing two Jeeps or not.

Are you going with a group?

 

[fzmax]

No, it is just my wife and I. We will probably take a week or so to get out there and it would be a drag to drive apart for that long. We looked into renting one, but rightfully so no one is going to rent us a Jeep to take through the Rubicon. Even those in Moab have GPS and you can't take it on the trails you'd like to see.

 

[GP NOIR]

Take both Jeeps. It’s easier to deal with recoveries and emergencies with two rigs than one.

 

[thedirtman]

Check the Rubicon calander as there are a lot of groups that have times reserved for runs. You will want to avoid them as there is tons of traffic on those runs. If you can drive at all the Rubicon is not all that hard. If you don't have a traffic a jeep on 35's with lockers can run it in 6 hours or so. (around 18 miles) I run from the Tahoe side to Buck Island for lunch and a swim and am back home around 3. IF there is traffic at Cadilac or around Litele Sluce it can take you hours to pass those obsiticales. Expect it to be dry and dusty July-Sept. Snow may be around until July this year as we have had around 30' in the high elevations. Fires are always a concern, last two summers there have been shut downs due to fire and there is typically smoke in the area during the summer. Buck is the big place to camp then there is the springs. Both have porta-potties. Pack in, pack out. There are bears and check for fire restrictions if you are camping. Bring sun block and mosquito repellent. There is no cell phone coverage at all on the trail but there are some ham radio repeaters.