How to Prepare for the Rubicon Trail

August 4, 2026

The Rubicon Trail is one of the most difficult trails in the U.S. with no bypasses. It is important that you have a strong foundation of 4-wheel-drive experience in technical terrain.

We offer a limited number of guided Rubicon Trail trips each year and spots book up quickly. Trip dates are usually announced in the fall for the following summer. You can also reach out to request a custom Rubicon Trail trip based on the specific needs of your group.

What you need to know about the Rubicon Trail

Mention the name “Rubicon Trail” in any four-wheeling forum and you are bound to hear some boasting, unsolicited advice, and tales of “back in my day…” However, that doesn’t answer your question: What do you really need to do the Rubicon Trail?

Regardless of your wheeling prowess and tire size, there are a few inarguable facts about the Rubicon Trail that you need to take to heart before you leave home:

It changes every day. Just because your buddy with a similar Jeep cruised through Little Sluice last week does not mean you will do so this week. Rocks move every day. Weather varies widely. Trees fall.
There are much tougher obstacles on other trails than you will encounter on the Rubicon Trail. The Rubicon beats you with stamina. It slowly wears you down one rock at a time, increasing the odds of making a bad decision due to mental and physical fatigue.
It’s narrow, it’s busy, and it’s dirty. Passing is difficult. Popular camping areas are loud on weekends. You will be scrubbing dirt out of yourself and your Jeep for days afterwards. Bottom line: Driving the trail isn’t the only challenge with which you will be dealing.

As for your Jeep, it should be in top-form maintenance. Parts and labor are significantly more difficult to acquire on the trail than at home. Steering component, motor mount, axle, and driveshaft failures are the most common breaks. Starting with good basic equipment is key.

The single most important piece of equipment to bring is your brain. Use it before, during, and after the trip. Degrade its proper functioning as little as possible while on the trip. No drinking and driving, wear your seatbelt, pack out your trash, and check on current fire and sanitation restrictions before you depart. Leave the trail for all to enjoy.

Resources to help you prepare

How to Prepare Yourself for the Rubicon Trail

PDF

Download our personal preparation and packing list.

2.4 MB

How to Prepare Your Vehicle for the Rubicon Trail

PDF

Download our vehicle preparation and minimum requirements list.

2.4 MB

Rubicon Trail frequently asked questions

Yes. Very. Really. (It’s like a 3-day marathon.)

Our Rubicon Trips have a maximum of five vehicles to ensure everyone receives the support they need and we minimize trail impact.

Drivers must be 18 or older if using a prequalified personal vehicle. Drivers must be 25 or older with a valid driver’s license and proof of full coverage auto insurance if using a Barlow rental Jeep. The Rubicon is a county road and all California state driving laws apply. No underage drivers, please! Children 12 years of age or older are welcome. No pets.

Fantastic in the summer! Plenty of sunshine with daytime temperatures in the mid 70s to low 80s (24-29ºC), clear, starry nights in the 40s and 50s (7-13ºC).

Unlikely, but not impossible. At 6,000′ above sea level, brief summer thunderstorms can develop quickly. Best to be prepared with a light rain jacket or poncho.

Not really. Black bears can be a nuisance but are generally not dangerous to humans.

There are bathrooms (pit toilets) along the first half of the trail. In remote areas you may expect bathroom stops to consist of thick patches of trees or shrubs. Bring your own “wag bag,” including supplies for bathroom stops and to carry out all paper and waste. Please keep our forests and trails clean—pack out your trash!

We take every step to use our public lands responsibly and minimize environmental impact. Barlow Adventures is a member of, and advocate for, the U.S. Forest Service’s Tread Lightly! program and works to educate the public on safe and responsible 4wd practices.

Participants should be in good health. No one with heart conditions, previous seizures, high blood pressure or other potentially life-threatening illnesses, please. All events are held outdoors with lots of time both in and out of the Jeep. Some walking over broken, uneven terrain is required. This is the backcountry and medical help is usually far away.

No. The Rubicon is a county road and drinking while driving comes with severe penalties. The trail is regularly patrolled by Eldorado County Sheriffs. Due to the extreme summer fire hazard in the Sierras, and as a courtesy to our non-smoking guests, there is no smoking allowed in any Barlow’s vehicle. Depending on seasonal fire restrictions, smoking may be allowed at camps outside the vehicle. Moderate and responsible consumption of alcohol at camp is acceptable.

You will get stuck! Getting un-stuck is one of the aspects of the trail your guide will help with. Breakdowns are another matter. Even well-maintained vehicles sometimes break down and AAA doesn’t come out this way. Some light repairs can be done at Rubicon Springs but in most cases we are on our own. We carry the tools and expertise to handle most problems, but a serious mechanical issue can cut a trip short. This almost never happens, but refunds cannot be provided for trips cut short due to mechanical issues.