The Rubicon is first and foremost a rock-crawling trail. Don’t come looking for mud-bogs or sand, this is a land of granite boulders where slow and steady going is the rule. It takes 3 – 4 days of intensive 4-wheeling to cover just 12 miles of trail. And the trail is always changing; sections that may have been easy to navigate last season can become eroded into new and daunting obstacles in a matter of months or weeks. Expect unimaginably difficult driving terrain, long days, lots of time in and out of the Jeep, and dirty everything. This is not a trail for stock 4×4 rigs. Vehicle damage can and does occur, and we have developed a list of minimum recommended vehicle specs and modifications for rigs on our trips.

Our expert guides and instructors will bring you through the world famous Rubicon Trail with both ego and vehicle intact. Slow and careful is the rule and safety is our goal. A bucket list trip!

Summertime weather along the Rubicon is generally clear and mild, with a daytime high temperature of about 80º F (27 C). Nighttime lows are around 50º F (10 C). Rain is scarce in the summer, but occasional afternoon thundershowers do sometimes occur. Frost and a light dusting of snow is possible (but unlikely) in the late season. Barlow’s recommends layered clothing and a lightweight jacket.

Spectacular High Sierra scenery, refreshing mountain lakes, warm days and star-filled nights are the rewards for the hard-won miles of the Rubicon. Barlow Adventures’ experienced guides know the best campsites, and can provide much of the necessary gear for your trip. Tents, pads and sleeping bags can be provided, as well as cookware and a propane stove. But remember, there are no hotels, showers, trashcans or Starbucks anywhere along the trail. Primitive tent camping is the rule out here and guests should be prepared to pack in what they need, and then pack out their trash and waste. Barlow Adventures is a member of and advocate for the US Forest Service’s Tread Lightly! program. Our goal is to leave as little trace of our passing in the backcountry as possible. We travel lightly on the land in order to preserve this unique experience for future generations to enjoy. Please see our post on what to bring on the Rubicon for more detailed information.

Years on the trail have allowed us to work out meals that are delicious and satisfying, yet with easy to carry ingredients. We are happy to make provisions for special dietary needs, and please don’t be shy about requesting your favorite snacks, beverages, or general eating preferences—we have limited space to carry provisions, so we would much rather carry the stuff that we know you will like! Menus vary, and can be custom tailored to your taste.