Rubicon Trail
Georgetown, CA
Difficulty 5/5 — Extreme terrain
This trail typically requires a winch, spotter, and at least one buddy vehicle. Carry recovery gear, communication (GMRS/satellite), and ride within your skill level. Solo travel is strongly discouraged. Verify current trail status with the managing agency before going.
Vehicle types allowed
Permit and access
El Dorado County public road; pack-it-in-pack-it-out enforcement strict.
Known hazards
- •Soup Bowl, Little Sluice, Cadillac Hill — all winch obstacles
- •Granite slabs
- •Multi-day commitment
Editorial tip
Don't go without a group, lockers, 35" tires minimum, and recovery gear. The Rubicon Trail Foundation publishes a current trail report each season — read it before going.
— PickRV editorial team
Official managing-agency source
Trail conditions, permit rates, and seasonal closures change. Always verify the current state of this trail with the managing agency before you ride.
County agency pagehttps://www.edcgov.us/
Need a rig for this trail?
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See California off-road rentalsQuestions about Rubicon Trail
- Is Rubicon Trail open year-round?
- Season: Jun-Oct (snowpack closes the trail other months). Always verify current trail status with the managing agency before traveling.
- Do I need a permit to ride Rubicon Trail?
- No specific OHV permit is required, though El Dorado County public road; pack-it-in-pack-it-out enforcement strict. Standard rules of the managing agency still apply.
- What vehicles are allowed?
- Allowed vehicle types: Jeep. Always confirm street-legal and OHV-registration requirements for your state.
California rules · last verified 2026-05-10
- · Tax: 10.25%
- · Min driver age: 21+ standard, 25+ Class A
- · Gravel roads: Permit required
- · Generator quiet: 22:00-06:00