The Rubicon Trail: discover one of the toughest off-road courses with us

The Rubicon Trail: probably the toughest off-road course in the world

If you ask off-roaders about their favourite routes off the beaten track, there is one they will definitely mention: the legendary Rubicon Trail in California. Probably the toughest off-road course in the world For many off-roaders, the Rubicon Trail is nothing less than the most challenging and thus most appealing all-wheel drive track in the world. The German Wikipedia page also sees it similarly: the off-road trail in the west of the USA is now considered "one of the most difficult routes in the world to conquer with a vehicle" Originally a postal route connecting Lake Tahoe – a huge lake on the border of the US states of Nevada and California – with the small town of Georgetown, the off-road course is now popular, mainly with off-roaders and hikers.

Wrecked vehicles line the Rubicon Trail

In as early as the 1920s, the first vehicles began to use the route. At that time, aids such as boards and ropes were still needed to overcome difficult passages. Wrecked vehicles still bear witness to the challenges today. In the decades that followed, the Rubicon Trail lost importance. The trail was first used in 1952 as part of guided off-road tours, as off-road vehicles became more obtainable. Today, hundreds of 4x4 fans make a pilgrimage to the Rubicon Trail every weekend. "The Rubicon Trail in the El Dorado National Forest is [for them] what the Nürburgring is for sports car drivers", explains Nico Vogel. Off-road fans must be aware. Having been on the scene for over 15 years, the German has his own off-road company in Spain and has already driven along the legendary trail.

The Rubicon Trail in the west of the USA is legendary.

Unlike many other trails that have been artificially created, the trail draws its huge fascination from the fact that it is natural. "The 20 kilometres or so of the Rubicon Trail are extremely challenging and peppered with huge rocks", Nico reports. "If you go wrong just once in this section, at best you will get stuck or, much worse, you could tear something off."

Absurd slopes

Therefore, as well as having the right materials, it is important to have the right person with you. Nico says, "The co-driver is actually always outside instructing the driver. Especially in demanding terrain, it is essential that you drive with someone you can trust absolutely". In some sections, you only progress at a snail's pace. Absurd slopes and insane axle articulations are the norm rather than the exception. The lugged tyres of the higher-set all-wheel-drive vehicles then work their way forward centimetre by centimetre, millimetre by millimetre. Time and again, the underside of the vehicle touches down or the bumpers make contact with the unyielding rocks. And it is not uncommon for off-road vehicles to be able to go no further with their own power and to have to be freed from their predicament using a winch from other off-roaders.

Not for beginners

This is exactly why the Rubicon Trail is not for beginners, not at all. You should have some experience to take on what is probably the toughest off-road course in the world. For those new to off-roading, Nico recommends starting with off-road driving training with a guide, for example in off-road parks. "Then, when you realise that it is fun, you can go to the next level". Another valuable tip: take your time. "Many novices often lack patience. Everything off-road is different from being on normal roads. The golden rule is this: it is better to get out and really check out what a complex stretch looks like, or to let your co-driver guide you along." This approach is essential, especially on challenging routes. People going on the Rubicon Trial can tell you that from their own experience.

The Rubicon Trail is not for beginners, but even experienced off-roaders should take their time.

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