As promised - Rubicon Trial report

[WanderingTs]

Last spring, I promised a Rubicon Trail report. Sorry for the very long delay, but life has just stood in the way and the work computer won't let me posts/photos/etc.

I went up there and scoped it out, having never been before and only having internet sites to go on. I couldn't find anyone locally who wanted to go when I was available (the joys of having weekdays off) so I went with just myself and my bouncing 2yr old back seat passenger.

I went into this with no real intention of beating up my rig. Finances are not great right now and the last thing I wanted was a broken rig or a tow bill home. I beat the @#$ out of my old rig over the years, and while I enjoyed every second of it, the repair bills and armor replacement costs I had on that would kill me now.

So to spoil the ending up front, I did not make much of the run. I went in from the Tahoe side (lots of pretty country there) knowing I probably would not make it through. I have pretty thoroughly explored the Desolation Wilderness end in previous trips. When I got to the point where I would obviously start pounding my armor, I turned around.

For those others interested, a 2" lift WILL NOT MAKE IT. I walked in further than I drove, it was a good excuse to stretch my and the youngun's legs. A 2" lifted rig (such as mine) has zero chance of getting through without major armor damage, and most likely having to hi-lift over several places. I am not even sure that would be enough, but if you were intent on doing it no matter what the consequences to your rig, you might make it.

Based on what I saw of El Cid's 4" lift at WCCC 2010, a 4" lift most likely could make it through the areas I saw, as long as it was well armored and you didnt mind using it. I would expect to come out with some damage anyway. While I was there I saw an unmodified Hummer coming back out, dragging some part that had partially ripped off underneath. They didn't make it. Aside from the normal Rubicon's etc I saw in the area were several old Nissan's or other trucks, highly modified, with between 2 and 3 feet of undercarriage clearance.

I was there just before the Jeeper's Jamboree, but even though it was July, there was still plenty of snow.

[WanderingTs]

Signs at the trail entrance

[WanderingTs]

I guess my photos are to big to upload, to be continued after I get them resized

[pjmjr508]

Thank you for the update & until I raise mine to at least 4" I'm not trying with the XK.

[Sal-XK]

If I lived in the area I would try it and see how far I could make it. But ya I wouldn't think of making my way there with just a 2" lift.

[pjmjr508]

should have Evil do it to break in his new 6" lift

[WanderingTs]

Jeeper Jamboree Sign

[WanderingTs]

Hummer limping out

First area I actually had to pay attention to where I was driving

This area is famous for it's very blue water in the area lakes.

[WanderingTs]

The lakes were very full, including this area where the trail was underwater to about 3/4 of the way up the tires. Black bears are common in this area.

Starting to get a little more challenging.

[WanderingTs]

Water, mud, trees, boulders, and snow!

Getting into some fun

This was as far as I went. I think I could have gotten through here, but a hundred yards further or so was definitely guna make some damage.