Rubicon Trail ATV Tours

The Rubicon Trail is the most famous and arguably the most challenging four-by-four trail in North America. And we run it every day in the summer and fall. When it's snowed in, we dream about it.

Rubicon Springs

Our most spectacular ATV tour is a full day on the Rubicon Trail. You and your pals will meet your guide at our trailhead near Tahoma and Tahoe City. We'll give you a brief orientation and then you'll head into the backcountry. As soon as you leave the pavement the trail throws a tough, rocky hillclimb at you. Then another. You'll pass McKinney Lake, then Lilly Lake, and finally the clear, open water of Miller Lake. Turning away from the Barker Pass Road (a relatively easy dirt road into the Rubicon via Blackwood Canyon) you'll cross the Pacific Crest Trail as you head toward the first really serious obstacle on the Rubicon, Dollar Hole. It's called that because a lot of folks spend a lot of dollars to fix their vehicles after they get them stuck in Dollar Hole.

Your guide will show you how to choose a line over rocks nearly as big as the vehicle you are driving. You may find one or more of your tires in the air at one time or another. But if you pay attention and follow instructions, you'll make it through just fine.

Next you'll pass a series of short waterfalls over hard, unforgiving Sierra granite worn smooth over thousands of years. Look for bowl-size holes created by trapped rocks tumbling for dozens or hundreds of years until finally, one day, they just roll out and down the creek.

Then you'll wind through the trees climbing over and around exposed rocks, roots, and holes. Suddenly you'll pop out onto a bare, gray granite dome and find yourself at Observation Point. You'll probably be ready for a break before descending Cadillac Hill. From there it's just a short hop to Rubicon Springs. Then you have to do it all again, in the opposite direction.

This trip takes about six hours and costs vary based on quanity of riders. We include lunch on all Rubicon Springs tours.

The spectacular view from Observation Point on the Rubicon Trail.

Observation Point

A shorter trip just to Observation Point is available. This challenging trip goes deep enough into the Rubicon earning you serious bragging rights. The view from Observation Point is spectacular.

Dollar Hole

A Dollar Hole trip is a popular choice for those seeking a bit of off-road challenge. Dollar Hole is the first really serious obstacle on the Rubicon Trail. Ride through here and you’ll know you’ve driven an ATV.

Miller Lake

A Miller Lake trip is our most popular choice on the Rubicon. Miller is a perfect example of a high-elevation Sierra lake. Serene, wild, surrounded by rugged country. Keep a sharp eye out for eagles, hawks, ospreys, deer and bears.