Rubicon Pre-Run July 2001
Getting to the Rubicon was pretty straight forward thanks to directions from Drew Persson of PerssonOffroad.com. Overall the drive there took about 2 hours from Pinole California. Drivers in attendance were myself, John, & his brother Allen.
I was driving my 1990 4 Door v6 Montero with 33" Yokohama Geolander MT's, Custom 2x2" Rocker Panel Protection, upgraded skid plates, custom front and rear bumpers, and open differentials.
John was driving a 1998 4 Door v6 Montero Sport, with 32" BFG MT's, an ARB front bumper, Custom 2" dia. nerfs, Limited Slip Rear Differential, and an open front differential.
Allen drove a 1999 Toyota Tacoma with a 4" Lift and 31" BFG AT's, 3" Nerfs, a Limited Slip Rear Differential and an Open Front Differential.
It took some searching but you can follow the oil slicks to get to the trailhead. Others were already there.
Finally, it was our turn. Being the organizer, I went first with a little help from John.
Here I am at Pinch Rock. You can see why it's called that..
Most Mitsu rigs w/ 33's can make it through but there is a real potential for some damage. Good spotting is a must. Thanks Allen.
Granite Slabs @ Beginning of the Rubicon.
As you can see, Pinch Rock does live up to its name. I now have new battle scars. A little judicious use of the throttle & I was able to get through.
Here you can see what the damage was... ~4" from the front of my rocker panel is a new dent!! Again, with good spotting, I'm confident it can be done. If not there is a bypass.
Here you can see what the damage was... ~7" from the front of my rocker panel is a brand new dent!! With more patience & good spotting, I know it can be done.
Another tight squeeze, but not as tight as Pinch Rock.
In the two days we were there (~10 hours on the trail) we made it all the way to the "Little Sluice". From what I understand, the Big Sluice and Cadillac hill may be a challenge becuase there are no bypasses.
All in all, this wasn't bad for our first trip through.
SO, CAN A MITSU 4X4 MAKE IT ALL THE WAY THROUGH?
With 33" Tires (32" minimum) proper spotting, and good driving technique, one should make it through with little or no body damage.
With 33's and a Rear Locker, it should be no problem at all. Not bad for a nearly stock 4x4..
As expected, we weren't the only 4x4's on this historic trail, and we did get the fair share of "I wouldn't drive that through the Rubicon.
Continue east on 50 to Ice House Road. Go North on Ice House Road. You'll be on it for over 45 minutes worth of curves & grades. You'll pass the store at Ice House (on the right), the road to Ice House Resevior, Wright's Lake (on the right), Wentworth Springs Rd. (on the left).
Right after Wentworth Springs Road, you'll take a turn towards Loon Lake (GPS Waypoint N38* 57.161' / W 120* 23.035').
Continue to Loon Lake and across the dam. Take a left down the back of the spillway (GPS Waypoint N39* 00.226' / W 120* 18.589').
The trailhead is directly below the spillway. This is also where you'll want to air down. The trail climbs up the granite slab to the NorthWest and turns North through the tree's. There are camping areas all along Loon Lake which are much quiter than along the trailhead.
Thanks again to Drew Persson of perssonoffroad.com for having a very informative site on getting to the Rubicon.
