The Rubicon Trail - Checked Off the Bucket List: Day 2
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.พ. 2025
- On this day 2 episode of the Rubicon Trail adventure, we depart from Buck Island lake and make our way through the Big Sluice, to Rubicon Spring and then on to tackle Cadillac Hill. This trail is truly and amazing and majestic place to be and if you have not been, you need to add it to your bucket list!
Day 1 episode: • The Rubicon Trail - Ch...
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Video Transcript:
Previously on TrailRecon, We started our Journey on the Rubicon trail.
Previously on our Day 1 episode of the Rubicon trail, we tackled some amazing obstacles to finally reach camp at Buck Island Lake. Here are a few highlights.
We were not even 100 yards from our campsite and the Rubicon started throwing the challenges at us once again and this was just small taste of what was to come, because day 2 would turn out to be even more challenging than day 1. With Big Sluice and Cadillac hill on the agenda for the day, we would put all our rigs and drivers skills to the test.
It wasn’t long until we reached the marker letting us know we had reached Big Sluice. And from first glance, it didn’t look all that tough, but the further along you go, the more challenging it get’s….. I’ll say that Big Sluice is the most technical section of trail I’ve ever been through.
After a short while we had reached the toughest part of Big Sluice…… there is no easy line here, just good tire placement and take it nice and slow.
One of our rigs had slipped off a rock while making the sharp left turn down the hill and got high center pretty good. So we broke out the winch and tried to pull her to the rear, but after several attempts and stacking some rocks, it just wasn’t working.
So, we carefully hooked her winch up to a tree on the down slope. This was a little sketch because she was so close to the edge…. But we were able to get her safely back on track.
And you know, when you get high centered like that… your’e going to get a little razzing from the team!
We reached Rubicon springs in pretty good time. And I have to say, what a great place to camp, but we were on a mission…. And up next were a few more obstacles and then Cadillac Hill
We finally reached the base of Cadillac Hill You need to be fully alert on the way up because it’s a really big drop to the passenger side. And if I’m honest, I’m not one for heights, so getting a little off camber and leaning towards the edge was a little hairy. Thankfully with a little patients and our awesome spotters, we all made it up safely.
Reaching the top of the mountain at observation point is really a rewarding feeling and time for a little celebrations , but mother nature ended any celebration were going to have the second the last Jeep made it up the hill, because the rain and lighting came crashing down on us.
So we barely had time to snap a couple pictures, and then it was back on the trail Thankfully, except for a few small obstacles, the drive out was pretty mild.
4:18 - Kauffman's Corner
5:03 - Big Sluice Start (Watch rock install video on RTF Channel)
9:11 - Property Line (This is after Big Sluice, which ends at Scout Hole/Sawtooth)
12:27 - Big Sluice Hairpin (This is before Property Line)
12:45 - Green Bridge
13:12 - Rubicon Springs
13:23 - Caretaker-Dance Floor Jeepers Jamboree
14:07 - Cadillac Hill approach (Just after Syd's Grave)
15:38 - Cadillac Hill Hairpin
15:44 - Morris Rock approach
16:05 - Morris Rock
16:28 - Cadillac Frame (On right next to Yellow Jeep) This is before Morris Rock
16:50 - V Rock (this is before Morris Rock and most dangerous obstacle on trail BY FAR)
17:10 - Morris Rock (Looking from Top)
18:01 - Observation
18:36 - Tahoe Staging Area
You prolly dont care at all but does someone know of a method to get back into an Instagram account??
I somehow lost my login password. I appreciate any tips you can offer me
@Yusuf Dustin Thanks for your reply. I found the site on google and Im waiting for the hacking stuff atm.
Looks like it's gonna take quite some time so I will reply here later with my results.
That's it... I want a Jeep. Memories of wheelin' in my Dad's old CJ5 keep coming back to me. I was very young when he had that, and I remember thinking we were going to die because I didn't understand how capable Jeeps are. These videos are epic, btw... VERY well done, Sir.
One of the best rubicon documentaries, I tried to do a video but the trail was so brutal I had to put the camera down and concentrate on the trail.. Thanks for your work
It's not an easy trail to film, but it was great to have a team with me that was patient while I broke out the camera a few times. Thank you!
@@TrailRecon Brad, can you delete the scammers reply on my location time stamp that you pinned. Thanks.
I'd be fearful riding a horse through that "Trail" 😮
damn! well done TrailRecon you finished the best video of the Rubicon and captured the essence of why this trail is rated a 10
I like the split audio with the music and the outdoors/jeep noise. It's like we're in the jeep with you listening to the radio, haha
That's awesome, I'm really glad you felt you were along for the ride!
Nice job pushing yourself and your Jeep. The most impresive part... You actually remembered to film through the entire thing! Thanks for another intertaining video.
Great job guys! You all really pulled for each other the way it needs to be done on that trail.
You're now expert wheelers! Everyone who makes it through without breaking or major damage deserves a lot of credit!
These two videos... wow. Great job. Great editing and of course wheeling
Thank you!
Man, I'm going to watch these two videos again back to back on my big tv tonight after I put the kids to bed. You capture this so perfectly, spot on, just awesome! Brings back so many memories. I have never actually seen or done big sluice in the day time. We always go all the way to Rubicon Springs on the first day, so it's ALWAYS dark by the time we get to it lol. Cool to see it so nicely shot in the day time to really see it.
WOW! I can't imagine doing Big Sluice at night. Challenging enough during the day... my hat is off to you!
Brad, as usual, thanks for bringing us along for the ride. Great footage, the Rubicon is clearly not for the faint of heart!!
Thank you! The Rubicon is a special trail and being equipped and prepared is essential.
Rich Beach I won’t ever go
Looks like an Imperial Valley onion sack hanging off the back of Chappy's jeep. Great idea. Cheap and functional. Another great video !!!
WOW! Amazing video and edit. Thanks for hard work of driving that trail and shooting video to capture it all. That was fun to watch and follow along with you. Not sure I believe the part about having the best night's sleep in that back of your cramped Wrangler, but I'll let it go.
Thanks for the adventure and all the hard work put in!
Now I know I need to put in a lot more work into my XJ project to deal with the nastiness of the Rubicon!
Heading out to the garage now to finish up work on my Rock Rails. An important upgrade for these type of trails. LOL!
I'd love to see an "Aftermath" video of the damage done to your Jeep and how well all your upgrades faired.
Can't wait for the next adventure!
LOL! Okay, not the best night sleep, but I slept pretty well... better than sleeping in a tent on the ground for sure. I'm not sure I'll ever take our XJ on the Rubicon, would require so much additional work. Saw a few of them on the trail though.... very well built!
8:58 Impressive Flex , whole show was Awesome !
Another awesome video TrailRecon!!! Brad not only are you great at making videos and showing everyone our adventures, you are a great person to wheel with. Of course you're always around when I get high centered.
Always a great time on the trail with you Amy! I never wish for you to get high centered... but when it happens, it makes for good video! :)
Amy is your rig a manual?? I just ordered a 2021 manual 2 door and I'm unbelievably excited.. not as many trails up here in Ontario, Canada its more of a mud bog environment unfortunately. And thanks for another great video Brad!! P.s. I know I'm years late with this comment lol
Awesome day 1 and 2!!! It was like watching a great adventurous movie! It felt like I was right there with everybody. Wish I could have been. I loved it!
It was a great adventure, glad you enjoyed!
I felt like I was their. I really enjoy your videos. Keep them coming.
Really appreciate it... more trail adventures to come in the next couple months.
Great video on both part 1 and 2. We just completed the Rubicon, and hadn’t realized just how tough the trail was going to be. It was just my wife and I and our 1 1/2 year old. Being on our own made for a real white knuckle drive and I was upset with myself for even getting ourselves into such a tough trail without a group being with us. We were lucky to have help on one occasion where we got ourselves in trouble and needed help to prevent a rollover. Cadillac hill was also a point where we blew a tire heading up and I was on my own to try and secure the vehicle while changing the tire which required digging out rocks under the wheel just to get the new tire on (and that was after deflating it). Lots of under vehicle carnage... I recommend some good armor for this trail and definitely don’t go it alone.
Incredible view out the back of the Jeep! Can’t wake up any better than that!!
Having lived in the Tahoe basin on the N.shore for the past 30 years it was a pleasure to watch from the start to the end. Have been down to Rubicon springs many a time but never in a vehicle but always by Moto. But with age comes the cage and A/C lol 😂. This year we had some impressive thunderstorms and copious amounts of rain fall. Hopefully you spent some time at the lake before heading home.
It was raining the evening we hit the Tahoe and our work schedules didn't allow much time to visit.... I'll be going back!
Great Day2 video Brad. The trail was relentless for 2 days but in the end it was all worth it.
Worth every minute of it.... an amazing 2 day adventure! Thanks brother!
I just ran the Rubicon this last weekend for the first time. Thank you for the videos Master Chief, they helped out alot.
Just finished these videos; I think these give the must complete picture of what it's like to run the Rubicon. Can't wait to give it a go. Thanks so much.
Thank you, Brad, for an awesome video...great job! The spotters were amazing.
Incredible footage! Thanks for putting this together and including so much of the trail and surrounding areas. I really want to get a feel for what to expect when I finally get around to tackling the Rubicon.
This Bucket List series has given me the kick in the rear to build my 14 JKUR for this trip. This and Moab are both at the top of my bucket list. Keep up the great vids!
I've got plans to get to Moab this year... time to check it off my bucket list. Thank you!
Another great video keep up the good work 👍 Such beautiful country thanks for sharing 🇺🇸
Thank you!
Don't know much about it but I appreciate that you humble yourself and showed your problems
Glad to see you guys enjoying the Tahoe Sierras...there are some nice fire roads round there as well. Wish you guys showed some nite time shenanigans, dinner by fireside etc. Keep the great posts coming TrailRecon.
Hello my good friend I enjoy your show it so beautiful country and beautiful view I love the country
Another amazing video from Brad! Love going on these epic adventures with you and your crew! Absolutely beautiful scenery, hard core wheeling, and the camaraderie of several close friends! Just can’t beat it! Flat out love the Trail Recon channel!
Wow!!! this trail is incredible. I would never do this as a driver, i lack the skills but would love to do it as a passenger. I can see it would be mentally draining. Well done team I take my hats off to you
Brad, that was fun to watch. Thank you for your efforts.
I watch a ton of off-roading/overlanding videos on YT.
I subscribe to TrailRecon because I enjoyed your videos to see the places I could go to have fun outdoors.
Because of your channel content, I bought a Rubicon JLU form your friends at Redlands CJDR in May and love it.
Again, I watch a lot of vids on YT, and commend you on your knowledge of overlanding/Off-Roading,
But... Your video skills are THE BEST!!
Favorite channel of all time!!!
Thank you so much, really appreciate your comment!
Loved day 2. Got us excited to tackle the Rubicon some day.
Just re-watched this video and I gotta say…. Those cooper pros look amazing on the Jeep. Can’t wait to get those on my rig!
Your also right there by Lake Tahoe. Take a day and drive around the lake. Great views,shops and restaurants along the way.
Great 2 part video. Good editing to show the highlights. Thanks.
Excellent! I really enjoy your work. Thank you.
Thank you!
Great video. One of the better produced Rubicon trips I've seen made on TH-cam. I'd love to do this trail but I don't think my 16' 4Runner is well suited for this sort of rock crawling.
Thanks! Having your rig well prepared is essential for making it through the Rubicon!
Awesome trip and awesome job Brad. Have been talking to guys in our group and hoping for next spring, weather permitting. Thanks for the videos.
Doing this trail with a great group of folks adds to the amazing experience! Thanks!
All your yellow warninglight are on..
Awesome trail!
Absolutely amazing video man I would love for you guys and everyone else in the future the give a basic rundown of all the jeeps in play lift size tire size suspension set up etc..
Great suggestion, I'll see about incorporating that in the future. Thanks!
Like always! The next vídeo is the best! Keep it up brother!
That was a mega trail, well done you guys. Good video Brad thanks mate.
Very nice and as always thanks for sharing. Cadillac Hill looks intense!
I was gripping the steering wheel pretty good up Cadillac Hill, but slow and steady will get you to the top.
Watched both days videos back to back. These are excellent for entertainment and the trail recon! We just rode dirt bikes on the trail for recon before taking the JKU out on it.. Thanks for the great video!
Another great video!
Thank you!
Awesomeness Brad, well done!!
Thank you!
Great two video series brother! Definitely on my list!
Thank you!
amazing amazing footage! this is definitely on my bucket list.
Thank you! Hope you are able to cross it off your list soon!
Amazing footage. Doing the trail this summer with some friends. Thanks for the great look of what it is going to take.
Another great video. This trail is Definitely on my bucket list. A lot of MODS to go and $ saving before I can swing it. I live on the East Coast so quite a long drive to get there. I will NOT do this trail without my Rig.
Thank you! We ran into a guy on the trail that drove from the East Coast and was doing the trail solo.... I recommend doing it with friends.
looks like you guys got the late season mud to contend with! Great video
Wow that was incredible!! Thank you!
What a great video !
I have watched many of your documentations and have been to some of these trails, especially around Moab.
However the Rubicon is still to be done. My truck is of the kind which is used as dump truck for the Rubicon trail service.
Best regards from Germany !
Wow that was awesome and intense. Thanks for sharing your adventure it was amazing and all the rigs performed really well.
Thanks for a very enjoyable 2-part tour throught the Rubicon Trail! Your videos are great, high quality films presented in a relaxed and pleasant manner =) Used to live in Reno back in the 90s and owned a Jeep well suited to go there, but never made it (stil on my list though)...
This looks like a super fun trail.
Fantastic video, One of the best RT videos I've seen. Thanks! That trail has been on my list for several years. We did Ouray last year so this is our next planned adventure.
Thank you very much! I can't wait to get out to Colorado and do some wheeling!
Great production! This lets me know what awaits when I start.
Quality work. Thank you.
Thank you sir!
You guys are awesome. I love your adventure videos. Keep it up.
Great vid Brad!
Than you!
Still haven’t figured how to give a thumbs up watching thru TH-cam app on 🍎TV !!!! So I’m doing it on my 📱..... I will get to Patreon, Brad!
Just absolutely amazing video quality, production values and story telling! Looks like you all had a ball, keep the good work and thanks for sharing !!!!!!
I like watching TH-cam on Apple TV, but you are right, would be nice if you could give thumbs up there. Thanks for the support, really appreciate it!
Always wanted to run the Rubicon. after watching this I definitely have to go. Awesome Vid.
6:29 Holy Cow!
She got a little flex there!
Great video! Very well made and extremely inspiring!
I noticed not too many had differential skids. I was a passenger on a ride there back in 2001. The scenery is breathtaking.
Watched again now after a year. Amazing filming, amazing trail and so great walk through. Best coverage on u-tube. My dream to do the trail!
Great video you do some amazing stuff with your editing. Can’t wait to do this Trail. Loved your video
Thank you! I really enjoy editing these types of videos... still have a lot to learn. I hope you get to cross this trail off your bucket list some day!
TrailRecon me to thinking next spring
Oh yeah, it's on my bucket list but I don't think a stock Rubicon is gonna make it through some of those rocky sections. Looked like the smallest tire a Jeep had in your group was a 35 and the lift on that silver Jeep looked like 3 inches.
WOW Brad! Once again another amazing video. Very well done, editing, narration and footage. TV documentary special??? I could see it happening! This would give someone thinking about running the Rubicon Trail an inside look of what they will encounter.
Thanks you! I really tried to document as much of the trail as I could and still enjoy take time to enjoy the trip. Don't think I'll every be TV worthy! LOL!
Great videos Brad... my family has been into keeps since I was young... now mid 30’s and recently bought a 97 TJ.....( stolen last week, but recovered by police...). Waiting to get it back tomorrow from the impound lot....
Always wanted to do the Rubicon Trail.... and soon moving to Colorado will make that dream come true living a bit closer....
Great job with all the videos. Has inspired me to return to the Jeep world....👋
So sorry to hear about your TJ, great to hear it was recovered... hopefully it's all ok!
TrailRecon unfortunately they totaled it. But found one a couple hrs away ..... picking it up next week
great job videoing this- been there a few times and I think you captured it - nice job
Thank you for the great video! Plan on doing the Rubicon in two weeks with my XJ
Awesome Video. Being that I have been on the Rubicon in my YJ, it was a great video to watch. Great work!
What memories I was there in 1996 and got on Jeeps
I'll be the trail was a bit different in 96.... great memories for sure!
TrailRecon how do payments for the ads work? Do i need to watch them all the way through for you to get paid?
BRONCO 2021! Slap that Rubicon logo on it when I'm done!
Awesome trip would love to try it some day noticed your rock slider worked very well to be oem
Very thankful for the rock sliders... they were well used on the Rubicon!
Great videos as are all your videos. Very well put together. I gotta admit though, after watching this series I could do about 1/2 a day of the Rubicon then I need some more open space.
That was a great video !! Nice Job !! Thank you !!
Thank you!
Wonderful vlog!
nicely done and I have to do that, but first need to lift
A lift will surely help! Thanks!
U guys have no idea how much newbies like me take away from your videos! I'm a new JK owner I love watching the lines you take! Im not sure if you do this on your channel with every run you make but in the future can you add the minimal upgrades you should have on your jeep to run trails like this?
Wow! These videos are waaaaay too short. On to the next one.
Hands down best rubicon trail documentary I’ve ever seen. Great work. What was your suspension and tire setup for this trail? Is 2.5” and 35s on a JKUR doable?
Amazes me people running doors on this trail, it’s a Jeep they come off 👍✌️
Great video!
excellent vid!
Thank you!
Well documented! It is on top of my bucket list, if it wasnt this video would have put it there! Thank you for the awesome show!!
Excellent videos! Sub'd. Look forward to more.
Thanks and welcome to the channel!
amazing!
Spotter, spotter, spotter, wow time to change out your spotter on the first day. I have never seen so much witching on this trail, ever. Glad nobody broke anything and everyone made the trip. Any jeep with 33s and lockers will enjoy the journey with a good spotter.
Bucket list for me as well
6:28 was the money shot
Brad I noticed you upgraded fender flares, what type? Also, any issues with your spare tire, or did you upgrade that too?
Your really lucky to have such an awesome jeep club and trails in your part of the country!
I had to cut my fenders because of rubbing issues, hope to replace them in the future. Spare tire mount is still stock, but needs to be upgraded. Thanks!
TrailRecon Thabks for the update, the flares look good the way they are. Stock tire carrier holding up nicely. The stuff your tackling is no joke, something to be said about JK’s. Nice work!
ANY chance the SDJC/TR could have you do a video on the group rig check you all did before you hit the road? Thanks for sharing the ride
Sorry, we didn't do a lot of filming. We basically went over every suspension component. It's always good to have a couple sets of eyes take a look at your rig... they often see things you have overlooked.
GREAT VIDEOS
This is My list item as well building My Wj to do it.
Nice vid. That trail is my back yard me and the lady want to take my zj by road from Reno past Moab and wheel that to Sedona area then up through Cali hit rubicon and then through fordyce into truckee for a complete trip this summer if any of y’all are into that