Day one: Loon Lake to Buck Island
The Rubicon Trail kicked off with a bang as we rolled out from Loon Lake, tires crunching over the rocky terrain, ready for an adventure. The trail wasted no time testing our mettle, and by the end of the day, we had stories, new friends, and a few battle scars to show for it.
Early on, we met several off-roaders, including a father-daughter team (Tucker and Grace) with a shiny Ford Bronco. Now, as Jeep folks, we could’ve raised an eyebrow, but the trail has a way of bringing people together. We bonded over shared struggles, swapping tips and laughs while navigating the granite slabs. They turned out to be great company, proving that good vibes trump brand rivalries any day. We even camped with them along the way.
Trials along the way
My son, piloting his stock Jeep with 35-inch tires, gave it his all, but we ended up winching him off a couple of rocks after getting hung up. No shame in it—those obstacles are no joke for a rig without a lift. The Soup Bowl was my first big challenge. I took a run at it twice, but the steep, slick rocks shut me down both times.
Things took a turn at Arnold’s Rock. My Jeep, affectionately dubbed Foxy, caught a bad break and took a hit to the left rear fender. The crunch was painful to hear, but it’s the Rubicon—scratches are just part of the deal. We pressed on, determined to make it to Buck Island.
How legends are made
At one point, we crossed paths with a grizzled trail veteran in a Jeep CJ5. He casually mentioned it was his 104th run on the Rubicon with that same Jeep since 1984. Talk about a legend! His rig was a time capsule of dings and scratches, each one a badge of honor. He shared some wisdom about line choice on the tougher sections, which we tucked away for later.
The making of epic experiences
The trail had other plans. Progress was slow, and by the time we neared Buck Island, night had fallen. We were navigating by flashlight, picking our way through unfamiliar terrain. Finding a campsite in the dark felt like a roll of the dice, but luck was on our side. We snagged a spot, set up camp under headlamps, and collapsed into our tents, exhausted but buzzing from the day.
Morning brought the payoff. We woke to a jaw-dropping view of Buck Island Lake, its glassy surface reflecting the Sierra peaks. The struggles of the day before—failed attempts, fender damage, and fumbling in the dark—faded against that backdrop. Day 1 was a wild ride, but with new friends, epic stories, and this view, we’re ready for whatever the Rubicon throws at us next.
