Our Mission

What is RTF?

The Rubicon Trail Foundation is a federally recognized, non-profit organization dedicated to the future health of the Rubicon Trail.

Our EIN for tax purposes is: 20-1397705

Our mailing address is:
PO Box 2188
Placerville, CA 95667

RTF acts as the support for Rubicon work projects and as liaison with local government organizations. This support can range from getting approval for projects from the appropriate agencies, to feeding the volunteers, to buying the supplies needed to maintain the trail.  We also fight the efforts of others to close or restrict use of the Rubicon Trail System.

Our Officers and Directors represent a wide variety of Rubicon Trail users and supporters.

What is the Rubicon Trail?

The Rubicon Trail existed before Europeans ever stepped foot on the continent having been in use as an Indian trading route. Starting in the mid-1800's, explorers first started to make note of the unique terrain that has become known as the modern day Rubicon Trail.

The Rubicon Trail historically runs from Georgetown, CA to Tahoma, CA at Lake Tahoe. It started as an Indian trade route, became a stagecoach route and is currently one of the premier 4-wheel drive trails in the country. The first vehicle to drive the trail was 1908. Jeeps started regular use of the trail in the ‘50’s soon after WW II.

RUBICON HISTORY

Maintenance Efforts

Prior to 2000, the trail was cleaned occasionally but large maintenance projects were rarely done. In 2000, the trail was threatened with possible closure on the Tahoe side. This threat spawned the current Friends of the Rubicon, which mobilized over 200 volunteers to keep the trail open.