Summary
History of the Auburn Jeep Club The Auburn Jeep Club, established in 1951 in Auburn, California, holds the distinction of being the oldest Jeep-only club in the United States. It was founded by a group of passionate Jeep enthusiasts who sought to promote responsible off-roading, foster camaraderie among Jeep owners, and enjoy the rugged terrain of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
The founding of the club coincided with a pivotal moment in Rubicon Trail history. In 1950, off-roading pioneer Clyde Sipe successfully bypassed the "True Sluice"—a notoriously difficult section of the trail—making the route more accessible. This accomplishment directly influenced the formation of the Auburn Jeep Club the following year. In 1951, the club held its first annual "Auburn Jeep Club Caravan" over the Rubicon Trail. This event marked the beginning of what would become a cherished tradition and an iconic part of Jeeping culture in Northern California.
The inaugural Rubicon journey featured seven Jeeps and twenty participants, paving the way for future adventures. As the club grew, so did the event’s popularity. By 1953, participation was large enough to require reservations. Just a few years later, in 1956, the trip saw 33 Jeeps and 116 people, underscoring its rising prominence. Today we host 330 participants, with close to 220 rigs.
In addition to trail rides and recreational events, the Auburn Jeep Club has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to community service and land stewardship. The club hosts two major fundraising events annually: a Crab Feed in January/February and the Rubicon Main Trip (formally known as the Caravan) in July. Proceeds from these events support local youth programs, veterans’ initiatives, and off-road trail conservation.
The club works closely with organizations such as the Rubicon Trail Foundation and local government agencies to ensure that trails remain open, sustainable, and enjoyable for future generations. Through these efforts, the Auburn Jeep Club continues to honor its legacy while adapting to the evolving landscape of off-roading and public land use.
From its roots in the adventurous spirit of the early 1950s to its present-day community involvement, the Auburn Jeep Club remains a symbol of enduring tradition, responsible recreation, and the power of a shared passion for the trail.
Proud Moments in Auburn Jeep Club History
Over the decades, the Auburn Jeep Club has not only contributed to the growth of offroading culture but has also played a pivotal role in supporting events and causes that extend beyond the trail. Some of its proudest achievements include:
• Incorporation in 1958: The Auburn Jeep Club was officially incorporated, solidifying its structure and mission as a nonprofit community organization devoted to off-road recreation and stewardship.
• Mark Smith’s Involvement: Legendary off-roading icon Mark Smith participated in the inaugural 1951 caravan. Two years later, in 1953, Smith launched the now world-famous Jeepers Jamboree, inspired in part by the Auburn Jeep Club’s original trail run.
• Tevis Cup Support (Late 1960s–1970s): The AJC provided essential support to the prestigious Tevis Cup, a 100-mile endurance horse race, by transporting veterinary personnel deep into remote forest areas—a critical function that helped ensure the safety of participating horses.
• Western States 100 Support (1980s): In the 1980s, the AJC transported ABC Wide World of Sports television crews into the wilderness so they could cover the Western States 100, the premier 100-mile ultra-marathon, bringing national attention to the event and the region.
• Land Acquisition (2001): The Auburn Jeep Club purchased 5 acres of private property in 2001 to serve as a home base and meeting ground. This property was purchased from none other than Mark Smith, coming full circle with one of the club’s original influencers.
From its pioneering days on the Rubicon Trail to its contributions to legendary endurance events and national broadcasts, the Auburn Jeep Club has continuously embodied the spirit of adventure, service, and camaraderie. Its legacy lives on not only in the trails it rides, but in the community, it supports and the history it helps preserve.
