Event Overview
Welcome to the Inaugural Auburn Jeep Club Black Label Rubicon Experience. Over three days, you will traverse the full Rubicon Trail, enjoy fully supported meals, and relax at the Auburn Jeep Club's private property—our hidden gem deep in the forest. Our goal is to deliver an unforgettable, premium offroad adventure.
The Auburn Jeep Club's goal is to deliver an unforgettable Black Label adventure—one that blends rugged wheeling with the beauty and history of the great outdoors. Guests will enjoy sweeping scenic views, trail history, and unique points of interest along the legendary Rubicon Trail. We're creating a premium experience built around incredible trail runs, hearty meals, time to unwind, and the camaraderie that only comes from sharing the trail with fellow Jeepers. Whether you're climbing granite or relaxing fireside at camp, our aim is for you to leave feeling refreshed, inspired, and already excited to return next year.
We anticipate this event will sell out, and participation is limited to 40 total guests. All rigs are welcome as long as they meet the minimum vehicle requirements listed below.
Event pricing is $1,500 per Jeep/Rig and includes two occupants. Additional third and fourth occupants may be added for $750 each. Solo drivers are welcome at a reduced rate of $1,250.
This is a family‑friendly event, and the minimum age to participate is 18 years old.
Day One — Friday, September 11, 2026
Tahoma Staging → Buck Island Lake → AJC Property
6:00 – 7:15 AM — Check-In & Staging (Tahoma Trailhead)
- Event check-in
- Continental Breakfast Served
- Air down as required
- Group lineups and vehicle inspections
- Final gear and safety checks
7:15 AM — Mandatory Drivers Meeting
- Safety briefing
- Trail conditions update
- Group assignments
- Communications check
7:30 AM — First Group Departs
Groups roll out in staggered intervals. Begin the east-to-west Rubicon run.
~12:00 PM — Lunch at Buck Island Lake
(Timing dependent on trail traffic)
- Lunch served upon arrival
- Time to swim, relax, and enjoy the granite
- Prep rigs for the afternoon push
1:30 PM — Depart Buck Island Lake
Continue toward the Auburn Jeep Club Property.
6:00 – 7:00 PM — Arrival at AJC Property
- Settle into camp
- Relax and enjoy the private grounds
Evening — Dinner at AJC Property
- Hot meal served at camp
- Social time, campfire, and unwinding after Day One
Day Two — Saturday, September 12, 2026
AJC Property Basecamp + Optional Trail Runs
7:00 – 9:00 AM — Breakfast
9:00 – 10:00 AM — Prep for Optional Trail Runs
Participants may choose from two guided AJC excursions:
Run 1 — Wentworth Springs & Back (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
4–5 hour run. Scenic out-and-back with moderate pace and classic Rubicon terrain. Return to camp early afternoon to enjoy AJC Camp amenities.
Run 2 — Spider Lake Swim Run (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
5–7 hour run. Trail ride to Spider Lake with time to relax and swim. Return mid-afternoon to enjoy AJC Camp amenities.
Alternative: Relax at AJC Property
Guests may choose to stay at camp and enjoy:
- Walks to Loon Lake
- Horseshoes
- Cornhole
- Shade, hammocks, and downtime
Evening — Dinner at AJC Property
- All groups return
- Dinner served at camp between 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Campfire atmosphere and camaraderie
Day Three — Sunday, September 13, 2026
AJC Property → Loon Lake → Departure
7:00 – 9:00 AM — Breakfast
9:00 – 11:00 AM — Pack Up
- Break down camp
- Load gear
- Prep vehicles for departure
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM — Depart for Loon Lake
Short, scenic exit from AJC property. Regroup at Loon Lake staging area.
At Loon Lake — Air Up & Departure
- Air up tires
- Final goodbyes
- Begin the journey home
Registration Includes
- Full guided Rubicon Trail experience (all three days)
- Support staff, trail leaders, and logistics coordination
- Mechanics, tools, and welders on the trail for breakdowns — nobody left behind
- All meals on and off the trail (lunches will be bag lunches on the trail)
- Access to the private Auburn Jeep Club Property
- Clean restroom facilities and hot showers on AJC property
- Secured campsite
- Loon Lake access to beach (seasonal)
- Horseshoe pit and cornhole pit
- Music, bar, and raffle
Pricing
Event pricing is $1,500 per Jeep/Rig and includes two occupants. Additional third and fourth occupants may be added for $750 each. Solo drivers are welcome at a reduced rate of $1,250.
Minimum age to participate is 18 years old.
Pack It In – Pack It Out
Help us protect the Rubicon Trail. Everything you bring in must leave with you.
- PETT system or equivalent (must pack out waste)
- There are facilities located throughout the Rubicon Trail for your use
- AJC provides clean restroom facilities and hot showers
Vehicle Requirements & Rules
Absolutely Not Allowed
- No off‑road trailers — no exceptions
- No pets — no exceptions
- No bumper‑mounted or hitch‑mounted cargo racks
Required for All Vehicles
- Registered for the event
- Valid insurance
- Street‑legal or green‑sticker compliant
- Seat belts for all occupants
- Roll bar or factory hard top
- Front and rear tow points
- Secured fire extinguisher
AJC Recommendations for the Rubicon Trail
These items are not mandatory but strongly recommended:
- 3.5" lift and 35" off‑road tires (minimum recommended)
- Functional parking brake
- Tow strap with loops (rated for 2× vehicle weight)
- First aid kit
- Hi‑Lift jack
- Spare tire within 3" of your running tires (no temporary spares)
- Proper battery hold‑downs (no bungees)
- Skid plates for gas tank, transfer case, and transmission
- Working low‑range
- Locker in front or rear
- Rock sliders
- Extra fuel for older vehicles (5‑gallon can recommended)
- Spare parts: drivelines, u-joints, oil
Pre‑Departure Maintenance Checklist
Trail breakdowns are often preventable. Inspect your vehicle thoroughly before arriving.
Mechanical & Fluids
- Engine oil
- Brake fluid
- Transmission oil
- Radiator coolant
- Power steering system
- Gear oil (transfer case & differentials)
- Fuel system & hoses (check for cracks/leaks)
- Water pump
- Alternator output
- Ignition components
- Fan belts
- Air filter
Safety & Structure
- Battery charges, holds charge, and is secured
- Drive shaft U‑bolts tightened
- No cracks in frame
- Brake lines, pads, and shoes
- Shocks & springs
- Seat belts
- Winch & cable condition
General Hardware
- Lug nuts tightened
- Tires inspected for wear/damage
- All bolts/nuts checked for looseness
- All fittings greased (u‑joints, steering, etc.)
Accommodations & Parking
Lodging Options
Sunnyside Restaurant & Lodge — Tahoe City, CA
Phone: (530) 583‑7200
Distance to Trailhead: 9 miles / 18 minutes
Granlibakken Tahoe — Tahoe City, CA
Phone: (530) 583‑4242
Distance to Trailhead: 10 miles / 20 minutes
Basecamp Tahoe City — Tahoe City, CA
Phone: (530) 580‑8430
Distance to Trailhead: 11 miles / 22 minutes
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa & Casino — Incline Village, NV
Phone: (775) 832‑1234
Distance to Trailhead: 27 miles / 45 minutes
Harrah's Lake Tahoe — Stateline, NV
Phone: (775) 588‑6611
Distance to Trailhead: 29 miles / 50 minutes
Trailer Parking
- Tahoe Staging Area — Start of trail off Rubicon McKinney Road
- Park only in designated areas
- Free parking
- Check with your hotels if staying overnight — they may accommodate parking
What to Bring
The Sierra Nevada can swing from hot days to cold nights. Be prepared for changing weather and afternoon thunderstorms.
Camping & Comfort
- Tent
- Sleeping bag & pillow
- Air mattress or sleeping pad
- Clothing for hot and cold conditions
- Jacket for evenings
- Camp chairs
- Swimsuit & towel
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Cooler with beverages & plenty of water
- Snacks
- Tarp (highly recommended)
Personal Items
- Medications
- Sunscreen & insect repellent
- Camera or GoPro
- Fishing gear & license
- Rubber‑soled or water shoes
- Small first aid kit
- Portable shower (optional)
Sanitation
- PETT system or equivalent (must pack out waste)
- There are facilities located throughout the Rubicon Trail for your use
- AJC provides clean restroom facilities and hot showers
Contact
We look forward to hosting you on the Rubicon Trail. For questions or concerns please reach out to our Club Event Coordinators:
- Zack Holm: 530-305-8676
- Kevin Perrine: 916-869-8296
- Jeff Scott: 916-417-4983
- Rob Huckins: 530-906-1213
