Rubicon Trail Foundation Condemns Irresponsible Activities and Urges Responsible Use to Protect Trail Access

PRESS RELEASE
Rubicon Trail Foundation Condemns Irresponsible Activities and Urges Responsible Use to Protect Trail Access

Placerville, CA – July 16, 2026 –The Rubicon Trail Foundation (RTF) is dedicated to enhancing the future health and use of the Rubicon Trail while ensuring responsible, motorized, year-round trail access. This core principle of responsibility is central to our mission and guides everything we do as stewards of this iconic trail.

Recent reports of irresponsible activity (i.e. “drag racing” on Little Sluice) on the Rubicon Trail that the El Dorado Sheriff’s Office is investigating, including unauthorized off-trail travel, resource damage, and other irresponsible behaviors, directly contradict the responsible recreation that has allowed the trail to remain open and sustainable for all users. Such actions harm the environment, create safety hazards, undermine years of volunteer work by Friends Of The Rubicon (FOTR), and threaten continued public access for the entire off-road community.

“These irresponsible activities are not only disappointing but also dangerous to the future of the Rubicon,” said Alan Johnson, President of the Rubicon Trail Foundation. “Our mission emphasizes responsible use because it is the only way to protect this trail for future generations. We strongly urge all users to stay on designated routes, pack out what they pack in, and respect the land.”

Since 2004, the Rubicon Trail Foundation has fought to maintain access against the California Water Board, U.S.F.S., Lahontan Water Quality Control Board, Center for BioDiversity, El Dorado County and individuals intent on closing the iconic trail. Activities such as this, attempt to undermine over 22 years of effort to keep the Rubicon Trail open for responsible, motorized, year-round access.

The Rubicon Trail Foundation will work with El Dorado County Parks, Adopt-A-Trail and FOTR for any actions that maybe required. In addition, the Foundation calls on all trail users to be part of the solution. Responsible recreation is not optional, it is essential to preserving the Rubicon experience we all cherish today, to be enjoyed the same for generations to come.

About the Rubicon Trail Foundation
The Rubicon Trail Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation, protection, and sustainable management of the Rubicon Trail and its surrounding lands. Through volunteer work days, partnerships, education, and advocacy, RTF works to ensure that this iconic off-road trail remains accessible and enjoyable for all users while protecting its natural environment.