Old Sluice

Trail Overview

Old Sluice is the original route of the Rubicon Trail, a historic path that has evolved into one of the most extreme sections of this legendary 22-mile off-road challenge in California's Sierra Nevada. Over the years, it has transformed into a beastly stretch with massive rock shelves, huge boulders, and tight squeezes that test even the most capable rigs. While most Rubicon users opt for the smoother granite slabs of the Indian Trail--now considered the main bypass or primary route--those seeking to push their vehicles and skills to the limit will find Old Sluice to be the ultimate proving ground. This section embodies why the Rubicon is a legend. Beyond the jaw-dropping scenery near Spider Lake and Buck Island Lake, Old Sluice offers a raw challenge steeped in history, with every rock telling a story of decades of off-road conquests. Unlike Little Sluice, which was tamed by modifications in 2012, Old Sluice remains largely untouched by heavy intervention, preserving its rugged, old-school character. That lack of alteration keeps it unpredictable--heavy winters can shift boulders or erode sections, ramping up the difficulty year to year. Groups like the Rubicon Trail Foundation and Friends of the Rubicon (FOTR) perform maintenance, but their focus leans toward sustainability rather than softening this beast of an obstacle. Named for its resemblance to a gold-mining sluice box, Old Sluice is a narrow, boulder-filled chute that drops steeply. The terrain features massive granite slabs, off-camber angles, and tight gaps that leave little margin for error. Traction is a constant struggle on the polished rocks and loose debris, and the steep grade means gravity is always pulling your rig downward, ready to punish any misstep. Huge rocks--some as big as small cars with sharp edges--threaten tires and undercarriages, making careful line choice critical. Most agree it's as tough as, if not tougher than, Little Sluice, depending on conditions. Old Sluice doesn't get the same spotlight as Little Sluice--it's not the historical spectator hub--but it sneaks up on you with its difficulty. It's a spot where rigs get hung up, tip over, or break just as often, earning respect among veteran Rubicon runners as a true test of driver skill and rig capability. You can't muscle your way through; it demands strategy and finesse. The historical vibe adds to its allure--it feels like a time capsule, reflecting the Rubicon's roots as a Native American footpath and 19th-century stagecoach route, as well as the early days of 4x4 exploration during the Jeepers Jamboree in the 1950s. The best way to run Old Sluice is to climb it, starting from the Buck Island Lake side and heading toward Spider Lake. The narrow trail makes passing difficult, so most choose this uphill direction for better control and safer traffic flow. For experienced rock crawlers, Old Sluice is the heart of why they run the Rubicon--it's the hardest section, often bypassed by the majority, but the one that delivers the ultimate challenge and reward for those willing to take it on.

Photos of Old Sluice

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Difficulty

There are no easy bypasses in Old Sluice, if it's too hard you should turn around and use the more common route "Indian Trail" to get around. There are steep climbs with big boulders and shelves to climb here.

Technical Rating

Old Sluice can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SUV
• SxS (60")
• ATV (50")
• Dirt Bike