- All meals
- Trail Support
- Mechanics on hand
- Entertainment
- Wilderness permits available in camp (Permits are mandatory for those hiking into the Desolation Wilderness)
- No-Host Bar – Kick back at the iconic Amos’ Place with classic beverages served by the Georgetown Divide Rotary Club
- Endless Sierra Views – From granite slabs to alpine lakes, every mile is packed with stunning natural beauty
- Camaraderie & Community – Meet fellow off-roaders, share stories, and build lifelong memories around the campfire
- Iconic Obstacles – Conquer legendary trail features like Cadillac Hill with expert support
- Guided Exploration – Take in both the Rubicon Trail and Tahoe National Forest with confidence and guidance
- Comfortable Camping – campsites at Rubicon Springs, staff on hand, and meals prepared for you — just bring your rig and gear
- Unmatched Adventure – A true bucket-list experience for UTV enthusiasts of all levels
- Official UTV Con’Quest Attire – Event-branded gear included with registration
- Parts (If Available) – Common repair parts on hand for trail-side fixes
- Fuel (If Available) – Emergency fuel support if you run low on the trail
- Ice Cream – Because nothing beats a cold treat in the middle of the Sierra!
Accommodations
The night before the trip, you’re welcome to camp at Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Loon Lake Chalet Overflow Parking, or Loon Lake Trailhead (Event Staging Area); all are free of charge. For those who prefer hotel accommodations, we encourage you to make your reservations early, as local rooms book up quickly on weekends in the summer.
Click here for more information.
Recommendations
Recommended Equipment
- Working winch
- Spare axles
- Spare tie rods
- Spare tire
- Recovery kit (tow straps, shackles, tree saver, snatch block)
- Tire plug and patch kit
- Do Your Homework: Watch the UTVGuides YouTube video, “How to Prepare for UTV Camping in the Rubicon”
- Photograph the Trail Map: Take a picture of the Rubicon Trail map at the Loon Lake Rubicon Trailhead entrance.
- Air Down Before Departure: Lower your tire pressure for optimal trail performance. Typically, 8-12 psi for beadlock wheels and 12-18 psi for standard wheels, as sidewalls allow.
- Save Your Belt: Always shift into low range before crawling any obstacle.
- Stop Before You Shift: Come to a complete stop with the engine idling before changing gears.
- Know When to Use 4WD: Engage 4WD for any questionable obstacle. Many drivers simply engage it as soon as they reach the trail.
- Know Your Limits: Never drive beyond your skill level.
- Wait for the Vehicle Behind You: Pause at every trail intersection until the next UTV catches up.
- Inspect Daily: Check your UTV each morning before hitting the trail.
- Carry Essential Tools and Spares: Bring axles, fluids, belts, tire repair supplies, tow gear, and a jack.
- Crawl, Don’t Race: Slow and steady is safer and keeps your UTV in one piece.
- Choose Your Line Before You Drive: When possible, follow the successful, safe line taken by the vehicle ahead. If you can’t clearly see the terrain or don’t have a spotter, get out and walk the obstacle first.
- Learn from Others: Watch experienced drivers’ tire placement and approach techniques.
- Approach Obstacles Squarely: Avoid sideways angles on steep climbs to prevent tipping.
- Winch Smart: Use tree savers and properly rated shackles, straps, and winch lines. Stay clear of the winch line when it is under tension.
- Know Your Rollover Point: Learn how your UTV feels as it tilts, and stay well within its limits.
- Pack It In, Pack It Out: Leave the trail cleaner than you found it.
- Electronics: Set up your in-vehicle and vehicle-to-vehicle communications, video recording (GoPros), and travel music.
- Tires: Inspect all tires for cuts, chunks, tears, or sidewall damage.
- Wheel Lugs and Beadlock Bolts: Torque all lugs and beadlock bolts to manufacturer specifications.
- Secure All Cargo: Loose gear can easily end up on the trail.
- Fuel: Make sure your UTV has a full tank.
- Radiator Cap, Fuel Cap, Spark Plugs, and Wiring: Confirm the caps are secure, spark plugs are properly seated, and there are no loose or exposed wires.
- CVT Belt: Inspect for wear or damage and replace if necessary.
FAQ's
How do I sign up for a trip?
You can sign up Online here or by mail to:
UTV Con’Quest
P.O. Box 900
Georgetown, CA 95634
Registrations can also be faxed over at 530-333-0245 or call us 530-333-4771.
Registration opens for the UTV Con’Quest trip on November 1st. Registration cut off is July 7, 2027. All registrations must be completed and the Release of Liability Wavier must be signed by all participants and returned to our office prior to check in. Once completed registrations are submitted, the driver will receive an event confirmation, event itinerary and event tickets by email.
What equipment is required for an ATV or UTV in California?
- Head lamps. Head lamps are required for the operation of ATVs and UTVs from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise. The head lamp must be at least one white light directed toward the front of the vehicle with enough light to reveal persons or vehicles at a distance of at least 200 feet.
- Tail lamps. Tail lamps are required for the operation of ATVs and UTVs from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise. The tail lamp must be at least one red light that is clearly visible from the rear of the vehicle.
- Brakes. The brake system must be in good working order and adequate to control the vehicle in any conditions upon which it is being operated.
- Muffler. An ATV or UTV must be equipped with an adequate muffler or exhaust system that is not equipped with a cutout, bypass or similar device.
- Spark Arrester. A spark arrester is required on any ATV or UTV being operated on any forest-covered land, brush-covered land or grass-covered land. The spark arrester must be certified and rated by the United States Forest Service.
What types of UTV vehicles are allowed to attend the event?
Acceptable vehicles for the UTV Con’Quest are years 2012 and newer with a current OHV green sticker and participant must be properly insured for liability and medical coverage. All UTV’s must have at least 32” off road tires, skid plates and tow hooks. You will be required to have a spark arrester and an extra CVT belt. State of California UTV rules apply. For more vehicle information, recommendations, or approval please contact the office at 530-333-4771.
Who can I bring?
All participants shall be 10 years of age or older (must be 16 years old to drive). There shall be at least one person in every vehicle 18 years of age or older who will be responsible for the occupants of the vehicle. All passengers must wear seat belts and helmets. We also recommend wearing driving gloves. All participants must be registered for the trip. Absolutely NO PETS are allowed to attend any of our trips.
What will the UTV Con’Quest event cost?
- $500.00 per person (18yrs older) and $250 per person (10yrs-17yrs), with a two-person minimum per vehicle. All fees must be paid in advance.
- A $35 charge is assessed for returned checks. All camping fees and meals are included in this price.
- Refunds are based per ticket. Please allow 2 to 14 business days for your refund to be fully processed.
Passenger Changes: Please do not register passengers as placeholders. We are unable to change the passenger on a ticket. A passenger change is treated as a cancellation of the original registration, and a new registration will be created for the new registrant.
- Credit transferred to the new passenger: A flat $35 fee applies. The refund schedule above does not apply.
- Original passenger requests a refund: The refund schedule above applies to the original ticket, and the new passenger pays for their own registration.
| UTV Con’Quest Refund Policy (per ticket) - Please Review | PENALTY |
|---|---|
| Reservations up to 21 days before event | $35.00 |
| From 20 days to 8 days before event | 50% |
| From 7 days to 1 day before event | 80% |
| From event date and beyond | 100% |
| REFUNDS ARE BASED PER TICKET | |
This is my first four-wheel drive event? What kind of driving experience is needed?
No experience is needed. We have a trail leader and trail support to help drivers take the correct lines through the Rubicon Trail.
What does the event registration fee cover?
The registration fees cover all necessary permits, vehicle fees, camping fees, trail support and mechanics. We supply three meals a day starting the day of the event to lunch on the last day as you’re wheeling out. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate special diets and dietary restrictions.
You can contact the office at 530-333-4771 for a menu.
What if my vehicle has mechanical problems while on the trail?
If you have a mechanical problem while on the trail, please inform a trail guide or pull off the trail and wait for assistance. We have trail mechanics to assist with mechanical problems while on the trail. We suggest participants bring spare parts for their vehicle. Breakdowns can delay your trip for hours; please ensure your vehicle is in good running condition before attending the event.
Could my vehicle be damaged on this event?
There is the possibility of damage to your vehicle when traveling the Rubicon Trail. Any damage is the owners responsibly. The Rubicon Trail is rated a 10. It is one of the oldest and toughest four-wheel drive trails in the world. If you fear damaging your vehicle, please do not attend.
Are there bypasses that can be taken to avoid difficult spots?
No, there are no bypasses; moreover, vehicles cannot pull off the road more than 25ft. from the center of the trail. If you are stopping to eat, swim, check your vehicle, etc., pull off just enough so another vehicle can get around you.
Can I have a friend or family member check in for me?
No. The driver of each registered vehicle and all passengers in said vehicle MUST BE PRESENT AT CHECK IN. All signatures need to be on the Release of Liability waiver. These MUST be returned to our office prior to the day of check in. No admission tickets, vehicle stickers, or wristbands will be given without all signatures. NO EXCEPTIONS!
What type of rest-room facilities do you have?
There are port-a-potties at the Loon Lake Dam when you start the trip and a few scattered along the trail. Once you get in to Rubicon Springs Campground, there are several port-a-potties in camp. Participants can also bring their own bucket toilets (must pack out on own – no dumping) and PETT toilet systems
What kind of weather can I expect on the Rubicon?
The weather is unpredictable in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. No matter how warm it may be by day, the nights can get cold and thundershowers are not an uncommon occurrence. Pack for warm and cold weather and bring an extra pair of shoes. Be prepared.
Where do we camp once on the Rubicon Trail?
Once you get to Rubicon Springs Main Camp, a camp host will assist you in finding a camp site. Rubicon Springs is the midpoint of the Rubicon Trail. For example, your trip departs Friday and you will drive the Rubicon Trail until you reach Rubicon Springs. You will then set up camp and stay camped there for the duration of the event. Sunday you will break down camp and drive the Rubicon Trail back out to Loon Lake.
What type of activities will there be once in camp?
Participants can enjoy fishing, hiking, swimming, and meeting fellow off-road enthusiasts. There will be entertainment in the evening after dinner.