Old Sluice

5/5 (13 reviews)
Pollock Pines, California (El Dorado County)
Last Updated: 02/01/2023

Trail Information

Highlights

Old Sluice is a short, but near-extreme and almost forgotten section of the Rubicon Trail in the Eldorado National Forest outside of Pollock Pines, California. Where the more common Rubicon route travels across the lower granite slabs known as Indian Trail, this higher and more challenging route will seriously test your rig. Old Sluice is arguably the most difficult section of the Rubicon Trail. This is the reason most bypass it. With one obstacle after another, after another, after another, plus some serious views of Buck Island Lake and Miller Creek on the mountainside above Rubicon Springs, Old Sluice will keep an experienced wheeler entertained four a couple hours or more. If you're running the Rubicon for the first time and pushing just to get through it, Old Sluice is probably not for you... This trail is tough. If you feel you should bypass it, there is no shame in that, but if you're up for the challenge and your rig is built for it, you'll love wheeling Old Sluice.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

5/5 (13)
Official Crew
78800
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 02/01/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

The closure 🙄 is over. Trail is open.
Official Crew
78800
Temporary Closure
Rated 5/5
Visited: 12/30/2022

Controversial Temporary Closure in place by Eldorado County. Potentially for 60 days 😠
Official Crew
78800
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 09/27/2022

The trail is open again! 🥳
Official Crew
78800
Temporary Closure
Visited: 09/11/2022

Temporary closure due to a the Mosquito Fire.
Official Crew
78800
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 06/13/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

This trail is suitable for Trackers 😉

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