The Southeast Toyota Land Cruiser Association (STLCA) is planning a bucket-list West Coast trail run in September 2027, tackling two of the most iconic and demanding four-wheel-drive trails in the country: the Rubicon Trail and Fordyce Creek.

This is a serious, self-supported trail trip designed for experienced drivers and properly built vehicles. Please read the details below carefully to make sure this trip is the right fit for you.

Dates & General Plan

• Dates: September 1st – September 8th, 2027
• Start Location: Rubicon Trailhead
• Total Time on Trail: Up to 7 days
  • Rubicon Trail: Up to 4 days
  • Fordyce Creek: Up to 3 days

Labor Day falls during this trip. While the Rubicon will likely see increased traffic around the holiday, local input suggests Fordyce Creek should not experience the same uptick. The plan is to transition off the Rubicon and onto Fordyce accordingly.

Trail conditions, weather, and group progress will ultimately dictate the exact pace and timing.

What This Trip Is — and Is Not

This is:

• A multi-day, self-supported trail run
• A challenging trip on legendary trails
• An experience where vehicle damage and breakage are possible and expected
• A group of capable drivers traveling together, planning and coordinating as peers

This is NOT:

• A guided expedition
• A recovery-on-demand or concierge trail ride
• A beginner or stock-vehicle friendly trip
• An event where others manage your logistics, gear, or preparedness

Every participant is responsible for themselves and their vehicle.

Trail Difficulty & Expectations

Both the Rubicon and Fordyce are well known for their difficulty. These are not “scenic dirt roads.”

• Body damage is possible
• Mechanical failures happen
• Progress can be slow
• Self-recovery is required

If you are uncomfortable with the possibility of trail damage, this is not the trip for you.

Vehicle Requirements (Minimum)

All vehicles must meet minimum requirements to participate:

• 35-inch tires (minimum)
• Lockers Front & Rear
• Winch
• Front and rear recovery points
• Secure battery tie-down
• First aid kit
• Spill kit
• Recovery gear
• Spare parts appropriate to your vehicle

Medevac insurance is not required, but is recommended and available through several providers.

Camping & Self-Sufficiency

This is fully self-supported trail camping.

You must be able to provide everything you need for the entire duration of the trip, including but not limited to:

• Clothing
• Camping gear
• Food
• Water
• Fuel
• Vehicle fluids and consumables
• Personal medical needs

There will be no resupply, no chase vehicles, and no organized support beyond fellow participants.

Travel & Logistics

How you get there is entirely up to you. Participants may trailer their vehicle, ship their vehicle, or drive out.

Regardless of how you travel, you must be at the Rubicon Trailhead the morning of September 1st. That is where the trip officially begins.

Optional Post-Trip Exploration

There has been informal discussion around additional trail riding in places like Moab after the completion of Rubicon and Fordyce. This is not officially scheduled or organized by STLCA. Anyone interested is encouraged to coordinate independently with other participants if time and resources allow.

Registration & Contribution

To register for this trip:

• $100 per vehicle is required
• This is not a trail fee
• 100% of the payment will be donated to the Rubicon Trail Foundation upon completion of the trip

Once payment is received, you will be added to a private GroupMe chat with other participants for planning, coordination, and discussion leading up to the trip.