The Ultimate Test of Grit and Friendship : Rubicon Trail Pt. 1

[@Venture2Roam]

This was a trip of a lifetime, but it won't be the last time in my life I drive this trail. I hope you enjoy this first episode. Subscribe and click the bell to get notified when the next episode comes out! kzbin.info

[@TerraFirmaX]

DUDE, AWESOME. I'm heading over to part 2

[@RubiconTrailFoundation]

We're so glad you got to enjoy the trail. Next...Call us :) 0:01 - Soup Bowl 0:03 - Gatekeeper 0:20 - Welcome sign painted by Shannon Chard, Trail Boss of Friends Of The Rubicon volunteer group 0:39 - The Bowl 0:47 - Observation Point 3:26 - Hot Rock 10:08 - Ledges/Stair Steps 13:24 - Wentworth Springs Intertie 13:53 - 4 hours! Filming is slow (But you have very high quality video, so worth it.) 15:16 - Thanks Mike. Metal Cloak is a HUGE supporter that gives us the funds when we need it. 16:04 - S Turn Reroute 16:16 - Lower Walker Hill 18:38 - Nobie's Rock 19:27 - EXCELLENT Advice by Mike

[@Venture2Roam]

I'm so happy to see a comment from you on this video. Thank you for the great time stamps...I'll add as many as I can into the chapters of this video. We will 100% call you next time we're there.

[@RubiconTrailFoundation]

@@Venture2Roam Thank you so much for the donation of $100 that came through today. Very appreciated. Next time, we will host you for a night on our property, which because of public donations, the foundation bought and opened 287 acres to the public 24/7/365, which the turn is at the 4.5 marker. We have 4.4 miles of new wheeling and camping available anywhere you want on the 287 acres.

[@zublacus]

@@Venture2Roam Thanks for the donation!

[@Venture2Roam]

@@zublacus Only wish I had more to give. You all provide a stellar example for the rest of the offroad trails out there.

[@Venture2Roam]

@@RubiconTrailFoundation We'd love that. It's a date!

[@OutdoorAuto]

killer video for people new to this sport... giving a real honest walk through of what its like...

[@Venture2Roam]

Thanks Nate!

[@metalcloakmike]

Awesome video and once again, a pleasure wheeling with ya! I had a great time!

[@Venture2Roam]

Thanks Mike. Wish we could have done the whole trail with you…maybe next time.

[@StlrNtn95]

I loved the Rubicon....I think my favorite part was the granite slabs and Buck Island. Both are just so beautiful. Good job on Soup Bowl!

[@Venture2Roam]

The granite slabs reminded me of Moab. Loved that section. In the next ep you'll see LOT of buck island...we LOVED it there.

[@johnanthony6141]

Did the Rubicon Trail in my 392, was the best three days of my life. Soooo cool. I also did it solo, haha never again.

[@Venture2Roam]

Now that takes guts. Respect.

[@jasonvargas1010]

Did you crush your exhaust ?

[@Venture2Roam]

@@jasonvargas1010 A little bit...it's pushed up on one side slightly..but nothing too bad.

[@johnanthony6141]

@@jasonvargas1010 no, I turned up the tips. Easy modification.

[@AveJoeBloShmo]

Glad to see the video. We were the Toyotas at Buck Island!

[@Venture2Roam]

Were you the guys camped right on the dam?

[@AveJoeBloShmo]

Yes, we were welding on the Red Toyota pickup

[@frontierstateoverland3816]

@@AveJoeBloShmo I remember you guys! I got high centered on the rocks right in front of you!

[@stephenlewis8143]

Reach for stars in the sky & shout hallelujah as the eyes (drone) scan down on the granite landscape. The trees, shrubs, streams and lakes make that area a wonder of nature. Many enter from Cal. & then exit into Nev. and along the way, hopefully keep their rigs connected & in 'play'. I'm happy you got to share the event with friends & hopefully when driving or stopping you got to see and sense nature at it finest (in granite 'parks" vs. redrock country, plains or forests).

[@Venture2Roam]

I love this.

[@tonylewis7337]

soup bowl scene made the whole video for me. outstanding!

[@Venture2Roam]

Thank you! Soup Bowl was nuts…I’m so glad we had 4 cameras on it so I could try and put it together from very angle.

[@drewhaight2809]

Video quality is insane! Love it.

[@Venture2Roam]

Thank you!!

[@team4405]

Get it on the Melin hats in this Rubicon series! Greatest hat ever made!

[@Venture2Roam]

I love those hats...wish they didn't cost so much, but at least they are high quality!

[@jonathanchisholm3319]

Awesome video! Sadly, im out in Massachusetts so far from trails like this so thanks for making this!

[@jasonmartin6908]

lol me too cape cod

[@Venture2Roam]

We met some east coasters on the trail. It seemed like a massive commitment to come out though. I think they had their Jeeps shipped to California.

[@jasonmartin6908]

@@Venture2Roam unfortunately for me it’s been medical issues keeping me from going out and exploring the beautiful places this country has to offer! Love watching your videos, keeps me inspired to get back into it. Wish you guys luck and most importantly have fun!

[@santacruzoverlander]

Enjoyed the video this morning with a cup of coffee. Cheers!

[@Venture2Roam]

Cheers!

[@ruben25900]

Man this video has earned my subscription, amazing edit and story telling.

[@Venture2Roam]

I’m so stoked to read this. Thank you for subscribing!!

[@jasonmartin6908]

That’s awesome will nice job can’t wait to see what happens next

[@Venture2Roam]

Episode 2 coming soon!

[@jr_jeep4470]

Congratulations on the start of the Rubicon that is very huge and for taking a chance on some of the things I’m sure it felt invigorating but also daunting at the same time. I look forward to seeing you run the rest of the trail.

[@Venture2Roam]

Thank you. Episode 2 will be out soon!!

[@AngerManagementOverland]

You nailed it. This was the greatest and the most stressful thing i have ever done on a trail and in a vehicle. I was constantly second guessing my ability and my vehicle’s ability all the while loving life!!!!!!! LONG LIVE THE RUBICON!!!!!!

[@brianfitzpatrick4437]

I think that's the happiest I've seen you in a video! Great job beating soup bowl

[@Venture2Roam]

You might be right...I was feeling pretty great in that moment!

[@AudiomateYVR]

Dude…. Excellent video!!! As a Jeep and Bronco owner I love watching you and Lance braving through these trails! Keep it up! Much love and respect from Vancouver! @audiomate

[@Venture2Roam]

Thank you!! It’s a ton of fun to have different vehicles on the trail together. Each have different pros and cons.

[@Familyof4WD]

Awesome video!!

[@Venture2Roam]

Thanks!

[@jamesmcgarry8660]

Total fun.

[@toyotatrailtrash]

Welcome to varsity!🤣🤣 I love it!👍🏻 Very nice video Will!💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[@Venture2Roam]

Lol. That's totally what it felt like.

[@frontierstateoverland3816]

Watching this video takes me right back to the trail. Can’t wait for part 2!!! Huge shout out to @Metalcloakmike for holding my hand through that first part of the trai! 😅

[@AngerManagementOverland]

I used to say a video doesn’t do it justice. This video puts me right back in the driver seat. Thank you @venture2roam for making my memories real. I will watch this video and share it with family and friends for a life time to come.

[@Venture2Roam]

Mike was the best. Time to start planning a return to the Rubicon?

[@KevinSmith-wr1sy]

Great vid. More please!

[@Venture2Roam]

Working on Ep2 right now!

[@SimplyMustGo]

Way to exaggerate how hard that trail is. That trail is so easy. I did it in my Chrysler minivan, towing a boat in reverse.

[@SimplyMustGo]

in all seriousness, you did an amazing job. The video was epic and you guys look like you had an absolute blast. I’m super jealous.

[@Venture2Roam]

😂😂😂😂

[@Venture2Roam]

Thanks Matt!

[@TLOverlander]

Don't forget to mention, you were in a Toyota! 😅

[@marcspaz]

Amazing job! Thank you for sharing!

[@Venture2Roam]

Thank you!

[@VanagonGeek]

Awesome video Will!

[@Venture2Roam]

Thank you!!

[@GeefromBC]

Rubicon trail looks so much fun. Definitely on my bucket list. Will proud of you getting through soup bowl on your first try. Looking forward to the next part of this trip 🙌🏽

[@AngerManagementOverland]

SOUP BOWL!!!!!!!!!

[@frontierstateoverland3816]

You’re going to love it Gee!!

[@Venture2Roam]

Thans Gee. Let's go do Whipsaw together!

[@GeefromBC]

@@AngerManagementOverland 🙌🏽

[@GeefromBC]

@@frontierstateoverland3816 Yeah I’m hoping next year but depends if I can make the time for it haha 🤣

[@MrScottdogs]

Yo! that's me in the background at 0:33 holding a beer.

[@AngerManagementOverland]

Thats awesome!!!!

[@Venture2Roam]

Oh ya, you guys were awesome to chat with. I have someone on camera talking about snapping a drag link I think? Was that you guys too?

[@MrScottdogs]

@@Venture2Roam Yup, you can see the kids red single cab pickup and his dads 4runner behind me. The kid broke the drag link right where you were running winch line for the JK.

[@Venture2Roam]

@@MrScottdogs Oh right on...I haven't edited that part of the video yet, but I watched the raw footage and I'm sure I'll keep some of it in there.

[@jacklosco7514]

cool stuff

[@dizi17]

Just the fact that you can make the time for this is amazing , good on ya! 💪❤Now I'll start watching 💪

[@Venture2Roam]

Hope you enjoyed it!!!!

[@jasonbariel]

Clean Soup bowl! Give yourself credit! And damn the 392 sounds good!

[@Venture2Roam]

Thank you!

[@leemen]

Such a great video. So glad you did soup bowl. If you travel all that way you have to give it a shot. And Iv had a good spotter get me places way above my skill level.

[@Venture2Roam]

Thanks man. And totally agree that a spotter makes all the difference.

[@jeepinwithjulia]

I'm planning on Jeepers Jamboree for 2025. I will be bypassing where I can!

[@Venture2Roam]

I think that's a great way to do it. I want to get back there for a Jamboree too.

[@OurJourneytoday]

Dude way to go. Epic would be proud. Big shout out to the guy that spotted you through that, but you drove it woo

[@Venture2Roam]

Thank you!! Ya that spotter was just what I needed.

[@Jeepgladiator_ecodiesel82]

Wow, huge and loud 👏 for doing the soup bowl ❤ from British Columbia, Canada 🇨🇦

[@Venture2Roam]

Thank you!!

[@ohnoadventures]

Good video 👍 👍😃

[@Venture2Roam]

Thank you!!

[@jeffreybushaw7273]

Your content and videos are awesome! Great quality video

[@Venture2Roam]

Thank you so much!!

[@2DoorXplore]

Looks like an awesome trip, enjoyed the whole video 👍

[@Venture2Roam]

So glad to hear it. Ep 2 coming soon!

[@davidnicholson7459]

Great video. There are two kinds of adrenaline. Fundrenaline and Feardrenaline. Here's how you can test which is your favorite. Climb 30 or 40 feet into a tree hanging over some water or crawl out to the edge of a cliff. How much do you hesitate to jump the first time? Do you immediatley climb back up and do a back flip the second time? If "not at all" and "yes" you should do The Rubicon. You will LOVE the experience. That's a love of Feardrenaline. I am not that guy. Serious wheeling is just a series of stressful events that leave me relieved when I don't break something/roll over. LOL. Call me an OverLander. Intentionally creating risk to achieve something any 8 year old barefoot child can do (climb over rocks) is awesome fun for some and a pointless exercise to others. I am wondering if anyone else sees this the way I do. It could be Low-T. Who knows? Awesome video regardless.

[@Venture2Roam]

I never thought of it that way. Somebody put some shoes that 8 year old!! :)

[@RevereOverland]

Such a good video. I'm not sure I'm brave (or stupid?) enough to do the soup bowl!

[@AngerManagementOverland]

I was neither. Bypass, thank you!!!

[@Venture2Roam]

Thanks dude. Soup Bowl is nasty...I still question my decision to try it.

[@frontierstateoverland3816]

@@RevereOverland you taking the Tundra on the Rubicon Rob?!

[@jordanreed4836]

Just a dam good video.

[@Venture2Roam]

Much appreciated

[@TLOverlander]

I'll be honest, I'm just here for the Braptor 🤘🏻😁🤘🏻

[@Venture2Roam]

I don't blame you. LOTS of BRaptor content on this channel as Lance is one of my best friends and we wheel together a lot.

[@AngerManagementOverland]

BRAPTOR was awesome. I had a lot of concern entering in this adventure. The RAPTICON exceeded expectations and was amazing to drive.

[@davidr.1517]

Good job man and....staying safe too.

[@Venture2Roam]

Thanks!

[@outofreception]

Great video! Great driving!

[@Venture2Roam]

Thank you!

[@PacificNWesty]

Another awesome video, Will. Looks like y’all had a blast. I definitely cringed a few times. I’m pretty impressed with what a Jeep and a good driver can do. As for me, I’m going to stick with overlanding.

[@Venture2Roam]

I cringed a few times too!!

[@popo_patty]

Greeeeaaat video, love the style! Would love to collab one day

[@Venture2Roam]

We’ll make it happen one of these days.

[@JamesJ9900]

Next is Dusy🎉🎉🎉

[@Venture2Roam]

Ya, the hardest stuff was definitely still to come.

[@JamesJ9900]

@@Venture2Roam Did Rubi with my GX460 last year but definitely bypassed many hard opticals. But Dusy is in my bucket list! Should be the best in California.

[@scottymac5174]

Out in the middle of nowhere, you find and meet good people.

[@Venture2Roam]

That’s mostly true, but not always.

[@scottymac5174]

@@Venture2Roam corrected.. Places like the Rubicon.

[@AngerManagementOverland]

The Rubicon was full of great people. It seemed to me that the Rubicon would provide these encounters at the perfect moments. The Rubicon is a living breathing ecosystem.

[@EvergreenOG]

Overlanders can do anything!!!

[@Venture2Roam]

😂 let’s goooo

[@AngerManagementOverland]

😂😂😂😂

[@wrm3016]

Well, well. Can't say I'm a regular to your channel, but I have watched a few since I moved to the Boise area a couple years ago. Good to see you guys getting to do one of the epic tails in Ca. Since Ca. is where I used to live, I've done the 'Con' a dozen or so times. Look forward to watching the following episodes. FYI... many, many, many more awesome trails in Ca. besides the Con. Perhaps a future trip? If you REALLY want an epic challenge, check out the Dusy/Ershim trail in the Sierra NF. It's a 'dusy' (pun intended). Plenty of videos on it. Check it out. Jeep on! 🙂

[@Venture2Roam]

We’re thinking of doing Fordyce in 2025…but Dusy looks really awesome and hard too. Either of those will be good challenges I think.

[@RaptorPackAdventures]

That was awesome. I’m not sure I would take my $50k Jeep through that. We cringed every time we heard the grinding. Congrats to the three amigos

[@Venture2Roam]

We did a fair amount of cringing too!

[@BirdDogOffRoadAdventures]

How long ago were you all there? Hitting it this Sunday.

[@Venture2Roam]

This was late July…been holding these vids back a bit.

[@michaelptm2269]

Man what a great video! How many parts will this be? And when’s the next one coming out? You had me sweating on soup bowl haha 😅

[@Venture2Roam]

Next Ep will be out soon...dealing with tech issues, but targeting this weekend for the next one. Soup bowl was intense!

[@t.o.f.t.s.]

🤔, So is this an annual pilgrimage now? 😁

[@Venture2Roam]

I mean….maybe. 🥃

[@AngerManagementOverland]

😅 uhhhh??? Of course, what could go wrong.

[@Captndarty]

Although I will never understand the appeal to rock crawing and have no respect when people decide to beat the ever living shit out of their 75K rigs, your edits and video presentation are awesome as usual.

[@Venture2Roam]

I wish it was only $75K 😳🥲. Thank you for the kind words.

[@AngerManagementOverland]

Yeah right, I wish $75K 😅 have some respect for the 392 and the Raptor. 😂😂😂😂

[@StlrNtn95]

No respect? I get the "I will never understand" part but no respect?!! Come on Man!!

[@Captndarty]

@@StlrNtn95 nope, sorry but to purposely smash and bash something that is nearly 100K. I don’t have respect for that. I have a plethora of machines from motorcycles to a SXS, snowmobiles and an airplane. They are all treated with respect because I don’t want to spend thousand every weekend in repairs to bring it back to normal condition.

[@StlrNtn95]

@@Captndarty I enjoy driving down the scenic dirt road but also enjoy rock crawling. I spent money on body armor (rock sliders, bumpers and skid plates). So far, I have not suffered any body damage, although it is a risk. I take care of my vehicle cosmetically, and it is very well maintained. Much like anyone can damage their dirt bikes or Side x Sides, it is an accepted risk but something that we hope does not happen. I guess the $1000 I spent on skid plates would have been a waste of money if they did not have a scratch on them.

[@Thejoeb]

Very cool, some nice vehicles there, your 392 ate up the trail. What tent is your friend Chris in the grey Jeep running?

[@Venture2Roam]

Thank you! Chris is running the FSR Aspen Lite - it's about 100lbs.

[@dh227644]

From all of the prior videos I’ve seen I always thought this trail was always crowded. It looks like that’s not necessarily true. Is there a specific time of year and day you did this trail to find minimal traffic? You always do great work on your videos Will…

[@Venture2Roam]

Thank you! We were there during the busy season actually. We split the two Jamborees that happen in July. That said, if you go mid week I think you'll find it much less crowded. As the trip continued and we approached the weekend we saw much more traffic on the trail, but part of that was all of the volunteer staff hauling in supplies for the Jamboree, which was happening the following week. We did Weds-Friday...but if we would have done Tues-Thurs We would have seen a lot less..even during that time of year.

[@adventuresofjandk]

Other than a rubicon could any other Jeep model do this trail? Maybe a 2024 Willys?

[@Venture2Roam]

If you have a lift, big tires, skids, and lockers yep.

[@adventuresofjandk]

@@Venture2Roam are you all on 35s?

[@StlrNtn95]

@@adventuresofjandk It definitely can be done in a Willys. Just make sure you have good quality sliders and bumpers. I did the Rubicon on 35's but that was three years ago, and trails change all the time.

[@frontierstateoverland3816]

@@adventuresofjandk Lance and I were on 37’s and Will is on 38’s.

[@scottymac5174]

At the end of the day, The reason why you buy all of those big, fancy, expensive, 4WD parts... is to use them.

[@Venture2Roam]

Exactly.

[@frontierstateoverland3816]

@@scottymac5174 100%!!

[@martin53np]

Where did you find that version of the trail map! I have been looking for one like that for years.

[@Venture2Roam]

metalcloak.com/metalcloak.com/metalcloak-rubicon-trail-poster.html?acc=venture2roam

[@MockZaylin]

The Rubicon would be fun to do, but my Tacoma is no where close to being able to

[@Venture2Roam]

We saw Tacos on the trail...You'll see them in the next episodes.

[@MockZaylin]

@Venture2Roam yeah, I meant to put a "yet" at the end. I'm certainly not gonna roll up to that trail on 33s, stock rear bumper, and only half the skids I want lol

[@TheOffroadCamper]

I’m confused. I already watched this video. I thought maybe this was the second one but it’s saying this was only uploaded eight hours ago, but I know I watched it the day before yesterday. Was it removed and uploaded again?

[@Venture2Roam]

Yes. It had a bogus copyright claim that got it blocked in YT, so I removed it, cleared the claims and reposted it. Sorry for the confusion.

[@kevinstarski1598]

They keep talking about Rubicon trail...even show a map of it...without ever saying where it is...maybe it's a secret

[@Venture2Roam]

Lake Tahoe. I didn’t consider folks didn’t know where it was, sorry about that.

[@kevinstarski1598]

@@Venture2Roam It's ok. Most people in the world don't know where Rubicon trail is lol.

[@Venture2Roam]

@@kevinstarski1598 Ya it's the most famous trail in the world - so I figured most folks already knew, but I'll makes sure to spell it out when I release the movie version of this trip.