Navigation Data

GPS

WAYPOINTS

Download GPX waypoint files for the Rubicon Trail. Load them into Gaia GPS, OnX Offroad, Garmin, or any GPS device. Files include obstacles, campsites, trailheads, and key landmarks with coordinates and descriptions.

Waypoint Browser

18 WaypointsLAT / LON / ELEV

Wentworth Springs Trailhead

Western trailhead. Air down here. Last cell service.

39.0128

-120.3395

5,400 ft

Gatekeeper

First major obstacle. Granite ledge tests approach angle.

39.0180

-120.3280

5,600 ft

Post Pile

Volcanic rock formations. Jagged basalt columns.

39.0200

-120.3150

5,800 ft

Soup Bowl

Water-filled granite depression. Check depth first.

39.0215

-120.3050

5,750 ft

Ellis Creek Crossing

Creek crossing near the 2013 bridge. Water level varies.

39.0190

-120.2950

5,500 ft

Walker Hill

Long technical climb. Sustained low-range crawling.

39.0170

-120.2850

6,200 ft

Little Sluice

Famous granite chute. Severe off-camber. Walk it first.

39.0140

-120.2700

6,400 ft

Little Sluice Camp

Camp on granite slabs near the obstacle. Day 1 recommended camp.

39.0135

-120.2690

6,380 ft

Old Sluice

Original sluice route. Many consider it harder than Little Sluice.

39.0120

-120.2600

6,300 ft

Big Sluice

Massive granite waterfall section. Largest obstacle on trail.

39.0100

-120.2480

6,100 ft

Buck Island Lake

Stunning alpine lake. Great lunch stop. Bring bug spray.

39.0050

-120.2300

6,800 ft

Buck Island Lake Camp

Beautiful lakeside camping among granite and pines.

39.0045

-120.2290

6,780 ft

RTF Property

300 acres preserved by the Rubicon Trail Foundation.

38.9950

-120.2100

5,200 ft

Rubicon Springs

Historic campsite since 1880s. Mineral springs, green bridge.

38.9296

-120.1064

4,800 ft

Rubicon Springs Bridge

Historic green bridge, rebuilt 2016 by volunteers.

38.9300

-120.1060

4,800 ft

Cadillac Hill

Final major challenge. Steep switchbacks on exposed granite.

38.9456

-120.1567

7,200 ft

Observation Point

Panoramic Sierra views. Camp option after Cadillac Hill.

38.9500

-120.1600

7,400 ft

Loon Lake Trailhead

Eastern trailhead at Loon Lake. Re-air tires here.

38.9782

-120.2839

6,400 ft

Compatible Apps & Devices

Gaia GPS

Import GPX via app or gaiagps.com. Best for offline trail maps.

OnX Offroad

Import waypoints in the app. Includes trail difficulty overlays.

Garmin Devices

Copy GPX to /Garmin/GPX folder via USB. Works on all Garmin handhelds.

Google Earth

Open GPX directly in Google Earth Pro for satellite view planning.

GPS Tips for the Rubicon

1.Download offline maps before you leave — cell service ends at the trailhead.
2.Bring a battery pack or hardwired GPS. Phone batteries drain fast with GPS active.
3.Waypoints are approximate — granite canyons can cause GPS drift of 50-100 feet.
4.Share your GPX with your trail group so everyone has the same waypoints.