Wentworth Springs Trail

Trail Overview

The Wentworth Springs Trail is located just west of Lake Tahoe in the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountain range. This trail marks the original western end of the world-renowned Rubicon Trail. The Wentworth Springs trail can be completed as an out-and-back day trip or extended into a multi-day adventure by linking up with the full Rubicon Trail. At 8 miles in length, the trail offers a variety of terrain, making it a great option for off-road enthusiasts. The best time to visit is from late spring to early fall, as the trail is often snowed over during winter months. Most people enter the trail from the west side, heading east toward the Rubicon Trail. The trail begins deep in the Eldorado National Forest, with a trail surface that alternates between small rocky boulders, dirt, and sandy sections. During early fall and late spring, you'll encounter several shallow water crossings. The first two miles provide a good warm-up for the more challenging sections that follow. At mile 2, the trail opens up to an area with plenty of dispersed camping opportunities. This section is just before the large steel bridge that spans Gerle Creek. At mile 3, you'll come across an old, asphalt road. This half-mile stretch of mixed-use roadway bridges the main off-road trail. After a half mile of asphalt, the trail picks back up at the small village of Wentworth Springs. Here, the trail passes through a small cluster of seasonal cabins, and a large sign greets you as you enter the area. As the trail continues, it begins to climb in elevation. The forest thins out, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. By mile 5.5, the trail parallels Gerle Creek, where you'll find a beautiful spot to stop and take in views of nearby waterfalls. At mile 6.7, the trail reaches Wentworth Springs Campground, a popular stopping point for visitors. Shortly after the campground, the trail begins to shift from general off-roading to more technical rock crawling. At mile 6.8, you'll face one of the trail's most difficult obstacles. This section is a real challenge, ideal for highly modified vehicles. If you're not comfortable with this obstacle, there's a bypass route called the Postpile Bypass. At mile 7.3, the trail changes again, transitioning to massive granite slabs, ledges, and boulders. For the next half mile, the trail snakes its way over the granite, offering incredible panoramic views of Loon Lake to the south. The trail ends at mile 8, where it intersects with the Rubicon Trail. From here, you have three options. You can continue east toward Lake Tahoe, head south toward Loon Lake, or return on the Wentworth Springs Trail. Camping and facilities are available at the Airport Flats Campground, which is located right next to the Wentworth Springs trailhead. This is a fantastic staging area for your off-road adventure. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, offering dry camping with pit toilets. Gerle Creek runs alongside, providing a picturesque setting. There are also several dispersed camping spots along the trail, offering more flexibility for those looking to camp in nature. Wentworth Springs Campground, located further along the trail, also offers first-come, first-served sites for those seeking a more established camping experience. The Wentworth Springs Trail is a great off-road destination for those looking for a mix of moderate to advanced challenges. It's ideal for vehicles with off-road modifications, though less experienced drivers can still enjoy the trail with the right preparation. The stunning views and varied terrain make it a rewarding experience, whether you're completing it as a day trip or extending your adventure along the Rubicon Trail.

Photos of Wentworth Springs Trail

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Difficulty

The trail consists of mostly dirt and rock up until the last mile when the trail transitions to technical rock crawling.

History

Wentworth Springs Trail is the original West end of the world-renowned Rubicon Trail.

Technical Rating