Rubicon Trail Foundation

PRESS RELEASE
Rubicon Trail Foundation Condemns Irresponsible Activities and Urges Responsible Use to Protect Trail Access

Placerville, CA – July 16, 2026 –The Rubicon Trail Foundation (RTF) is dedicated to enhancing the future health and use of the Rubicon Trail while ensuring responsible, motorized, year-round trail access. This core principle of responsibility is central to our mission and guides everything we do as stewards of this iconic trail.

Recent reports of irresponsible activity (i.e. "drag racing" on Little Sluice) on the Rubicon Trail that the El Dorado Sheriff's Office is investigating, including unauthorized off-trail travel, resource damage, and other irresponsible behaviors, directly contradict the responsible recreation that has allowed the trail to remain open and sustainable for all users. Such actions harm the environment, create safety hazards, undermine years of volunteer work by Friends Of The Rubicon (FOTR), and threaten continued public access for the entire off-road community.

“These irresponsible activities are not only disappointing but also dangerous to the future of the Rubicon,” said Alan Johnson, President of the Rubicon Trail Foundation. “Our mission emphasizes responsible use because it is the only way to protect this trail for future generations. We strongly urge all users to stay on designated routes, pack out what they pack in, and respect the land.”

Since 2004, the Rubicon Trail Foundation has fought to maintain access against the California Water Board, U.S.F.S., Lahontan Water Quality Control Board, Center for BioDiversity, El Dorado County and individuals intent on closing the iconic trail. Activities such as this, attempt to undermine over 22 years of effort to keep the Rubicon Trail open for responsible, motorized, year-round access.

The Rubicon Trail Foundation will work with El Dorado County Parks, Adopt-A-Trail and FOTR for any actions that maybe required. In addition, the Foundation calls on all trail users to be part of the solution. Responsible recreation is not optional, it is essential to preserving the Rubicon experience we all cherish today, to be enjoyed the same for generations to come.

About the Rubicon Trail Foundation
The Rubicon Trail Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation, protection, and sustainable management of the Rubicon Trail and its surrounding lands. Through volunteer work days, partnerships, education, and advocacy, RTF works to ensure that this iconic off-road trail remains accessible and enjoyable for all users while protecting its natural environment.

Rubicon Trail Foundation Condemns Irresponsible Activities and Urges Responsible Use to Protect Trail Access – Rubicon Trail Foundation July 16, 2026 Rubicon Trail Foundation Condemns Irresponsible Activities and Urges Responsible Use to Protect Trail Access PRESS RELEASE Rubicon Trail Foundation Condemns Irresponsible Activities and Urges Responsible Use to Protect Trail Access Placerville, CA – July 16, 2026 –The Rubicon Trail...

PRESS RELEASE
Placerville, CA – July 16, 2026 – The Rubicon Trail Foundation (RTF) today announced the appointment of Will Battenberg as a new Director to its Board of Directors.

Will Battenberg, a resident of Camino, California, is a longtime advocate for responsible motorized recreation and public land access. An active member of the Lake Tahoe Hi-Lo’s 4-Wheel Drive Club, he has spent many years exploring the Rubicon Trail and is committed to its preservation.

Will has supported the RTF through consistent volunteer service, notably serving several years as the Lake Tahoe Hi-Lo’s Point of Contact for parking coordination at Cantina for the Con. In this role, he worked closely with Foundation leadership, volunteers, and event participants to help make the event a success.

Prior to his civilian career, Will served nearly 21 years in the United States Air Force as an aircraft mechanic, maintenance manager, and senior enlisted leader. His service culminated as Maintenance Flight Chief for the U-2 reconnaissance fleet at Beale Air Force Base.

Professionally, Will serves as a Production Planning Manager for a utility infrastructure manufacturer in the Sacramento region. He is also completing a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and plans to pursue an MBA.

“Will brings valuable volunteer leadership, military experience, and operational expertise to our Board,” said Alan Johnson, President of the Rubicon Trail Foundation. “His Hi-Lo’s involvement, dedicated support for Cantina for the Con, and proven ability to manage complex operations make him an excellent addition. We are thrilled to welcome him.”

About the Rubicon Trail Foundation
The Rubicon Trail Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation, protection, and sustainable management of the Rubicon Trail and its surrounding lands. Through volunteer work days, partnerships, education, and advocacy, RTF works to ensure that this iconic off-road trail remains accessible and enjoyable for all users while protecting its natural environment.

PRESS RELEASE
Placerville, CA – July 16, 2026 – The Rubicon Trail Foundation (RTF) today announced the appointment of Ron Humphrey as a new Director to its Board of Directors.

Ron Humphrey brings deep passion, hands-on experience, and a strong commitment to trail stewardship to the RTF Board. Many in the RTF community already know Ron from his years of volunteering on the trail, at Cantina for the Con, and through his active involvement in the broader RTF community.

A longtime advocate for the Rubicon Trail, Ron has been wheeling the Rubicon regularly since 2003. His passion for the trail began more than 20 years ago after his first trip to Gatekeeper. Since then, he has run the Rubicon multiple times each year. Along the way, he has built several capable trail rigs, participated in countless trail rides, and developed strong relationships across the off-road community.

What truly sets Ron apart is his dedication to giving back. He has shared that RTF trail work days and volunteering for Cantina for the Con are among the highlights of his summers.

“Ron does not just enjoy using the trail, he enjoys giving back to it,” said Alan Johnson, President of the Rubicon Trail Foundation. “That passion for stewardship and willingness to contribute are exactly the qualities we look for in board members. We are thrilled to welcome him to the Board and look forward to his contributions in preserving and protecting the Rubicon for future generations.”

Ron Humphrey currently serves as an Automation AI Manager.

About the Rubicon Trail Foundation
The Rubicon Trail Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation, protection, and sustainable management of the Rubicon Trail and its surrounding lands. Through volunteer work days, partnerships, education, and advocacy, RTF works to ensure that this iconic off-road trail remains accessible and enjoyable for all users while protecting its natural environment.

41 Designs supports the Rubicon Trail Foundation and our mission. If you're in the Bay Area and want your rig upgraded, 41 Designs is your go-to in the South Bay. USE CODE: RTF and get 50% off a Trip Inspection and 10% repair work booked at Inspection through August 31st!

Volunteers are needed for this year's Cantina for the Con 2026 taking place on September 12th, 2026, at Robbs Resort. Interested individuals should reach out to Alan at [email protected] or message this page.

WFO Concepts supports the Rubicon Trail and Rubicon Trail Foundation! Thank you for the years of support!