The Rubicon vs Hole in the Rock

[ZUKEYPR]

For only those who have completed both, which is the best multi-day single trail trip: The Rubicon, Hole in the Rock, or other?

 

[EB101]

Wow, both are fun trails, both should be on everyones expedition type bucket list.
That's a tough question. BTW, my favorite multi-day is Fordyce.

If you've spent a lot of time in and around Moab, Pick Rubicon.
Likewise, if you've spent a lot of time on high mountain trails in the pines and on granite, Pick HITR.

Totally different trails types. Both are a blast. Both have spectacular scenery. Both have cool history. Rubicon requires better equipment. I'm not sure how it's rated but I'd say lockers front and rear, lift and 33's. HITR I've seen run open/open on 33's but I'd say a rear locker should be the minimum.

Probably not much help but it was fun thinking about both trails while writing this reply!
-Steve

 

[Bart]

What Steve said. I've done them and loved both. Totally different. For me it was the scenery and the trail. HITR is beautiful like Lake Powell and Moab that I get to see a lot, lots of rock. On the Rubi you're in the high Sierras and there's stream crossings, trees, and a (little) more difficult trail.

 

[lhracing]

This is a tough question, both trails have their challenges but are completely different. HITR has some challenging sections with easer sections where you can just drive and enjoy the scenery. The Rubicon is one rock followed by another rock followed by another, etc. not overly difficult but your equipment will be tested. From Salt Lake the Rubicon needs about 2 more days travel time figured in.

I personally do not think there is a “best”, they both have their own beauty and challenges. The Sierra Nevada’s are high mountain pines and lakes vs. HITR red rock country. You somehow need to do both.

 

[sixstringsteve]

I agree with what everyone else said. I've run both twice in the past 3 years. I think the people you go with is more important than the trail. That being said, the scales tip toward the Rubicon for me. Granted, there's more liability - driving 1000 miles out there, wheeling for 2-3 days over tougher terrain, and then driving back home, but I prefer the Rubicon trail for several reasons.

If you want a challenge, the Rubicon is more challenging. If you want Utah History and desert terrain, HITR. I prefer the pine trees and all the lakes of the Rubicon trail. I don't have any plans to run Hole in the Rock again in my life, but I can't say the same about the Rubicon. I will be back, even if it's just to backpack the trail.

[video=youtube_share;GmdmR8W5Kk4]http://youtu.be/GmdmR8W5Kk4[/video]

[video=youtube;F8sAn8dOwUU]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8sAn8dOwUU[/video]

 

[cruiseroutfit]

HITR imo, Rubicon is fantastic but the drive out there isn't

 

[ZUKEYPR]

Yeah you have to go though Afghanistan...I mean I-80 to get there

 

[Spork]

I loved HITR, never been to to the Rubicon.

 

[Maverick]

Done the Con twice in the last two years. I'd like to do HITR but haven't. Maybe I'm just spoiled cuz I live closer to HITR and have done lots of Moab (like Steve said).

The drive across Nevada isn't that bad. Next time it will be even better (cold air intake)