Tesla Cybertruck currently impassable on Rubicon Trail; updated: now successfully extracted.
The Tesla Cybertruck, an electric vehicle highly anticipated for its rugged design, faced significant challenges during a test run on the Rubicon Trail in California, a popular four-wheeling trail known as the de facto proving grounds for manufacturers to showcase their rugged vehicles.
Last week, a Tesla Cybertruck, kitted out by Cybertruck Co., was stuck on the Rubicon since Friday. The vehicle was equipped with upgraded bumpers front and rear, a 12,000-pound winch, rock sliders, and overland camping equipment. However, the Cybertruck encountered trouble even on mild obstacles on the trail.
The front-end of the Cybertruck took significant damage, with the bumper and supporting structure sustaining breaks. The supporting structure on the driver side was torn off, and the steering rack and tie rods were snapped. Despite efforts to winch the Cybertruck off the trail, it required substantial repairs on-site due to the difficult terrain and damage sustained.
Reports suggest that all three Cybertrucks involved in the attempt were eventually able to exit the Rubicon Trail under their own power and self-drive home, despite the harsh conditions. This serves as a cautionary example for other owners not to attempt the trail without proper modifications and preparations.
The Cybertruck's use of a steer-by-wire system complicates typical trail repairs, adding to the challenges faced during the test run. However, some drivers who saw the stuck Tesla Cybertruck commented on various posts in local Facebook groups, praising the efforts of the crew swapping out the steering rack on-site.
Maloney, one of the drivers who wheeled alongside the Cybertruck on a Smuggler's Run, noted that it did great on that trip. On the other hand, @the_unsinkable_craigory claimed to have witnessed the Tesla Cybertruck's turmoil and criticized the trail run as wildly irresponsible.
As of August 12, 2025, at 2 a.m. local time, the Tesla Cybertruck's owner posted a photo indicating they had made it out of the Rubicon trail. The Cybertruck was parked at Rubicon Springs with critically low battery charge before it was winched off the trail.
A YouTube video of the Tesla Cybertruck on San Diego's Sidewinder trail is also available online, showcasing the vehicle's capabilities under different conditions. The Rubicon Trail test, however, serves as a reminder of the challenges even rugged vehicles like the Tesla Cybertruck can face in extreme off-road conditions.
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