Robbs Hut

About

Perched atop Robbs Peak at 6,686 feet in the Sierra Nevada, Robbs Hut served as a Forest Service ranger sleeping quarters from 1934 to 1978. The cabin offers panoramic views of the Crystal Range in Desolation Wilderness and the Sacramento Valley, surrounded by Jeffrey and Ponderosa pine. The hut sleeps up to six people on three platforms with mattresses and wool blankets. Amenities include a propane heater, cook stove, solar lighting, picnic table, charcoal grill, campfire ring, and vault toilet. No potable water or electricity is available; guests must pack in water, food, and all supplies. A shovel, bucket, and cleaning supplies are provided. From November to mid-June, winter access requires skiing, snowshoeing, or hiking 3 miles with a 1,000-foot elevation gain from the gate on Robbs Road. In summer, renters receive a gate combination and can drive to the cabin. Check-in is coordinated through the Placerville Ranger Station. The adjacent historic fire lookout is open for day use.

Directions

From Placerville, drive 21 miles east on Highway 50, turn left on Ice House Road and continue 23 miles north to the Robbs Hut Road turnoff. Look for a small sign and turn left onto the dirt road. In winter, park at the gate and ski or hike 3 miles to the hut. In summer, use the combination provided at check-in to access both gates and drive up. Follow blue arrows to the hut. Check-in is in person at the Placerville Ranger Station: 4260 Eight Mile Rd, Camino, CA 95709.