Robbs Hut
Open — Open year-round for reservations. The lower gate is currently closed for winter. Access requires a 3-mile ski or snowshoe trek with 1,000-foot elevation gain. Intermediate to advanced skiing skills recommended.
Barrett Lake 4 X 4 Trail Motor Vehicle Prohibition
Barrett Lake Jeep trail closed to motor vehicle use in the winter.
Trash service ending for the winter in Crystal Basin on Oct. 20, 2025
Trash service within the Crystal Basin area is ending on Oct. 20, 2025, for the winter season. Please pack-out all trash with you when visiting.
Camping Occupancy Restrictions
Camping and Occupancy Restrictions for Desolation Wilderness, Mokelumne Wilderness and the Pacific Crest Trail that runs through the Eldorado National Forest boundary.
Desolation Wilderness Food and Refuse Storage Restriction
Possessing or storing any food in Desolation Wilderness unless it is in a bear proof container.
Loon Lake Campground and Trailhead are Closed for Reconstruction
The Loon Lake Campground and Trailhead is closed this season for reconstruction. The boatramp is open for day use only though Labor Day weekend and then it will close for construction. The water system will not be operational during this time.
Deer Valley Trail (19E01) & Meadow Lake Road (09N01)
Motor vehicle use restricted in these areas during snowmelt. See Forest Order Exhibit A for area map.
Horse Canyon Trail (17E21) Closure
This order prohibits use of a motorcycle or motor-driven bicycle on this trail.
Occupancy and Use Restrictions - Desolation Wilderness Area
Prohibited acts within Desolation Wilderness.
Travel Management Designation
Routes designated in Travel Management Subpart B are included as part of the current road system.
From Recreation.gov
Winter snow conditions in effect. The lower gate to Robbs Hut has been closed for the season. Renters need to be prepared to access Robbs Hut 3 miles by skis or snowshoes through snow conditions.
About
Robbs Hut offers a peaceful, rustic getaway with phenomenal views of the Sierra Nevada. Perched atop Robbs Peak at an elevation of 6,686 feet, the hut boasts panoramic views of the Crystal Range in the Desolation Wilderness and the Sacramento Valley. Originally built as sleeping quarters for rangers of the adjacent Forest Service lookout from 1934 to 1978, the cozy yet minimalistic cabin now serves as an ideal recreation spot. The peak sits in a clearing surrounded by Jeffrey and Ponderosa pine in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. A historic fire lookout tower adjacent to the hut remains open to the public for day use. The area offers excellent opportunities for mountain biking, hiking, and cross-country skiing, with numerous trails nearby. Access to Robbs Hut varies dramatically by season. During warmer months, the cabin can be reached by car via a 3-mile dirt road off Ice House Road. From November through mid-June, when snow covers the Sierra, the lower gate closes and renters must ski, snowshoe, or hike 3 miles along Robbs Road with a 1,000-foot elevation gain. Winter access is recommended for intermediate to advanced skiers. Check-in is done in person at the Placerville Ranger Station.
Directions
From Placerville, drive 21 miles east on Highway 50, turn left on Ice House Road and go 23 miles north to the Robbs Hut Road turnoff. Look for small sign and turn left on dirt road. In winter, park here and ski or hike 3 miles along the road to the hut. In summer, use combination to access both gates and drive up. Follow blue arrows to the hut. Check-in is done in person at the Placerville Ranger Station, 4260 Eight Mile Road, Camino, CA 95709.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $65 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (530) 644-2324 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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