California / El Dorado County / Eldorado National Forest

Van Vleck Bunkhouse

Closed — Open year-round with reservations required. From January 1 through May 15, road access is restricted by snow and winter visitors must ski or snowshoe approximately 6 miles with 1,300-foot elevation gain from Loon Lake Campground parking area. Summer vehicle access available. Contact the forest at least 7 days prior to arrange permits and gate access.

About

Van Vleck Bunkhouse sits at 6,000 feet elevation halfway up a small Sierra Nevada peak, overlooking a 40-acre meadow with views of the Tells Peak portion of the Crystal Range. Built in 1957, it is the last remaining building from the Van Vleck Ranch site, which operated as a cattle ranch from the 1860s to the 1960s. The bunkhouse provides a unique year-round rental experience with dramatically different access depending on season. During summer months, visitors can drive directly to the bunkhouse on dirt roads and enjoy nearby hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding on the Tells Creek Primitive Equestrian Trail into Desolation Wilderness, stream fishing in Cheese Camp Creek, and bird watching. The facility includes two rooms, a kitchen with propane stove, gas log heater, sleeper sofa and bunk beds in the main area, plus a bedroom with another bunk bed and queen-size bed. The indoor bathroom has a flush toilet, shower, and running hot and cold water supplied by a well during summer, though water should be conserved as supply is limited. Winter access from January 1 through May 15 requires intermediate to advanced backcountry skiing or snowshoeing skills. The 6-mile route from Loon Lake Campground parking area gains 1,300 feet and is marked by blue reflective diamonds, passing over the South Fork Rubicon River bridge, through an aspen grove and past Milkhouse Meadow. The water system is shut down in winter due to freezing temperatures, so visitors must bring water or melt snow. A storm shelter is located at mile 2.4 of the winter route. Guests must contact the forest at least 7 days prior to arrange permits, gate combinations, and check current conditions.

Directions

Summer: From Placerville, drive 21 miles east on Highway 50, turn left on Ice House Riverton Road for 23 miles north, turn right on Tells Creek Road for 5 miles east, then left on gated dirt road for 0.5 miles. Winter: From Highway 50, go 28 miles north on Ice House Road, take right fork to Loon Lake, continue 5 miles to plowed parking area at campground entrance. Ski or snowshoe 6 miles to bunkhouse following blue reflective diamonds.

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