Robbs Hut
Robbs Hut offers a peaceful, rustic getaway with phenomenal views of the Sierra Nevada. The cozy, yet minimalistic cabin is open year-round and can be accessed by car in warmer months. From November to mid-June, guests can expect to hike, snowshoe or ski up a 3-mile trail with a 1,000-foot elevation gain to reach the hut. This trail runs along Robbs Road from Ice House Road.
Originally a sleeping quarters for rangers of the adjacent Forest Service lookout from 1934 to 1978, the hut makes an ideal recreation spot with mountain biking and off-road vehicle trails nearby. The lookout is open to the public for day use.
The hut is equipped with a propane heater and a cookstove. The cookstove is served by piped-in propane, and there is a newly installed solar lighting system. Other amenities include three sleeping platforms (3/4 inch width), mattresses, four wool blankets, a shovel, bucket and cleaning supplies. Outside on the stone deck by the lookout are a charcoal grill, campfire ring, picnic table and vault toilet building.
No water, electricity or garbage service are available. Guests must bring their own supply of water and garbage bags. Additional items to bring include food, cooking utensils and pots, sleeping bags, toilet paper, first aid supplies, matches and a flashlight. Click here for more cabin details.
Notifications and Alerts
Currently, this facility is now closed for public use. It will remain closed for the 2020/2021 winter season. This facility is scheduled to allow for overnight stays on or after July 1, 2021. Local managers are committed to the health and safety of recreational visitors and our staff. We are following the guidelines from our agency regarding COVID-19, and closely monitoring the situation and responding to current conditions. Please continue to monitor recreation.gov or call the Placerville Ranger District at (530)644-2324.
Need to Know
- Renters must contact the Eldorado National Forest at (530) 644-2324 to arrange for permit, access, check-in and current conditions at least 7 days prior to arrival
- Bring water
- No pets allowed in building
- Winter access is not guaranteed as weather is unpredictable
- This is a 'pack it in, pack it out' facility; please bring garbage bags
- The nearest phone is 13 miles southwest at the Crystal Basin Info Station
- Bears frequent the area; keep all food out of sight in approved containers or locked inside your vehicle and remove all food from area after eating
- For current weather conditions and fire restriction status, click here
- Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
Permitted use of Robbs Hut is limited to six (6) days per year.
In order to provide an enjoyable and memorable experience to all visitors, a stay limit of days per calendar year is now in effect. Use of any Eldorado National Forest cabins is limited to 6 nights per recreation rental facility and a total of 12 nights per calendar year. This time limit includes any combination of stays in Harvey West Cabin, Loon Lake Chalet, Robbs Hut, Sly Guard Cabin and Van Vleck Bunkhouse.
Natural Features
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. The peak is part of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Eldorado National Forest and sits in a clearing surrounded by Jeffrey and Ponderosa pine.
Nearby Attractions
The nearest phone a pay phone at the Crystal Basin Information Station on Ice House Road, 13 miles southwest of the hut. This station is open in summer only.
Recreation
Mountain biking, hiking and cross country skiing are popular activities for visitors. Access by skis to the cabin is recommended for intermediate to advanced skiers.
Contact Information
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ELDORADO NATIONAL FOREST PLACERVILLE RANGER DISTRICT 4260 EIGHT MILE ROAD CAMINO CA 95709
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 530-644-2324
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving 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.
