Robbs Hut is a backcountry cabin atop Robbs Peak in the Eldorado National Forest. The cabin is next to Robbs Peak Lookout, which is still used occasionally by the Forest Service during emergencies. The fire lookout is open to the public for day use during the summer. The lookout is not park of the rental. Robbs Hut sleeps up to 6 people and is rented year-round.
Robbs Peak Lookout
Summer Activities
Summer visitors to Robbs Hut (usually July through September) enjoy hiking and mountain biking, along with fishing, boating and water skiing at nearby Union Valley Reservoir and scenic Loon Lake. Other lakes in the surrounding Crystal Basin make great day trip destinations. Paved bike trails are found along the shores of Union Valley Reservoir and Ice House Reservoir.
Robbs Hut Features
Robbs Hut consists of 2 rooms with a small kitchen and storage area on one side and sleeping area in the larger room. With only solar electricity at the hut, heat is provided by a propane fireplace and illumination by solar power. Cooking is done on a four-burner propane cook top and small oven. There is no water. The restroom is a separate vault toilet.
Robbs Hut
Access
During the summer most passenger vehicles can access the hut via a 3-mile dirt road off Ice House Road. In the winter renters must make the challenging 3-mile, 100-foot climb on cross country skis or snowshoes. It is not recommended for beginning skiers. Limited parking is available at the trailhead in winter. The primitive cabin is at 6,686 feet and offers great views of the Crystal Range in the Desolation Wilderness and the Sacramento Valley.
In winter the access road from Highway 50 - Ice House Road - may require 4-wheel drive or chains. Read complete information about the hut and warnings about winter travel to the hut at Eldorado National Forest - Robbs Hut and Recreation.gov - Robbs Hut.
Outside on the stone deck by the lookout are a charcoal grill, campfire ring, 2 picnic tables and vault toilet building.
Cabin Interior:
Sleeping: 3 sleeping platforms with mattresses (3/4 width), 4 wool blankets Kitchen: 4-burner stove top, small oven, solar-powered lighting, some dishes, pots, and pans. Other: Snow shovel, bucket, cleaning supplies, tables and chairs
NOT included:
Visitors need to bring bedding (sleeping bags), most pots and pans, plates, drinking glasses, utensils, matches, toilet paper, paper towels, flashlight, and WATER for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. No garbage service, bring garbage bags. In winter bring in car tire chains and snow shovel.
Showers:
No
Attractions Near Robbs Hut:
Climb up the fire lookout for great views. Hike or mountain bike. Visit nearby lakes such as Union Valley Reservoir and others for boating and fishing. See Discover Echo Summit.
Visitors to Robbs Hut in the Crystal Basin of Eldorado National Forest find many wonderful outdoor adventures nearby.
Launch your boat into Loon Lake for scenic cruising and good fishing.
Try fishing in all the lakes and streams in the Crystal Basin.
Enjoy boating and water skiing on Crystal Basin lakes.
Set out on a hike from Wrights Lake into the Desolation Wilderness.
Take in the scenery of waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, and rushing mountain streams.
Try mountain biking along the network of logging roads.
Take advantage of the bike trail around Union Valley Reservoir.
Places to Visit
Visit historic Placerville and tour Gold Rush era buildings.
Explore the Crystal Basin, including stunningly beautiful Wrights Lake.
Drive up Highway 50 to Strawberry and Lovers' Leap rock.
Visit ski resorts and snow play areas along with cross country ski trails
Spend the day high on Echo Summit at Echo Lakes.
Check-In Procedure
"Check in procedures have changed. As of January 1, 2022. All check-in information will be emailed from sm.fs.rentalcabins@usda.gov to the email the renter has listed in their Recreation.gov account prior to their check-in date. Renters should check both the inbox and the spam/junk mail folders prior to travelling to the cabin. In the event the renter does not see the email, they should contact the Eldorado National Forest at (530) 644-2324 during business hours. This will ensure that staff have the correct email address to resend the rental packet, which includes combinations for gate/cabin. " - Recreation.gov
Key Robbs Hut Regulations
To avoid problems with bears, do not leave food outside unattended.
No pets are permitted inside the chalet.
Fires are only permitted in provided fire rings. Inside there can be no open flames such as candles, backpacking or Coleman stoves, etc.
Remove all food (even unopened cans) and garbage when you leave.
Renters are expected to clean up after themselves and prepare the hut for the next
group. Cleaning supplies are in the mudroom.
