Robbs Peak and Hut

Nearby Destinations

Lake Tahoe

Nearby Guides

Viewed 6178 times

(0 votes)

Difficulty: Easy
Length: 2.9 miles / 4.7 km
Duration: 1-3 hours

Family Friendly

Download to Phone

View Large Map

View Photos

Overview: Robbs Peak (and Hut) is a lovely day, or better, overnight ski or snowshoe trip during the winter months. The approach is fairly short, easy, and straightforward: park at the marked Robbs Hut trailhead, and follow the (snow-covered) road 3 miles to the summit of Robbs Peak. Of course, there are several alternate routes to the summit that can be taken or explored with a good map, and a few easy open slopes for making fun turns.

In the summer, cars can drive up the road. Hiking and mountain biking are popular here.

The hut sits next to an old fire lookout, and sleeps up to 6 people on 3 2-person bunks, with a basic mattress and a few wool blankets. A thermostat-controlled gas fireplace controls the heat. The cabin is equipped with a stove and oven and a few (very few) pots/pans/etc (bring your own though). Books, games, and of course, the hut logs make for fun inside the hut, while glorious sunsets and snow can be found outside!

Tips: Robbs Hut must be reserved via the online federal reservation system (recreation.gov) up to 6-months prior to your trip, if you want to spend the night, otherwise it is locked.

Bring a few pots/pans/cups/etc, as the outfitting is sparse.

Points of Interest

map

Parking (Trailhead)

Parking is reached by turning off of Hwy 50 ~20 miles east of Placerville, CA onto Ice House Road. Go north on Ice House road for 23 miles and look for the Robbs Peak (Robbs Hut) Road, which is a parking pulloff with a locked gate (and signs) in winter.

map

Trail

The trail is well-defined along the road, with blue markers (and arrows). Very scenic and easy to follow

map

Stream Crossing

The road cross a stream at this point. You may also see tracks and a more direct route to the summit at this point (but not part of this guide).

map

Turn Right to Summit

Right hand turn off of Robbs Peak road to the summit of Robbs Peak. This turnoff is well-signed, although the signs are beat up.

map

Broad slope south of hut

Broad slopes south and west of the hut may make for a good place to find turns with old snow that is corning up.

map

Robbs Peak Fire Lookout

The old fire lookout can be used for watching sunsets, picnics, and even grilling.

map

Robbs Peak Overnight Hut

The hut near the fire lookout can be reserved for overnight stays. The hut sleeps up to 6 people on 3 2-person bunks, with a basic mattress and a few wool blankets. A thermostat-controlled gas fireplace controls the heat. The cabin is equipped with a stove and oven and a few (very few) pots/pans/etc (bring your own though). Books, games, and of course, the hut logs make for fun inside the hut, while glorious sunsets and snow can be found outside!