Eldorado National Forest

Recreational Activities: Rental Cabins

Harvey West | Loon Chalet | Robbs Hut | Van Vleck Bunkhouse | Sly Guard

Loon Lake Chalet

Sub-alpine red fir and lodgepole forests, granite bowls, and a spectacular view of the Crystal Range of the Sierra Nevada Mountains characterize the area. In the winter, the Chalet is the focal point of the Loon Lake Winter Recreation Area offering many miles of non-groomed backcountry skiing trails.

• Location, Permit, and Key »
• Map and Information (pdf)

Specifics

Number of People: 1 to 20.
Fee: $100.00 per night.
Utilities: Electric lights and heat. Garbage service in the summer.
Water: Hot and cold water, no shower.
Season: Year-round. Reservations may be made 4-180 days in advance of first nights stay.
Other: Pets are not allowed in the building and are best left at home.

Background: The Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) built the Loon Lake Chalet in 1989. The Chalet was originally intended to be a winter facility open only for day-use. Due to public demand the second floor Warming room was made available for overnight rental. The facility is still open for day-use on winter weekends. In the mid-1990s a third floor loft was added for overnight rental.

Activities: Popular summer activities include: mountain biking, hiking, backpacking in Desolation Wilderness, fishing, horseback riding, and four-wheel driving on the Rubicon 4WD Trail. During the winter try cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowplaying. Over-the-snow motorized use is not allowed in the area. This is an excellent place for beginner and advanced skiers.

Interior:

The Chalet has three levels. The bottom floor is the Ski Patrol room. The second floor warming room and third floor loft are part of the rental.

The Warming room is electrically heated and is equipped with picnic tables, benches, a queen-size futon couch, two wood couches, a gas fireplace, a small dryer, and a kitchen area.

The Kitchen area contains a double sink, hot and cold water, a range top stove, a microwave oven, and a small under-the-counter refrigerator. The Chalet has pots and pans, but does not have plates, drinking glasses or utensils. Electrical plugs may be used for crock-pots, microwaves, coffeemakers, electric frying pans, and other electrical appliances that you bring.

Both the warming room and the loft serve as sleeping areas and will accomadate up to 20 people. A dozen sleeping pads are available in the loft.

Cleaning equipment is provided.

Exterior:

The Chalet features a large deck off the second floor with a wide stairway accessing the parking area. Restrooms equipped with vault toilets are attached to the building and are accessed from the front porch area.

Other Information

Be prepared in case of emergencies and notify family or friends of your trip and when you expect to return.

The nearest phone is an outdoor pay phone available at the Crystal Basin Information Station on Ice House Road, 19 miles south of the Chalet. This station is not open during the winter months. Cell phone reception is best from either of the dams or on the canyon road approach to the Chalet.