Difficulty | 3 Intermediate |
Length | 6.9 miles for traverse (one-way) or 8.1 miles for loop (round trip) |
Starting Elevation |
5600 feet |
Cumulative Elevation Change |
+1200, -1400 feet for traverse (one-way) or +1400, -1400 feet for loop (round trip) |
Navigation | Road and map |
Time | Most of a day |
Season | January through March |
Snowmobiles Use | Not permitted [Please report illegal use of snowmobiles in this area.] |
USGS Topo | 7.5' series, Robbs Peak |
Start | From Highway 50 turn north onto Ice House Road. Drive 21 miles until you reach a saddle. Continue 0.8 mile until you reach a snow-covered road on the west (left) side of Ice House Road. |
End | On the west (left) side of Ice House Road 1.2 miles north of the starting point for the traverse (one-way) or the starting point for the loop (round trip) tour. |
The tour to Robbs Peak can be turned into a one-way traverse requiring a very short shuttle or a one-way loop. Either way it extends the excitement of seeing a new area for the first time.
The presence of a fire lookout atop Robbs Peak attests to a commanding view. As you enjoy a leisurely lunch at the summit, look east to the impressive Crystal Range. After lunch you can practice your telemark turns on the gradual slopes near the summit.
Although the tour to Robbs Peak can be completed easily in one day, consider spending a night at the top. In 1986, 70 volunteers pitched in to convert the abandoned lookout’s garage into a bunkhouse that includes a picture window that faces the Crystal Range. It’s a wonderful place to cook, eat, read, play games or just admire a magnificent sunrise or sunset. For information and reservations visit www.recreation.gov.
Mileage Log
Numbers in parentheses
correspond to mileage points on map
Waypoint 1 to 2
Miles: 0.0 - 0.2
Elevation change:+200 feet
From the trailhead (1) climb west through a clearing toward the trees for 0.2 mile until you reach the road (2) running north-south and parallel to the trees.
Waypoint 2 to 3
Miles: 0.2 - 1.7
Elevation change: +500 feet
Ski generally southwest and finally west on the road for a total of 1.5 miles until you reach a distinct saddle (3) located to the south of Robbs Peak.
Waypoint 3 to 4
Miles: 1.7 - 2.5
Elevation change: +400 feet
Ski north on the road for 0.8 mile until you reach the lookout and hut atop Robbs Peak (4). The road traverses along the east side of the south ridge of Robbs Peak and leads to the open slopes of the summit.
Waypoint 4 to 5
Miles: 2.5 - 4.6
Elevation change: -800 feet
Descend to the northwest on an obscure road and ridge for 2.1 miles until you reach a saddle (5).
Waypoint 5 to 6
Miles: 4.6 - 6.9
Elevation change: -500 feet
Ski east on the road located on the north side of the saddle for 2.3 miles until you reach Ice House Road (6). This is the end of the traverse (one-way) tour.
Continuing on Loop Tour
Waypoinnt 6 to 1
Miles: 6.9 - 8.1
Elevation change: +200 feet
Ski south along the west side of Ice House Road for 1.2 miles until you reach the trailhead (1).