Peter Grubb Hut

Located 3 miles from Interstate 80, the Peter Grubb hut is the most popular of the 4 Sierra Club huts. Either as a destination in its own right, or the first stop of the Grubb-Benson-Bradley tour, this hut is a great base camp to further explore the ski terrain in the Castle Peak vicinity. Situated in Round Valley, the hut is located just inside tree line on the western edge of the large meadow below Basin Peak. Inside the hut, there is a sleeping loft which accommodates 15, and below is a large kitchen and living area with a great wood stove. Attached to the kitchen area is an auxiliary hut with its own woodstove, which sleeps roughly 8. This “auxiliary” unit is actually the original Grubb Hut, which has been expanded upon greatly since its construction. The hut has an outhouse and solar powered lighting. Be sure to clear the solar panel of snow when you arrive if you want any lighting that night. The ski terrain of Basin and Castle Peaks running down into Round Valley is intermediate in difficulty, and Castle’s Northern aspects are not far away. Reaching Basin’s summit is a must, as it provides one of the most stunning views in the North Tahoe area. Staying at the Grubb hut is also a great way to access Carpenter Ridge, a large, south-facing destination that otherwise requires a grueling approach from the Tahoe Donner neighborhood.

To reach the Peter Grubb Hut, take I-80 to the Boreal / Castel Peak exit. Overnight parking is found at the Pacific Crest Trail parking lot by taking a left, away from Boreal’s lot. A California Sno-Park permit is required to park here. Walk under the interstate and begin the approach at the start of the summer road to Castle. Follow the main trail (PCT) less than 2 miles NW towards the ridgeline between Castle and Andesite Peaks. From this ridgeline, contour north for less than a mile towards Basin Peak, and locate the large meadow that makes up Round Valley. The hut sits just inside treeline, on the western edge of the large meadow. Be sure to get a reservation, as crowded weekends can leave those without reservations in the snow cave outside.