Located on the southern edge of Round Valley below Basin and Castle peaks, the Sierra Club’s Peter Grubb Hut occupies an ideal winter playground. Those staying at the hut have spectacular skiable terrain off of the Castle-Basin ridge at their fingertips, an area known for offering a diversity of descent options from intermediate glades to expert couloirs and chutes.
Built from 1938 to 1939 as a memorial to Peter Grubb, who passed away while biking in Europe, the hut is one of four that are managed by the Sierra Club in the Tahoe area. The most accessible of the four huts, access to Peter Grubb Hut is via a 2.5-mile low angle section of the Pacific Crest Trail that rises 800 feet to Castle Pass and the drops slightly to Round Valley. The easy access makes the hut popular with cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and backountry skiers alike.
The hut’s main room has a wood stove and kitchen area, and firewood is supplied by the Sierra Club. The kitchen has propane burners, plates, and kitchenware, but no potable water. Water must be melted from snow or brought in. An east annex room also has a wood stove and is a preferred sleeping quarters for some small parties. The main sleeping area is located upstairs in a 15-person loft. Two outhouses are located a short walk behind the hut.
The hut is open for reservations year-round, but it is frequently crowded during winter weekends and holidays. Reservations are required through calling the Sierra Club’s Claire Tappaan Lodge reservation line, 1.800.679.6775.
Parking for the hut is off of I-80 at the Castle Peak/Boreal Ridge exit in the Donner Pass Sno-Park.
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