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BackCountry Huts

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*IMPORTANT NOTICE* The woodburning stove at Benson Hut is having mechanical issues. It is in the process of being fixed and we will update you if any other issues arise.

Clair Tappaan Lodge operates four backcountry huts (Peter Grubb, Benson, Bradley, and Ludlow) in the Donner Summit/Lake Tahoe area for year-round recreational use.  Each hut provides rustic accommodations for about 15 people (12 at Benson) and includes a sleeping loft, wood stove, and outhouse.  These huts give ambitious skiers, snowshoers, and hikers a chance to explore the mountains without needing to build an igloo or pitch a tent.  Each hut can be reached in one day or less from the nearest road by an average group with good weather. In bad weather, some may not be accessible at all. All huts may be difficult to locate in heavy snow years.  Navigation is the responsibility of the users; the Sierra Club does not provide directions to huts in winter.  

Huts are supplied with cut, typically un-split, firewood each fall.  Sledgehammers and wedges are provided for splitting.  Heavy visitor use may deplete firewood stores by spring.  Each hut has at least one wood stove — good for warming huts and melting snow but notoriously inefficient for cooking, especially with large groups (portable backpacking stoves are recommended).

Routine upkeep is the responsibility of the users, who must clean the hut before departure.  Please report deficiencies to us.

Reservations

The huts are operated on a reservation basis to prevent overcrowding. The buildings are secured with combination padlocks; combinations are subject to change during the season.  Access information will be provided one week in advance of arrival to holders of reservations.  Reservation will be accepted for the entire hut at a flat rate. They are also available an individual basis, with the understanding that the huts are public and open to others when not fully reserved by a single group. The individual reserving the hut is considered to be the group ‘leader’; all communication will go through them. Cancellations more than 30 days before arrival qualify for a full refund.  If it is impossible to reach the trailhead on the arrival date because of road closures, a request for a full refund documenting the circumstances will be considered.

Rates listed below do not include any applicable taxes:

  • Peter Grubb, Bradley, and Ludlow Huts (15 people) - $470/night

  • Benson Hut (12 people) - $380/night

  • Individual spot (all huts) - $35/night

Simply click the BOOK NOW button at the top of the page. Exceptions: Hut work party volunteers and leaders of outings sponsored by Sierra Club chapters, regional groups, and activity sections may qualify for early reservations. (If interested in volunteering, email Listserv@lists.sierraclub.org with the message…

SUBSCRIBE OA-HUT-WORKPARTIES@LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORG)