Van Vleck Bunkhouse once part of the Van Vleck Ranch which operated as a cattle ranch from the 1860's to the 1960's. The bunkhouse overlooks a beautiful meadow with views toward the Crystal Range. Nearby is the Tells Creek Trailhead with trails leading east into the Desolation Wilderness. A short drive away is the Tells Creek Equestrian Camp, a trailhead post for those with horses. Visitors to the Bunkhouse enjoy hiking, bird watching, fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding, cross country skiing and snowshoeing.
Van Vleck Bunkhouse
The bunkhouse has a single bedroom and bathroom along with a living room and kitchen combination. Outside is a small deck. A queen bed and bunk bed are in the bedroom, while a sleeper sofa and another bunkbed are in the living room. There is no electricity. Heat is provided by a propane fireplace. Propane lights have been removed due to safety concerns. Bring flashlights and battery lanterns. Cooking is on a propane stove top and oven. A refrigerator is available in the summer. Also in the summer, there is hot and cold running water, a flushing toilet, and a shower. During the winter the water system is shut down. The Forest Service advises, "Do not expect hotel luxuries."
In winter the access road from Highway 50 - Ice House Road - may require 4-wheel drive or chains.
In summer, drive 23 miles from Highway 50 up Ice House Road to Cheese Camp Road. Turn right and go 4 miles to fork, then right for 1½ miles, and left to locked gate. See winter driving directions below.
Elevation:
6,549 feet
Miles/Driving time:
Sacramento - 92 miles, 2:05
Van Vleck Bunkhouse Season:
Open year-round, but winter access (possibly October through June) requires a difficult 6-mile snowshoe or cross-country ski approach on a marked trail from Loon Lake.
Max. Occupancy:
6 (including children)
Vehicle Parking:
6 cars, RVs and trailers not recommended; no vehicle access in winter
Sleeping: queen bed, sleeper sofa, 2 sets of bunkbeds Kitchen: propane powered stove top, small oven, some dishes, pots, and pans. Refrigerator in summer Other: table and chairs, hot and cold running water only in summer, snow shovel
NOT included:
Visitors need to bring bedding (sleeping bags), flashlights and battery-operated lanterns, perhaps some pots and pans. Also bring plates, drinking glasses, utensils, matches, toilet paper, and paper towels. No garbage service, bring garbage bags.
Showers:
Yes, summer only
Attractions Near Bunkhouse:
Hike on trails into the Desolation Wilderness. Drive to nearby Crystal Basin lakes for boating, water skiing, and fishing. See Discover Echo Summit.
"Check in procedures have changed. As of January 1, 2022. All check-in information will be emailed from sm.fs.rentalcabins@usda.gov to the email the renter has listed in their Recreation.gov account prior to their check-in date. Renters should check both the inbox and the spam/junk mail folders prior to travelling to the cabin. In the event the renter does not see the email, they should contact the Eldorado National Forest at (530) 644-2324 during business hours. This will ensure that staff have the correct email address to resend the rental packet, which includes combinations for gate/cabin. " - Recreation.gov
Winter Access to Van Vleck Bunkhouse
Continue driving up Ice House Road past the summer road to Van Vleck Bunkhouse (not plowed and not marked for winter travel) to Loon Lake and there take the right fork. Continue 5 miles to plowed trailhead on right at the turnoff to Loon Lake Campground. A permit and gate combination is required and should be arranged prior to arrival with the Pacific Ranger Station at (530) 644-2349.
The winter trail to the Bunkhouse is a challenging 6-mile trek on skis or snowshoes with an elevation gain of 1,300 feet. Blue diamonds mark the route. "This trip is recommended for intermediate ability level or better skiers/snowshoers in excellent physical condition who are skilled in winter backcountry survival including navigation by map and compass or GPS." - Forest Service. Read a full description and cautions at US Forest Service - Van Vleck Bunkhouse.
