PLACERVILLE . INFO

Ice House Resort is situated at the 5400' elevation.  We are open from May 15th through October 15th.  We hope to soon be open year round for summer and winter outdoor activities!  Here are some of the things Ice House Resort has to offer.
 

• Boating: Free paved boat ramp access large enough to accommodate motor boats.
• Swimming.
• RV Hookups, $30.00/night (4 people)  $400.00/month (4 people).
• 32 Campground sites at the Ice House Resort: Fee, $15.00/night (4 people - additional people $2 each).
• Group campsite: Fee, $150.00/night (50 people).
• Five Motel rooms: $71.50 ~ $88.00 a night.
• Bike Trails.
• Hiking.
• Fishing.
• Wheelchair Accessible.
• Laundromat (in progress).
• Desolation Valley access.
• One of three gateways to the Rubicon Trail.
  
  Prices are subject to change.

 

Crystal Basin Recreation Area of the El Dorado National Forest spans 85,000 acres of pine and fir forests along the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada.  Capped by the majestic, granite peaks of the Crystal Range and traversed by lakes, reservoirs and streams, the Crystal Basin's four seasons and varied terrain offer a diverse range of rugged outdoor adventure.

History of the Crystal Basin
The Crystal Basin was once the home of the Miwok, Washo and Maidu people.  In the 1800's, ranch settlers grazed dairy cattle on the high mountain meadows now covered by reservoirs.  In the 1900's, the U.S.D.A. Forest Service opened the Basin to the public.  Today, ranchers continue to operate on private land that winds through the national forest.  In 1957, the Sacramento Municipal Utility District  (SMUD) began construction of the Upper American River Project, a series of hydroelectric power plants in the Crystal Basin.  Today, the Upper American River Project is capable of producing 1.8 billion kilowatts of clean, affordable electricity - enough energy to power about 100,00 homes a year in Sacramento.
As part of the Upper American River Project, SMUD created a network of beautiful mountain reservoirs.  Through careful planning with the Forest Service, SMUD built a variety of recreation facilities around the reservoirs - a condition of operating within national forest lands.  Working together,  SMUD and the Forest Service continue to develop campgrounds, boat ramps, biking and hiking trails - for all forest visitors to enjoy.

Camping
Whether you are looking for primitive solitude along the tree-lined banks of lakes and streams, or prefer the amenities available at designated campgrounds, the Basin offers diverse settings for overnight camping experiences.
Over 700 developed campsites are available.  Some require fees and/or reservations, many are free.  Each site has a fire ring with grate, a table and parking space.  Piped water, trash and containers and toilets are available at most of the campgrounds.  Several sites accommodate recreational vehicles (no hookups).  The maximum stay is 14 days.

Fishing
Anglers can cast for kokanee salmon, small mouth bass, mackinaw or rainbow trout at Union Valley Reservoir.  Throughout the summer, Ice House Resort and Loon Lake are planted with rainbow trout by the California Department of Fish and Game.  For fishing enthusiasts eager to reel in a wild German brown trout, try your luck at Gerle Creek.  

Click here to visit Kens Custom Tackle Web Site for custom made tackle and local fishing tips and reports.

Boating
Recreation boating is a favorite pastime on the clear mountain lakes of the Basin.  All of the lakes have free boat ramp access.  Ice House Reservoir, Union Valley Reservoir and Loon Lake have paved ramps and are large enough to accommodate motor boats.

Horseback Riding
Group and individual equestrian campgrounds are available at both Loon Lake and Writes Lake, with access to scenic riding trails.  The individual sites at Loon Lake have hitching posts and pull-through parking to conveniently accommodate horse trailers.

Hiking
The Crystal Basin provides a gateway to Desolation Wilderness, offering access to 117 miles of hiking trails across the Sierra Nevada.  Many of the trails located within the Basin offer easy to moderate day hikes.  For a historical hike, try Gerle Creek Summer Harvest Trail (adapted for wheelchairs) and learn how the Native Americans collected food in the area.

Wheelchair Access
Many of the developed areas throughout the Basin are accessible for people with disabilities.  The fishing pier and trail at Gerle Creek, several of the parking areas, and the paved boat ramps at the reservoirs accommodate wheelchairs.

Snow Skiing
Cross-country skiers can traverse miles of exquisite, pristine ski trails near Loon Lake, the highest elevation in the Crystal Basin Recreation Area.  The ungroomed trails are rated "Easiest" to "Most Difficult".

Robbs Hut
Robbs Hut is a popular mountain bunkhouse located on a 6,686 foot peak overlooking the Crystal Basin.  It is open year-round, and is equipped with a cook stove, outdoor barbeque and sleeping accommodations for six.

Loon Lake Chalet
Skiers, hikers and mountain bikers can take a refuge at Loon Lake Chalet year-round.  It offers a large warming room, a small kitchen and sleeping accommodations for up to 20 people. Click here for more detailed information on Loon Lake Chalet.

Big Hill
For a panoramic view of the captivating scenery of the Crystal Basin, visit Big Hill Lookout.  It offers views of the Crystal Basin Range and west to Sacramento and Mt. Diablo.

• Cleveland Corral: Elevation 4000'.  Open from 5/15 through 10/1.  5 day use picnic sites. Drinking water available.  Wheelchair access.  Restroom.  Information about Crystal Basin.

• Silver Creek Campground: Elevation 5200'.  Open 5/15 through 10/15.  11 family campsites.  Fishing, swimming and restroom.  No trailers.

• Big Hill: Elevation 6100'.  Open 6/15 through 10/16.  One day use picnic site.  View Point.  Restroom.

• Ice House Reservoir: Elevation 5400'.

• Ice House Campground: Open 5/15 through 10/15.  32 family campsites, ($12.00). 10 day-use picnic sites and one group campsite ($75.00).  Boating, paved boat ramp, fishing, hiking, RV sites, Rv dump site, drinking water, wheelchair accessible, restroom.

• Northwind Campground: Open 5/15 through 10/15.  9 family campsites.  Boating, fishing, hiking, swimming, RV, wheelchair accessible and restroom.

• Strawberry Point Campground: Open 5/15 through 10/15.  10 family campsites.  Boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, RV, wheelchair accessible and restroom.

• Crystal Basin Ranger Station:  Open 6/1 through 10/1.  Visitor information, drinking water and restroom.

• Union Valley Reservoir:  Elevation 4900'.

• Fashoda Campground:  Open 6/1 through 9/15.  30 family campsites. 5 day-use picnic sites.  Boating, fishing,  swimming, drinking water, wheelchair accessible and restroom.  Tents only.  ($8.00 per campsite).

• Jones Fork Campground: Open 5/15 through 10/15.  10 family campsites.  Boating, fishing, swimming,  RV, wheelchair accessible and restroom.

• Sunset Campground: Open 6/1 through 10/1.  131 family campsites ($10-$15).  Boating, boat ramp, fishing,  swimming, RV sites, Rv dump site, drinking water, restroom.

• Wench Creek Campground: Open 6/1 through 9/15.  100 family campsites ($8.00).  2 group campsites ($50.00 max. of 50 people). Boating, fishing, swimming,  RV, drinking water and restroom.

• Wolf Creek Campground: Open 6/1 through 10/1.  42 family campsites. Boating, fishing, swimming,  RV, wheel chair accessible and restroom.

• Yellowjacket Campground:  Open 6/1 through 9/15.  40 family campsites ($8.00).  Boating, boat ramp, swimming,  RV sites, Rv dump site, drinking water, restroom.

• Robbs Hut:  Elevation 6685'.  Open year round.  1 group campsite. Reservations required, maximum of 6 people.  Hiking, restroom, skiing, and mountain biking.  Click here for more detailed information on Robbs Hut

• South Fork Campground:  Elevation 5200'.  6/1 through 10/15.  17 family campsites.  Fishing, RV and restroom.

• Gerle Creek Reservoir:  Elevation 6500'.

• Angel Creek Picnic Area:  Open 6/1 through 10/15.  4 day-use picnic sites.  Boating, fishing, swimming, wheel chair accessible and restroom.

• Gerle Creek Campground:  Open 6/1 through 10/1.  50 family campsites ($8.00)  4 day-use picnic sites.  Boating (no motor boats),  fishing, swimming, drinking water, RV, wheel chair accessible and restroom.  Interpretive hiking trail.

• Airport Flat Campground:  Open 6/1 through 10/15.  15 family campsites.  Fishing, swimming, RV, wheel chair accessible and restroom.

• Loon Lake Reservoir:  Elevation 6500'.

• Loon Lake Campground:  Open 6/16 through 10/1.  53 family campsites ($9.00).  2 group campsites (site #1 $50.00, 50 people max.  Site #2 $40.00, 35 people max.).  5 day-use picnic sites.  Boating, boat ramp, fishing, hiking, swimming, RV sites, drinking water, wheelchair accessible, restroom.

• Loon Lake Equestrian Campground:  Open 6/1 through 9/15.  9 family campsites ($7.00).  1 group site ($35.00, 25 people max.).   Boating, boat ramp, fishing, swimming, hiking, RV sites, drinking water, restroom and equestrian.

• Loon Lake Boat Ramp RV Camping: Open 6/15 through 10/1.  15 family campsites ($5.00/ no campfires).  Boating, boat ramp, fishing, swimming, hiking, RV sites, drinking water and restroom.

• Loon Lake Chalet:  Open year round.  1 group site.  Reservations required.  Max. 20 people. Boating, fishing, swimming, drinking water, wheel chair accessible, RV, skiing and mountain biking. Reservation required.  Maximum of 20 people. Click here for more detailed information on the Loon Lake Chalet.

• Northshore RV Campground:  Open 6/15 through 10/1.  15 campsites.  Boating, fishing, swimming, restroom, RV and hiking.

• Pleasant Campground:  Open 6/15 through 10/1.  10 campsites.  Boating, fishing, swimming, restroom, hiking and mountain biking.

• Red Fir Group Campground: Open 6/15 through 10/1.  1 group campsite.  $35.00 Max. 25 people, 6 cars, tents only.

• Wentworth Springs:  Elevation 6000'.  Open 6/15 through 10/1.  8 family campsites.  Fishing and restroom.  No trailers and rough road.

• Wrights Lake:  Elevation 7000'.

• Wrights Lake Equestrian Camp:  Open 6/15 through 10/1.  15 family campsites.  Equestrian, restroom, fishing, swimming and hiking.

• Wrights Lake Campground.  Open 6/15 through 10/1.  71 family campsites ($10.00). 10 day-use picnic sites.  Boating, fishing, swimming, drinking water, restroom, RV, hiking, and wheel chair accessible.

Ice House-Granite Springs-Wrights Loops:
Distance: Under 30 Miles.
Topo maps: Kyburz and Pyramid Peak 7 1/2.
Degree of difficulty:  Although this ride sports a few long climbs and covers quite a few miles, it is a good ride for beginners since over half the distance is on paved surface and the dirt sections are not difficult.  Elevation gain is over 2000 feet.  This ride covers a lot of ground, so you can experience several different sections of the Crystal Basin.  For more experienced riders, it can be turned into a more challenging circuit by tacking on some options such as the Bloodsucker or Wrights Lake Loops.
Trailhead:  Start at Ice House Resort. Park your car anywhere near the creek just north of the Ice House resort.  Head south on Ice House Road toward Highway 50. Turn left on the road to Granite Springs. From there you will head towards Wrights Lake Road taking a left at the intersection back to Ice House Resort.  There are plenty of places to water up and rest.

Bassi Falls
Distance: 4 miles round trip.
Topo map: Loon Lake 7 1/2 minute.
Degree of difficulty.  This ride is recommended for everyone.  There are a few tricky sections but nothing is too radical and there are no mondo climbs.
Highlights: This is a very short ride you can do as a second ride of the day.  The swimming and fishing holes are so inviting, however, that you may want to lounge around this area all day.  Although just a trickle by late season, Bassi Falls can be quite impressive during times of heavy runoff.
Trailhead:  There is a bridge over a creek about 16.5 miles north of Highway 50 on Ice House Road.  Take the first right after the bridge and park anywhere.  If you reach Wench Creek Campground you have gone too far.

Shadow Lake:
Distance:  8-19 mile out and back depending on starting point.
Topo map:  Loon Lake 7 1/2 minutes.
Degree of difficulty:  This trip can be long or short depending upon where you decide to start.  The ride is not too difficult except for a few short but steep sections.  Beginners are recommended to go for the short version.
Highlights:  This tour takes you to Shadow Lake, one of the finer mountain lakes in the region not in the Desolation Wilderness.
Trailhead:  For the complete 19 mile route, park your car at the Robbs Saddle on the Ice House Road about 20 miles from Highway 50.  The road you want heads towards the Van Vleck Ranch and the Tell Creek Horse Camp.  If you want to shorten the ride, you can follow the route description in your car and start at the beginning of the vehicle control area.

Robbs Peak Northern Loop
Distance: 9 mile loop.
Topo map:  Robbs Peak 7 1/2
Degree of difficulty:  Anyone in decent shape can handle this tour.  The descent down the back side of Robbs Peak can be intimidating to a cautious beginner, but there are only a few steep sections.  Most of the 1000+ feet of elevation gain is in the first three miles of steady climbing to the Robbs Peak Mountain Hut.
Highlights:  This is a classic tour for just about everyone.  This is a very easy to follow route which leads to great views and includes a mildly challenging descent.
Trailhead:  The trail starts at the Robbs Peak turnoff, approximately 22 miles from highway 50 on the Ice House Road.  The sign and turnoff to the lookout are just a little way beyond the Robbs Valley Resort.  You may want to park right at the beginning of the dirt road to Robbs Peak, although you can go up the dirt road and start anywhere in the next two miles.

Spider Lake
Distance: 10 miles round trip.
Topo maps: Loon Lake and Wentworth Springs 7 1/2 minute.
Degree of difficulty:  Although the overall elevation gain on this trip is minimal, there are a few steep sections you may have to portage.  In addition, good bike handling skills are necessary since the majority of this trip is on a single track.  Several sections of the single track are class 3, and there are a few short pitches of class 4.
Be aware of the possibility of encountering hikers or horses on this trail.
Highlights.  This ride features some of the best single track riding in the Crystal Basin as well as having a beautiful mountain lake as it's destination.
Trailhead:  About 2.5 miles north of the Robbs Peak turnoff on the Ice House Road, you come to an intersection.  If you go straight you head to Wentworth Springs and Bunker Hill.  For this ride, however, go straight toward Loon Lake.  In about 4.5 miles you come to a road on the right with a sign that says Eldorado National Forest Rec. Area which is also the road to the Loon Lake Campground.  Take it for about 1/2 mile to the wilderness trailhead parking lot.  This is the beginning of this tour  and the Loon Lake Death Ride.

McKinstry Lake Technical Loop
Distance: 14 miles for long version - 11 miles if you begin the tour at Barts Creek. You can add addition mileage by taking in the vista point on the McKinstry Trail, Bulge Lake or the Slickrock Playground.
Topo maps:  Wentworth Springs and Bunker Hill 7.5s.
Degree of difficulty:  This ride is recommended for intermediate and advanced riders, although a strong beginner with a good attitude and a willingness to portage over some of the more technical sections of the Rubicon Jeep Trail would enjoy this tour.  Lots of class 4 terrain on the descent to Wentworth Springs.
Highlights: This ride features many excellent vistas as well as a visit to McKinstry Lake.  Prior to the lake you will bike by picturesque McKinstry Meadow.  All riders will love the biking along this section as well as the descent from the pass near Guide Peak to the merging with the Rubicon Jeep Trail.
Trailhead:  Take the Ice House Road until you get the the Loon Lake turnoff.  Instead of going to Loon Lake, continue straight for about 5.5 miles.  Watch for a narrow paved road on the right.  There may be a sign indicating that bunker hill and Wentworth Springs are in this direction.  The ride starts here.  If you want to shorten the tour a bit, drive to the junction of the Wentworth Springs Road and the road to McKinstry Lake.

Barrett Lake
Distance: 12 miles.
Topo maps:  Rockbound Valley and Pyramid Peak 7 1/2 minute.
Degree of difficulty.  This is a very technical ride for the intermediate or advanced rider.  There is no great elevation gain, but the riding is almost continuous class 3 with several class 4 sections.  The elevation gain is under 1000 feet.
Highlights:  The destination, Barrett Lake, is a beauty situated just outside of the desolation Wilderness boundry.  This ride is at its best in June when there is still snow on the ground.  The jeepers stay away at this time and many of the creek crossings are classics during high water.
Trailhead:  The trailhead is at the overnight parking area for back country users at Wrights Lake.

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