Spending the night on a Sierra peak is easier than you might think. Originally used as a fire lookout station, Robbs Hut is now available to the general public as a mountaintop hideaway. Set at 6,686 feet in the Eldorado National Forest, and about 20 miles west of Lake Tahoe, the hut is easily accessed by car during summer months. Upon arrival, get ready to rough it: there's no electricity or running water, and you'll cook your meals on a propane stove. Still, the hut is cozy and rustic, with two basic rooms and three sleeping platforms, plus a fire ring and a picnic table. And the view? A 360-degree panaroma from the soaring crags of the Crystal Range to the Sacramento Valley. Mountain biking and swimming opportunities abound when conditions permit. Weekend reservations are tough, sometimes requiring 180 days' advance notice, so weeknight stays are your best bet. Alternatively, the true north strong and brave can venture a visit in winter. Once the snow has fallen, you can ski or snowshoe a 1,000-foot elevation gain over the course of 3 miles to access the hut. If you're up for the challenge, the quiet solitude and snow-covered landscapes are otherworldly—and there's a good chance you'll have this winter wonderland entirely to yourself.

Before making this trip, you must contact the Pacific Ranger District to arrange backcountry permits and get updated information regarding access, check-in, and conditions. It can be reached at 530-647-5415. For more information and seasonal directions, read this online packet. To make reservations, click here. The cost is $45 per night, for up to six people.