Robbs Peak, CA 2025
Within the Eldorado National Forest is Robbs Peak, a point that serves explorers seeking a connection to the history of fire prevention.
PROJECT PARTNER: Eldorado National Forest
SESSION DATES: September 28 – October 3
CAPACITY PER SESSION: 6 Volunteers (No Kitchen Helper)
PROJECT SUPERVISOR: Aric Smejkal
CREW LEADER: (Assignment in progress)
Project Site Description & History
High in the Sierra Mountains of California, in the backdrop of Eldorado National Forests’ western slope, is the Robbs Peak Fire Lookout Compound. Built during the Great Depression, the multi-structure compound consists of a primary fire observation cab and functional garage referred to as the “hut.” The two buildings at Robbs Peak were rebuilt by members of the Civilian Conservation Corps under orders from the USDA’s Region 5 planners who sought to expand the functional capabilities while improving the comforts for forestry workers spending fire seasons at the compounds.
Between 1932 and 1938 over 200 new Forest Service Lookouts were erected using the labor of CCC crews who were already hard at work constructing various land conservation projects throughout the region. With the onset of World War II, constructing new fire lookout towers became less of a priority and the forest shifted to adaptation and reuse of existing infrastructure due to funding being prioritized toward the war effort. In 2004 the Robbs Peak Fire Lookout Compound was added to the National Historic Lookout Register.
If the high mountains of California’s Eldorado National Forest call you, we highly recommend joining us this season to restore Robbs Peak. Join us this fall as we head west to a destination that pays homage to the fire lookout towers of the past. Our last volunteer opportunities of the season are always special, so don’t miss your chance to end out the season with us in California. More information about the compound can be viewed through the Forests’ website.
Location and Logistics
SESSION DATES: September 28 – October 3
Please plan to arrive at the campsite no earlier than 5pm and no later than 7pm on the first day of your session.
LOCATION: Located roughly 70 minutes east of Placerville, CA.
MAP to ROBBS PEAK
ACCESS: 
Tents, truck-campers, and campervans will have access to our campground. Small Trailers might be accommodable but there are no RV spaces available at this location. Showers will not be available but dogs are allowed.
WEATHER: Anticipate highs in the 80s and lows in the 30s. Weather conditions may be rainy, cloudy, or sunny. Volunteers are responsible for checking weather conditions before their session begins, and packing appropriately.
ABOUT VOLUNTEERING: HistoriCorps projects are free for volunteers! HistoriCorps will provide all meals, tools, training, equipment, and a campsite. Volunteers are responsible for their own transportation to the campsite, sleeping equipment, work gloves, clothes and boots, and other personal gear.
Scope of Work
SCOPE OF WORK DIFFICULTY: 
HistoriCorps is committed to educating and training volunteers in preservation skills, with an overarching mission of inspiring a preservation ethic in all those involved. Learning and working alongside expert HistoriCorps field staff and other volunteers while applying the traditional skills necessary to restore Robbs Peak, you will assist to:
- Restore the cedar shingle roof to its former state using in-kind materials
- Remove old paint and rejuvenate exterior window openings and sills with new paint
- Remove paint overspray from window glass to create an even interior visual appearance
- Improve structure quality and safety through repair or replacement of wooden spacer blocks on lookout trusses
- Repair or fill gaps between siding and trim to smoothen exterior wall plane
Please note: Tasks vary by day and by week, depending on a variety of factors including: weather, project priorities, previous groups’ work, and more. Though it is likely you will get to learn and practice most or all of the above tasks, it is not guaranteed. The higher percentage of the scope a particular task is, the more likely you will get to practice it.
Sign Up!
We’re thrilled this project has inspired you to volunteer!
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CANCELLATIONS effect our ability to complete projects. Please register only if you are certain about your ability to participate.
You will know your registration was successful when you receive a confirmation email. Contact volunteer@historicorps.org for assistance.
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Volunteer Logistics, Policies, and Advice
We’re so glad you’re interested in joining this project! If you’re new to our community, review the Volunteer FAQ first! Please note the following logistics and policies:
- Volunteering with HistoriCorps is free! We will provide all meals, tools, training, equipment, and a campsite or shared indoor lodging. Dinner is not provided on the first night.
- Volunteers are responsible for bringing their own gear, work gloves, sturdy work clothes and boots, and appropriate sleeping equipment. Check the average temperatures before you start packing – the nights and mornings may be colder than you anticipate! Then, read this advice about how to stay warm when tent camping in colder places.
- Campsite accessibility varies by project. Some projects can accommodate tents only; others can accommodate small RVs. Please review the project site description above for more information, and if you’re still not sure, email volunteer@historicorps.org for help.
- If this project does not offer showers, you might want to consider bringing a solar shower or research other methods to clean up after the work day.
- Volunteer crew sizes generally range from 4-8 volunteers, with two HistoriCorps staff that lead and train volunteers in the work.
- Safety is one of HistoriCorps’ top priorities, and volunteers can contribute to a safe working environment by ensuring their physical fitness is adequate for the work. See above for this project’s scope of work and difficulty level. Please, call us if you are not quite sure if a project is a good fit for your skills or fitness level. We may be able to suggest a project more suitable and enjoyable for you.
- Hard hats, eye protection, ear protection, gloves are standard personal protection equipment (PPE) required on all projects. Hard hats must be worn at all times on the project site, unless working in a designated safe space. Field staff will train volunteers on correct use of PPE.
- Dogs are generally allowed to accompany their humans in project campsites (actually, we love having dogs join us around the campfire!). Dogs are not permitted on the job site for everyone's safety. HOWEVER: HistoriCorps also follows the rules and regulations of our project partner. If the project partner does not permit dogs onsite then HistoriCorps is no exception. Please ask HistoriCorps or the project partner directly if you have any questions about whether Fido is welcome.