Robinson Peak is a lesser known summit in the Hoover Wilderness along the Sawmill Ridge. It is located 1½ miles south of Eagle Peak 11,845’. If doing a long all day hike, it can be climbed after Eagle Peak, or can be climbed should you choose to camp high up in the Hoover Wilderness, and want to bag the peaks accessible along the Sawmill Ridge.

Robinson Peak offers direct views of the Sawtooth Ridge to the south as well as several peaks in the immediate vicinity above 11,700 feet, such as Victoria Peak and Hunewill Peak. Reaching the summit of Robinson Peak can be done via a very long day hike from the Buckeye Trailhead at the Buckeye Campground at about 7220’.

Robinson Peak from Peak 10421

Getting There

The trailhead is at the Buckeye Campground, which can be accessed in Bridgeport, California, off of Highway 395. Get off 395 at Twin Lakes Road in Bridgeport, which is about a 15 to 20 minute drive south of Sonora Pass. Follow Twin Lakes Road for several miles and watch for the signs for Doc 'N' Al's resort. At the turn of there is sign heading to Buckeye Campground. The road soon turns into dirt, but can easily be driven by a 2WD. Most of the dirt section gets a "1" rating, although your car may shake at points.

Just before the campground is a concrete bridge, on the left. Cross this and drive through the campground. If you wish to camp, head to campground site #60 and see the camp host or simply find a camp site with open space, and fill out a form for that camp site and pay. If only doing a day hike, park at the Buckeye Trailhead towards the back of the campground.

Route

The primary route to Robinson Peak is via the Eagle Creek Trail. From the trailhead walk straight up the road and walk through a gate at the end of the campground. After another few hundred feet is a second gate. Walk through this gate and a couple hundred yards later is a sign on the left to Eagle Creek. Take this trail as it heads east, but soon curves back around to the west. The trail is basically an old road which continues through the forest on the right side of the creek. After about 1½ miles from the trail sign you reach the end of the road. There is a trail marker pointing to the right.

The trail continues west along the Eagle Creek and eventually the higher mountains come into view. Initially Peak 10421 comes into view. This is the peak just east of Robinson Peak along the Sawmill Ridge.

Looking up at Eagle Peak 11,845'along the trail

The trail continues up moderately steep as it climbs between the Sawmill Ridge to the south and the Buckeye Ridge to the north. After about 5 miles up the trail, it starts to peter out somewhat and becomes harder to follow. At this point, however, the route it pretty open, and easy to tell which direction to go. Once the trail becomes clear again, you will see a connecting ridge on your left heading to Peak 10421 and the Eagle Creek on your left as well. Continue up the trail past the connecting ridge, and stay on the right side of the Eagle Creek. Soon you will see Robinson Peak come into full view on the left. Look for a good spot to start the ascent. This will probably be about 15-20 minutes after you pass the connecting ridge to Peak 10421. Head up the steep slope for 750 to 800 feet to the summit.

The total hiking distance from the Buckeye Trailhead is between 13½ and 14 miles round trip, depending on where you start the ascent up the summit block. The elevation gain is about 3600 feet.

A shorter route is possible from the east side off of Twin Lakes Road. There are a few trails before you get to Twin Lakes that wind up to the main ridge. Locals occasionally climb this way, which is about 6 miles one way to the summit with a gain of over 4,000 feet.

Red Tape

There is no red tape to deal with and no permits required. There is a fee should you choose to camp at the Buckeye Campground. However, there is also a trailhead nearby the end of the road that a person can park during the day and hike. If planning to do a longer hike in the area, it is recommended you camp at Buckeye Campground. There are 67 camp sites to choose from with space for three or four cars each.

External Links

Bridgeport Ranger District

Images