High Camp Life
Q: What's the weather going to be during my visit?
A: We prefer the NOAA weather forecast as the best option for the High Camp area.
Q: Do we need to bring our own water?
A: No. Our water comes from an underground mountain spring on property! It is gravity fed to the sink in the Lodge, where you can fill your cabin water jugs or shower bags. Each cabin in supplied with one or two 5 gallon water containers for your use.
Q: After hiking, I seriously need a shower - what’s your setup like?
A: We have a small shower room next to the wood fired sauna building - simply grab a shower bag and fill it up in the Lodge with water temp of your preference. Hook the bag up to the pulley line and BAM - gravity backcountry shower at it’s finest!
Q: Do you have overnight staff or a caretaker onsite at the cabins?
A: Depending on the number of cabins/guests at High Camp, we may or may not have an overnight host on shift. We’ll have staff coming and going throughout most days and on-call throughout the weekend if anything pops up. Phone number/details available in your cabin booklet and trail map.
Q: Is there power at High Camp?
A: Alpine Lakes High Camp is completely off the grid. This means that there is no electricity in the cabins. The Lodge however does have two solar panels, allowing a small charging station for any required devices. Please pack and plan accordingly.
Q: What about dogs?
A: Dogs are allowed at High Camp on weekdays and weekends throughout the year. Dogs are $30/night with no additional transport fee (they must be on your lap). Max 2 dogs per cabin and max 6 dogs at High Camp at any given time. Vaccinations must be up to date. No aggressive behavior or excessive barking allowed. Dogs that display aggressive behavior will be required to stay in your cabin, dogs displaying excessive barking will require guests to depart without refund. Contact us about service dogs at High Camp.
Q: Can I bring my firearms with me?
A: High Camp does not allow firearms on our property or in our vehicles. If you’re concerned about bear encounters, please bring pepper spray instead.
Q: Can I purchase food at High Camp?
A: High Camp does not offer food services, so be sure to pack all the food your group needs for your stay. Please pack food in hard, sealable containers or coolers - no open top/grocery bags are allowed because of transport difficulties.
Q: What are the bathroom facilities at High Camp?
A: With High Camp’s offgrid setup we have outhouses for guest use. There are 4 of them spread out around the property and each is fully stocked with tp. Nothing says ‘remote wildness’ like a bathroom experience your great grandparents would be proud of!
Cabin Details
Q: Do I have to share a cabin with guests from other parties?
A: No! Reservations always ensure that your party will stay in their own private cabin.
Q: Do you provide linens such as sheets and pillow cases?
A: We provide pillows and comfy mattresses, but you are responsible for bringing you own sleeping bag/linens/pillow case.
Q: Should I bring plates/bowls/pots/pans?
A: No need - each cabin is supplied with a propane two-burner stove, pots, pans, dishes, and utensils for cooking. Your full group should be covered since the selection is based on the occupancy max for that cabin - though don't hesitate to bring that favorite camp mug or French Press! Dishes are washed in the cabins using two washing tubs and a drying rack. With the exception of special events, wedding, or full camp book-outs - cooking and dishwashing is done in cabins and not in the Lodge.
Q: How should I pack my stuff?
A: Gear: Waterproof duffle bags or backpacks work best for clothes and personal items
A: Food: Coolers are ideal for items that need refrigeration and a plastic tub works well for storing non-perishable food items. NO open topped bags allowed - please ensure all bags can be zipped/closed to ensure nothing is lost during transport.
A: Skis/boots: Please have boots packed inside a bag and not loose. Skis should be strapped together, ideally with poles connected. All these steps help us ensure your gear and personal items are taken care of and secured during transport! Thanks so much!
Q: What do you use to keep the cabins warm in winter?
A: In cold weather, cabins are heated using wood stoves. We supply each cabin with firewood, kindling, fire starter, and newspaper. If you need any help lighting or operating a wood-fire stove, our staff is always happy to help. A crackling wood fire is a key experience to cold weather High Camp visits!
Q: Without power, what do you do for lights?
A: Cabins are lit using propane lights. Please bring additional headlamps and flashlights for evening use and moving about camp at night.
Transport Information
Q: What are the transport departure and return times?
A: We offer 2-3 pickup time options (based on day of the week) which our guests select during the booking process online. Up to High Camp: Thurs (10am, 2pm), Fri (10am, 2pm, 6pm), Sat (10am, 2pm). Down from High Camp: Sat (11am, 3pm), Sun (11am, 1pm, 3pm), Mon (11am, 3pm).
Q: What time will we need to be at the parking lot?
A: Please make every effort to arrive at our parking lot at least 30 minutes before your departure time. This gives you time to be ready for the trip up to the cabins! If you run into travel issues that make you a little late please email us at support@alpinelakeshighcamp.com to let us know. An additional charge of $90 will be added to your reservation if your late arrival creates problems for other guests or our staff. In some cases, we might not be able to get you to the cabins until the next morning.
Q: Can I drive my own vehicle up to High Camp?
A: No. High Camp is located 8 ½ miles up a private road and due to permitting, road conditions, heavy equipment on the road, and private property - camp cannot be accessed using personal vehicles.
Q: Do I need a Forest Service Pass or Sno-Park Permit to park in your lot?
A: No. Our parking lot is private and reserved for High Camp guests only.
Activities/Seasons/Trails
Q: What about mountain bike trails?
A: We are in the process of growing our mountain biking trail system. One of our current trails is an intermediate downhill trail with 4,000' of descent from McCue Ridge down to the parking lot!. For XC riders we have a maze of incredibly rough forest service/logging roads across the mountainside, along with a variety of multi-use trails departing from camp. We are constantly working to add more trails and will be updating our maps and online information as more are completed!
Booking Information
Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A: Before 60 Days: Full refund of deposit available minus $100.00 cancellation fee
Within 60 Days: Trips cancelled with less than 30 days notice will lose deposit
Within 30 Days: Full lodging amount will be charged (minus transportation costs) if cabin cannot be re-booked.
An unexpected cancellation or medical emergency could cause you to lose your deposit or full lodging amount, because of this we strongly recommend trip insurance for larger reservations!
Q: When do we need to be out of our cabin?
A: That depends if we have guests arriving and departing on the same day for the same cabin. If this happens we will let you know ahead of time -
Check-In: Cabin check-in time is 2:00 PM daily. In the event you arrive on the 10:00 AM transport, we have a cozy lodge and vast wilderness in which to pass the time. We work to have your cabin prepped as soon as possible!
Check-Out: Depending on cabin bookings, we may require you to adhere to the 10:30 AM checkout time, otherwise you are welcome to stay in your cabin until 30min prior to your departure. High Camp Hosts will coordinate these details with you during your stay.
Q: What about tipping staff?
A: Traditionally, guests who have enjoyed their stay at High Camp and appreciate the staff's hard work and long days splitting firewood and running snowcat have found it appropriate to tip. Although it is ultimately your personal choice, tipping is greatly appreciated (recommend 3-5%)!
Q: When is the final payment due?
A: The card you reserved your cabin with will be charged the final amount due on the day you depart High Camp.