Pear Lake Winter Hut

Pear Lake Winter Hut is a reservation-only backcountry shelter near Pear Lake, at about 9,200 feet. The marked winter route from Wolverton is six miles one way and climbs 2,891 feet. This suits experienced winter travelers planning an overnight, not a casual walk. The hut's ten bunks, pellet stove and composting toilet make a night here possible after that climb.

An advance reservation and an overnight wilderness permit are required. The upper route is not well marked, and major storms can bring whiteouts and avalanche danger. Go only with strong winter travel skills and a plan to assess avalanche conditions. Hiking without traction devices is not recommended. Check current reservation dates and trail conditions before committing.

The hut has bunks with mattresses, a pellet stove and fuel, cookstoves, cookware, dishes, and a composting toilet. It does not supply bedding: bring a sleeping bag for freezing temperatures, food, propane for cooking, and water-purification equipment. Do not assume drinkable water will be ready at the hut.

The National Park Service and Civilian Conservation Corps built the hut in 1939–41 using local granite and pine logs. Its stone walls and exposed timber frame were chosen to sit naturally in the high Sierra; the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. For a useful photo, keep the stone base and timber gable together in the frame. Those materials are the detail that makes this hut distinctive.