Shed #1 Construction

Storage Shed Construction

One of the first projects on the property is to build a secure storage shed for the property.    The remote location, altitude, wind, and snow loads created the need to create a custom shed that could meet the requirements.  Working with Snowline Construction and Dugger’s Welding Lake.

Where: Loon Lake, California (StanZano Property) | El Dorado National Forest 

The Process

Snowline Construction and Dugger’s Welding designed a custom 120 square foot steel shed for placement at the edge of the property. 

The shed was put together at Dugger’s Welding, then taken apart and trucked up to the helicopter pad at the South end of Loon Lake near Loon Lake Chalet for transport over to the property. 

Helicopter Lift #1:  September 14, 2023

Working with Fairlifts we were able to schedule and plan for this initial lift. This lift was mainly to take over supplies such as tools, cement, bear boxes and more to allow for final site preparation for the delivery of the main structure.  A learning experience for sure, but was successful.

On – Site Preparation

The team at Snowline used their boat to access the property and worked to prepare the site: drilled into granite, hand mixed the cement and was able to get the pillars ready over the next few days.  Allowing time for the cement to cure, we were then able to schedule and prepare for the next Helicopter Assist. 

Helicopter Lift #2: October 6, 2023

Gallery | Shed Construction Images:

Get an idea of what you are in for with some pictures from our initial exploration.

Test Video

Key Locations | Maps, Links & GPS

Loon Lake Campground | South | Paid Parking, Hiking Trailhead &  Boat Ramp (paved) Boat Launch #1 | Loon Lake Boat Ramp | +038.98123, -120.32065 Loon Lake Trailhead | Rubicon Hiking Trail | +038.98239, -120.31464

West Side of Lake | North Shore Campground | Unofficial Kayak – SUP launches Launch #2 | End of a Dirt Road | +038.99460, -120.32653 North Shore Campground | Google Map Link Launch #3 | Dam Overflow |  +039.00425, -120.30867

Meeting Points:

For the most part the goal would be to meet everyone at the property whenever they can get there.  However there are a few meeting point options on shore for information, boat launching, supply pick up (ex. we may be able to help with the heavy stuff by boat). Pollock Pines – Placerville area (before Loon Lake)

• Placerville: A cute downtown with lots of restaurants and shops for before/after camping.
• Camino, CA: Highway 50 Brewing & Attached Winery.
• Pollock Pines: Safeway for supplies, Sandwiches and nearby Fuel (this is pretty much your last supply option but a great supply stop before the next 45 minutes driving UP to the lake via IceHouse Road.

Loon Lake Campground | Boat Ramp | Parking & Starting point for Rubicon Hiking Trail and Access to Desolation Wilderness: 

Paid parking area (kiosk accepts credit cards) with bathrooms to launch, park & access hiking / mtb trail to get to the property via Rubicon Trail through Pleasant Campground.

Boat Launch #1 | Loon Lake Boat Ramp | +038.98123, -120.32065 Loon Lake Trailhead | Rubicon Hiking Trail | +038.98239, -120.31464 North Shore Campground | Campsite #13 | Eric’s Airstream & White F-150  License Plate CA E401H1 North Shore Campground | Google Map Link

• • Good Check – In Spot, supply pick up point and directions.  Timing TBD
  • May be camping options just below the campsite and limited parking (more on the road as things are pretty open)

Other Launch Point | Nearest to the Rubicon OHV Trail West Side of Lake | Just past the North Shore Campground | Unofficial Kayak – SUP launches

• • Good supply drop off and shortest kayak/boat/paddle spot (have to carry things down from the road to the rocks for pick up.
  • A short hike to the other side of the peninsula will get to the quickest pick up from the property for people and light gear. (heavier gear – nearest the road)

Launch #2 | End of a Dirt Road | +038.99460, -120.32653 Launch #3 | Dam Overflow |  +039.00425, -120.30867  

Questions & Answers (FAQ)

Loon Lake is an amazing lake, yet full of some challenges due to its elevation & location.  Each time we visit everything from the weather to the level of the lake can be significantly different so be prepared.

Are there designated camping spots? 

• No | There are No designated campings spots or infrastructure on the property.  Find a relatively flat spot with a view and pitch your tent wherever you would like.
• Pleasant Campground next to the property has First Come – First Serve dedicated spots (no reservation required) and mostly around the lake is National Forest land and pretty open. 
• Dedicated Camping Spots (RV & Tent) are at the designated campgrounds (pretty full all summer)

What are the bathroom options? On the property:

• #1, Pretty much anywhere you would like (find a try, rock or whatever you would like).
• #2, About a 5-10 minute walk to the Pleasant Campground just next to the property and visit one of their two composting toilets.

In the Loon Lake area there are vault | pit toilets at trailheads & campgrounds

• Loon Lake Campground | Boat Launch
• Northshore Campground
• Rubicon Jeep Trail (various options along the trail: staging area and at least one between the staging area and the property).

Where do we Park?

• Paid Parking (Limited) is at the Loon Lake Campground | Boat Launch | Wilderness Parking | Start of Rubicon Hiking Trail
• Free Parking is pretty much available anywhere along the road from  Loon Lake Chalet to the Rubicon Jeep Trail (lots of parking at the Rubicon OHV trail staging area).
• Weekends are more limited for parking, but this is a large area so in some cases you can drop supplies at a trailhead or launch then find parking within walking distance.
• Security: Pretty standard, lock your car and don’t leave valuables visible.  Have not heard of many issues so standard precautions are fine.

What to bring? 

• Camping Gear & Supplies | Bring anything that you need and can pack in/out
• Clothes | bring your swimsuit, hiking shoes and of course layers (cool nights/warm days).
• Sunblock (strong sun) & Bug Spray
• Water Filter (easy to filter from the lake)
• Food, Snacks, Drinks as needed.
• Bear Can for Food Storage
• Camping Stove

Tips for lightening the load? 

• Share:  likely we will have camping stoves, water filters etc that can be shared.  (if you have one, let us know….we will update before the weekend)
• Aluminum is light and compacts well (beer cans), Plastic is lighter than Glass etc.
• Boat | Kayak | SUP: transporting equipment by water is easier than carrying on your back.
• Water Shuttle: We will set up some times & locations where we can pick up equipment that will make the hike or paddle to the property easier.  (passengers – if space available)

What are the Trash & Recycling options?

• Everyone will need to PACK OUT any trash & recycling that they have
• Near the campgrounds there are limited trash & recycling containers. (*they fill up quickly)