Pioneer Basin Camping

John Muir Wilderness

Pioneer Basin, John Muir Wilderness, California
Pioneer Basin, John Muir Wilderness, California

Pioneer Basin Camping

John Muir Wilderness


Camping in Pioneer Basin

The wild, open terrain of Pioneer Basin makes an invigorating place to set up camp. The most sheltered campsites are around the lowest lake at 10,384 feet, but for those seeking magnificent view of the surrounding peaks, consider hiking up another 500 feet to the second or third lake. The panorama displayed above in our masthead is from the second lake, but a similar view can be found from campsites near the third lake. Campfires are not allowed at any of the lakes.

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Upper lake in Pioneer Basin, John Muir Wilderness, California

Upper Pioneer Basin Lake

Fishing

Fish for rainbow and brook trout in the lowest lake. The others have brook trout, with some of the higher lakes sporting golden trout.

Fourth Recess Lake, John Muir Wilderness, California

Fourth Recess Lake



Explore the Area

Upper Lakes

Fill your daypack with lunch and camera and then set out for a tour of the basin, winding around the lakes, venturing up onto ridges, and seeking out secluded valleys.

Fourth Recess Lake

Four rugged recesses extend south from Mono Creek. The third and fourth are most accessible. Fourth Recess Lake is the largest in any of the side canyons, extending more than ½. The trail to the lake is easy and fishing there is good. Adventurous hikers may want to try the Third Recess on another day. A trail leads off the Mono Creek Trail.

Golden Lake

A 3-mile hike back down to Mono Creek and then upstream eventually leads to Golden Lake. Although no trail is shown on most map for final mile, experienced cross-country hikers should have no trouble making their way up the valley.


Peak Bagging

All four of the big peaks - Huntington, Stanford, Crocker, and Hopkins - have class 2 - 3 routes. Mt. Hopkins is the easiest to ascend, with a sandy, class 1 route from Pioneer Basin. Before setting out on any climb, read the details in R. J. Secor's The High Sierra: Peaks, Passes, and Trails.