Pioneer Basin Trail and Map

John Muir Wilderness

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

Pioneer Basin Trail and Map

John Muir Wilderness


Hiking to Pioneer Basin

Map

Although the 8 miles to Pioneer Basin include a strenuous ascent of 12,000-foot Mono Pass, nearly every step of the way is rewarded with grand views of Little Lakes Valley, the vast Mono Creek drainage, and Pioneer Basin.

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Mosquito Flat to Mono Pass,

3.5 miles

The trail from Mosquito Flat begins climbing almost immediately, traversing 2 miles up the hillside to the Ruby Lake trail junction. Fill up with water there before beginning the long, exposed series of switch-backs to the top of the pass.

Camping is possible at Ruby Lake for those who make a late start and wisely want to save the final push up Mono Pass for the cool of the morning.

Mono Pass Trail and Ruby Lake, John Muir Wilderness, California

Ruby Lake from the Mono Pass Trail


Mono Pass to Pioneer Basin

4.5 miles

At the top of the pass the trail crosses into a broad, barren valley. Filtered water from Summit Lake can be used to renew supplies. Beyond the lake, the trail descends an open hillside with panoramic views of the Mono Creek watershed.

After nearly 2 miles, Trail Lakes appear below. They are a good source of water. Camping is possible there. After the lakes, the trail descends to Golden Creek, crosses, and continues downhill following the creek. Golden Creek soon become Mono Creek. A sign marks the junction of the Pioneer Basin trail. One mile of uphill brings you to the lowest of the Pioneer Basin lakes and a good campsite.


Summit Lake at Mono Pass, John Muir Wilderness, California

Summit Lake on Mono Pass


Alternate Campsites


Camp along Mono Creek

The trees along Mono Creek offer a number of nice campsites. The advantage of setting up tents there is that your camp has much more shelter than will be found in Pioneer Basin. Continuing just a short distance downstream beyond the trail junction places you below 10,000 feet where campfires are permitted, except in times of extreme fire danger. Pioneer Basin is easily within reach for day-hike explorations.

Fourth Recess

Just before the trail junction leading up to Pioneer Basin a side trail crosses Mono Creek and makes the short passage to Fourth Recess Lake. This spectacular lake has good campsites among the trees on either side of the outlet stream.

Alternate Campsites


Camp along Mono Creek

The trees along Mono Creek offer a number of nice campsites. The advantage of setting up tents there is that your camp has much more shelter than will be found in Pioneer Basin. Continuing just a short distance downstream beyond the trail junction places you below 10,000 feet where campfires are permitted. Pioneer Basin is easily within reach for day-hike explorations.

Fourth Recess

Just before the trail junction leading up to Pioneer Basin a side trail crosses Mono Creek and makes the short passage to Fourth Recess Lake. This spectacular lake has good campsites among the trees on either side of the outlet stream.




Backpacking Stoves

Undoubtedly the most popular backpacking stoves today are the Jetboil line of stoves. Durability, compactness, reliability, speed and fuel efficiency are among the attributes most commonly cited. For its main purpose of boiling water, it is hard to beat. The Jetboil stoves come in a variety of styles with a range of prices, so look over the offerings to see if one fits your needs. Carry matches or a lighter as a backup to its ignition system.

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For those seeking a lighter weight stove, the MSR PocketRocket Stove (2.6 ounces) is popular. It works well. Efficiency can be improved by a loosely fitted aluminum foil wind screen. The PocketRocket is best for small pots. Use caution around it to avoid knocking it over.



map of trail to Pioneer Basin, John Muir Wilderness, CA

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