Pioneer Basin #29E47

Overview

The Pioneer Basin is a broad hanging valley almost 1,000 feet above Mono Creek. One lake is about halfway up. The other 6 lakes are spread across the basin, which is surrounded by high peaks. <br><br>The start of the Pioneer Basin trail can be reached by hiking 8.7 miles up Mono Creek from the JMT, roughly 13 miles from the Lake Edison ferry. However, it is easier and more common to get there by hiking about 7 miles over Mono Pass. The trail junction is only about 200 yards below the junction for the trail going to the Fourth Recess. <br><br>The Pioneer Basin trail begins with some ups and downs as it traverses over to cross a small creek. It then makes a moderately steep climb to the lowest Pioneer lake, about 400 feet above and less than a mile from the junction. A large campsite here is a common destination for pack trains coming over Mono Pass. This shallow but beautiful lake is surrounded by meadows. It makes a good base camp for hiking in the Pioneer Basin or to the Third or Fourth Recesses.<br><br>The next 0.6 miles and 400 feet of climbing bring you to the second Pioneer lake. The trail starts easy, but gets steep near the lake. There is a great small campsite where you first meet the lake. Compared to camping at the first lake, this is more beautiful and you may have it to yourself. <br><br>At this point you are in the wide Pioneer Basin itself, surrounded by peaks from 12,400 to 12,800 feet high. The seventh and highest lake is only 400 feet higher than the second lake. From here on, the trail is unmaintained and sometimes difficult to follow. It often follows a lake shore, but there are several rock outcroppings on the lake's shores that you have to get around by climbing up and down 20 to 50 feet. No matter which way that you choose, you shouldn't have any problem finding your way up the basin.<br><br>The fourth lake is about 0.75 miles long. Instead of following the crooked shore, you'll want to hike as straight as possible. This requires some climbing, but there is no reason to climb any higher tha

Trail Stats

Photos

Second Lake in Pioneer Basin. There are excellent, but smaller, campsites here.

Second Lake in Pioneer Basin. There are excellent, but smaller, campsites here.

Largest of Pioneer Basin Lakes. Taken from the climb to 6th and 7th lakes. The Third Recess is in the left center with Mt. Mills behind it. The Fourth Recess is on the extreme left.

Largest of Pioneer Basin Lakes. Taken from the climb to 6th and 7th lakes. The Third Recess is in the left center with Mt. Mills behind it. The Fourth Recess is on the extreme left.

Lowest Pioneer Basin Lake and its surrounding meadow. The largest of the campsites here is often used by people whose gear is brought in by pack mules.

Lowest Pioneer Basin Lake and its surrounding meadow. The largest of the campsites here is often used by people whose gear is brought in by pack mules.

At 11,200 feet, this is the highest of the lakes in Pioneer Basin. It is a large lake that extends behind the very low ridge on the right side.

At 11,200 feet, this is the highest of the lakes in Pioneer Basin. It is a large lake that extends behind the very low ridge on the right side.

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