Hiking to Pioneer Basin
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. Along the way glance over to the magnifident Fourth Recess and put that down for a future trip.
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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.
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.
