Pioneer Basin // August 3rd-6th 2026

Had an opportunity to get out into the wilderness for a few days with some great friends- and visit a corner of The Sierra I hadn’t yet explored(there’s so many really!) DAY ONE: We headed up from the Mosquito Flat Trailhead, intent on reaching Upper Pioneer Basin. The trail was pretty rocky, sandy and beat up from heavy stock use, but that aside the ascent to the moonscape that is Mono Pass was nice-with views down to the Little Lakes Valley encouraging us on. After the long drop to Mono Canyon we had one more-thankfully brief and tame- climb to the Upper Basin where we would make our home for the next two nights. DAY TWO: Our initial itinerary called for us to pack up and move further down Mono Canyon, and then climb into, and explore, Hopkins Lakes Basin. HOWEVER, after a pretty long and HOT day prior, and with more heat on tap, we all decided to scrap that and explore what to me was the highlight of the trip-Pioneer Basin. So we took the morning and afternoon to chose our own adventure-explore, climb, paddle, read, swim or nap. Needless to say it was a great day! DAY THREE Another MONSTER day ;) We just headed down out of Pioneer Basin, to Mono Canyon and across to Fourth Recess Lake-a whopping 4MI trek! The lake was gorgeous, we had a great spot and enjoyed more shade being lower, and closer to tree line. Kyle went for a LONG paddle to the end of the lake, while the rest of us lazed around swimming and relaxing. It was off to bed early, as we had intentions of waking up early to beat the heat on trail and get back home at a decent time. DAY FOUR: We were all treated to a sheet glass Fourth Recess Lake as we woke up early- 6AM trail start for half the crew- to beat the heat and get to June Lake Brewing pronto for a pint! It was a straightforward up and over Mono Pass, retracing Day One’s steps down, down, down to the car. Another great trip in The Sierra.