Golden Lake, John Muir Wilderness

[d_silva1]

A few questions re: Golden Lake.

Is the xcountry route from Mono Pass down to Golden passable?

Are there decent campsites at or near Golden Lake?

How many miles from Golden to Pioneer?

Thanks.

David

[cgundersen]

David,
If you have had any experience with off-trail travel, the route down to Golden is very moderate. Plus, it leads you into a broad, stream-riven area that has several nice places to camp. So, once you cross Mono Pass and stay on trail through the broad plateau that contains a very barren, alpine lakelet, you simply need to veer right (southeasterly) off the trail to pick your way down to Golden. There's nothing tricky about the descent. And, for how badly the main trail down to Mono creek is beaten up pack animals, it may be the preferred route! From there to Pioneer basin, it's about equidistant to what you will have done getting to Golden. Cameron