R03/R04 TR: Little Lakes Valley to Pioneer Basin 6/30-7/3 2020

[Carne_DelMuerto]

Thanks for the report. Headed in for the same trip next month.

[c9h13no3]

New lightweight trail shoes- La Sportiva "Lycan", only 1.5 lbs together, and they worked great.

I see other people have been snapping up these shoes on the cheap. I snagged a pair on Steep and Cheap for ~$50 as well and love them . Unfortunately I can't find a second pair in my size :|

Nice report, per usual.

[schmalz]

Thanks for the report. I'm heading to the same area in a few days, and I'm hoping the bugs are not an issue.

[windknot]

Thanks for the report and great photos! Looks like fun was had by all, especially Bear. What a fitting name for a dog in the mountains!

[scipio]

Thanks for the report! I have a trip planned to Pioneer Basin in late August. I imagine it'll be a bit drier by then.

[kpeter]

Very nice report and some very attractive photos. I was scheduled to leave today for Pioneer Basin, but am in a 2 week quarantine since my daughter just flew in from out of state. Pioneer Basin is near the top of my list of places for me to get to that I have not yet visited.

[torpified]

although it's been said before, it Bearz repeating: that is one lucky pooch! Thanks for giving us the opportunity to participate vicariously in the joy.

[oleander]

Ian, so sorry to miss you & Bearzy. We walked in (to LLV) on July 3, the day you hiked out.

Last time I did Mono Pass, it was via Golden Lake. Loved especially the outlet stream from Golden Lake. It was all such a nice alternative from what we had started calling the Horse Poop Trail.

- Oleander

[Harlen]

oleander writes:

Last time I did Mono Pass, it was via Golden Lake. Loved especially the outlet stream from Golden Lake. It was all such a nice alternative from what we had started calling the Horse Poop Trail.

Here's that outlet stream area Lisa mentions:

And here's another view of the inlet stream to golden Lake:

It's so true Lisa. As soon as we branched off onto the GL trail from the horse trail up Mono Creek we felt like we had entered into Canada or Alaska! The trail disappeared in wet zones, and took on the look of a real bear trail. And at times lush willows covered the slopes above the trail, again looking Alaskan, and I imagined seeing Moose or Caribou, or real bears roaming through it. I really felt that that was the missing element for much of our trip to Pioneer Basin, the lack of quiet backcountry trails. However, once up in PB, you do have lots of opportunity for off-trail travels.

Where did you go in Little Lakes Valley Lisa, and Jim? Sorry we missed you too.

[astrogerly]

This is great - thank you! We will be up in the same area starting on Friday. Have always wanted to visit, but never have until now!