High Sierra Topix

I also went to Golden in May. I was slogging through snow and a lot of that off trail, but that is hard first day is destination and only a little closer than Pioneer. (Again, remember I was going through snow so much harder so it may not be as strenuous on dry trail.) The way up is lush and beautiful! It is totally barren around the lake, and you will not find sheltered camping. If you do go there, the maps show the trail on the south side. IT IS NOT! It is on the north until you are almost at the top and then crosses over to the south. Cal Topo shows it correctly. I also have a trip report from that May trip.

"3) From what I have read here, lake 10862 seems to be the premier camping destination. But is there any cover up in Pioneer Basin? I worry about a trip that is 10-15 degrees hotter than normal."

I've always camped just north of Lake 10862, and as I recall, the whitebark is very stunted there.

The trees are quite a bit taller at the lake east of there (about 10,910) and I recall seeing a nice campsite on the northeast side of that lake. I also recall that the views from there aren't great given the small hump just south of that lake. But it's a very nice and quiet lake.

I am grateful for all the thoughtful advice and the links to the excellent trip reports. Has given me a lot of clues for the coming trip. I will look forward to posting my own report upon return!

I just went down Hopkins drainage from Hopkins pass. I was not that impressed with it. You would be better off staying in Pioneer Basin and do more fishing and exploring there and the area around Golden Lake and Trail Lake. Years ago I day-hiked up to Third Recess Lake- it is a hardy hike but there was fair fishing.