Pioneer
Cabin
8-21-11
On two previous
visits to Sun Valley I have hiked up to Pioneer Cabin via the Corral
Creek trail from the north. On my visit last year I talked with a hiker
on top suggested the route from the south via Hyndman Creek. This time
I decided that would be a good acclimatization hike. Just 24 hours
removed from sea level in Seattle it's a bit of a strain going right up
to 9400'. Even though it is late August the late snow melt promised a
chance of wildflowers too. It's about 16 miles from my Brother's home
to the trailhead outside the "town" of Triumph. The road was good
except for the fording of the creek. I managed to bang a rock on the
car frame but a scratch was all the damage. Malibus are not the best
trail cars.
The trailhead is for both the NF Hyndman Creek to the cabin and the
route up to Hyndman, Old Hymdman, and Cobb Peaks. Those are near and
just over 12,000'. I was on the trail by 7:55 am in an effort to beat
the heat and possible afternoon thundershowers. Lightning on an open
slope did not appeal to me. The route begins along the creek and stays
there for much of the way. Some forest and lots of meadows along the
way. While the trail goes from 7000' to over 9400' in 4 miles half of
the gain is in the last one mile.
Wildflowers began early and never let up. The valley narrows with the
trail at times climbing well above the creek then meeting the creek
again. Some spots are quite narrow. There are a few side creeks and all
are easy to get across with dry boots. This trail is used by bicycles.
I saw a group at the trailhead but not on the trail. In fact, up to the
last half mile coming out I did not see anyone at all. The trail leaves
the creek and begins heading steeply uphill for the last mile. The
grade is smooth and the steepness not a problem. There are many
switchbacks as forest gives way to open slopes with sage and
wildflowers.
The valley below ends in a big grass and granite basin. Granite peaks
from 10,000' to 12,000' circle the basin. The view is quite
spectacular. I like the Corral Creek trail but this one can be even
better with wildflowers in bloom. The lack of oxygen made it
challenging to keep up a fast pace but I made good time. The climbing
finally ends right at the cabin. It was still early as I arrived at
10:25 am. My body felt it was still 9:25 Seattle time and I was up at
9400'. A nice close in morning hike. The meadow around the cabin was
awash in blooming lupine. I headed up to the saddle and views to the
north.
It was very hot when I arrived. I went into the cabin and it was 20
degrees cooler. While I was at the saddle clouds began to build. I did
not want to take any chances. Even though it was still so early I
headed down to make sure I missed any lightning. Part way down the
clouds melted away and it was blue sky again. Back at the trailhead I
found the three other cars in the morning were now more than a dozen
including two horse trailers. As mentioned I saw hardly anyone. I love
the view from the cabin and this new to me trail is a great way to get
there.