Trip Report (June and July 1998):
Just before reaching the cabin, the trail makes its way up a steep grassy
slope to a saddle. Once atop the saddle, the view of the Pioneers will stun
you. The view takes in the entire Pioneer Mountain crest from Cobb Mountain
to Salzburger Spitzl. Hyndman Peak and Old Hyndman are quite impressive.
Just below you on the saddle sits the Pioneer Cabin, which was used as a
base for ski touring in the Pioneers a few decades ago. Now it remains open
to public use. Inside the cabin are some emergency supplies, a register, a
couple of cots, and a un-holy stench.
This trip is highly recommended, as it provides a good trail to one of the
best views in the state. The cabin can also be approached from other
directions, and in fact, can be turned into a loop from the trailhead I
mention in this report.
Drive:
Turn onto Trail Creek Road from ID 75 in downtown Ketchum and follow the
paved road 4 miles. Turn right onto FS-137 (Corral Creek Road) and drive
another 4 miles on a good gravel road to the signed trailhead. You will need
an SNRA trailhead pass to park here. This trailhead is easily accessible by
passenger autos.
Hike:
From the parking lot, I took FST-122 through the forest, up grueling
switchbacks, to a flat meadow. Just past the meadow, FST-122 meets with
FST-121, which it follows to the cabin.
Pictures: Click on the pictures below to see the full-size version.
The view of the Pioneer Range from the cabin.
Another view of the Pioneers from the cabin, a month earlier.
