The Ionian Basin

We start our tour easily and with little stress by spending the first night at out North Lake hut allowing time for easy acclimatization and a review of avalanche rescue procedures. Starting early from the hut we climb steadily, and cross the Sierra Crest at 13,000’ Lamarck Col, making our second night’s camp near Evolution Lakes, overlooking northern Kings Canyon National Park. The next day we continue to travel through what many people consider to be the most beautiful area in the Sierra, Evolution Canyon. The traveling is generally easy as we wander up the valley, crossing frozen lakes and slowly gaining altitude as we head towards Muir Pass.

Rather than taking the Muir Pass, though, we head through a little known col that guards the north entrance to the Ionian Basin. At this point the itinerary can be varied as what we do exactly depends on the weather and the desires of the group.

Our best option is to establish a base camp in the Ionian Basin and day tour for days four and five. This would allow us plenty of time to climb and ski Mt. Goddard and other nearby peaks. The ski off the south side of Mt. Goddard is one of the best peak descents in the Sierra, but one not often done, because of the peaks remote and hard to get to location. We’ll finish the trip by returning on day six, crossing the Sierra Crest at Echo Col and skiing down to Lake Sabrina. Along the way the fantastic descent of the Black Giant beckons if time, snow and energy permit.