Pioneer Cabin

The Low Down

The hike to Pioneer Cabin is one of the most popular hikes in the Sun Valley Area, with over 3000 visitors per year signing into the the registration box. The hike provides amazing views of the Pioneer Mountains and spectacular fields full of a large variety of wildflowers. The hike can be quite difficult, and the weather can change rapidly so come prepared. 45 minutes?? No Way

Getting There & Parking

The easiest route to Pioneer Cabin starts at the Corral Creek/Long Gulch trailhead. To get there drive east from Ketchum on the Tail Creek Road approximately 5 miles to Corral Creek Road. Turn right, and follow the road another 4 miles to the trailhead.

Route Finding

• Trail signs will direct you to the start of the Pioneer cabin trail. Follow the trail for 2.5 miles til you hit the Johnstone Creek Trail
• Johnstone Creek Trail Junction: Follow the main trail to the left, and continue climbing.
• Pioneer cabin lies another 1.25 miles up the trail. The area between the junction and the cabin is characterized by beautiful alpine meadows filled with a huge variety of wildflowers.

Trail Resources

• Use the Hyndman Peak Topo Map

Helpful Hints

• The best time to take the hike is between July and the middle of October. Any earlier and there is likely to be snow in places and the weather can become quite cold, quickly. (The first time I did the hike, I left in beautiful sunny weather and ended up in a snowstorm at the top. It was mid June.)
• From the Cabin you can see the 12,000 foot Hyndman Peak accross the valley.

Activities Allowed

Hiking, Biking

For More Information

Local Newspaper: Idaho Mountain Express