07/02/2025
Ahhhhhh, Jewel Basin is still as lovely today as it was the first time I hiked it in the 1980's. Although it is getting more visits these days than 'back in the day,' here are a few little tips to make it a trip that you'll be glad to remember (except the road - it's still hard even though it's been recently graded😮).
1st - Plan an early start; We got the last spot in the Camp Misery parking lot yesterday at 10 a.m. . . . and it was a Tuesday.
2nd - Take a photo of the excellent map that is posted by the administrative cabin - it will definitely come in handy as you travel around the Basin.
3rd - Consider going the opposite direction of the crowds. We opted to go through Noisy Basin Notch/Twin Lakes route instead of toward Mount Aeneas and/or Birch Lake, and because of that choice, we saw no one until we were almost back at the parking lot at the end of the day.
4th - Be aware that the Basin itself is still snowbound in many places and routefinding may be required. Yesterday, the Wildcat Lake Trail was totally buried under snow all the way from Twin Lakes over to Wildcat Lake.
5th - Remember: If you pack it in, pack it out. We found burned food containers and torn ziplock bags in a huge firepit at Wildcat Lake that looked recent - was so infuriating that someone could walk through such beautiful, pristine country and intentionally leave their trash behind.
And, of course, please enjoy yourself in this unique, beautiful landscape that is free of snow only a few months of the year. Let's keep it beautiful and wild for future generations!
