One of my all time favorite hikes is Pioneer Cabin Trail #122! It is a short day hike in Idaho that leads you to a super cool cabin at the peak. I’d say the hike is moderate but most beginner hikers could tackle it. If you are ever in Southern Idaho, make sure to give this hike a try!
Getting There
Once you arrive in Ketchum, ID you turn NE onto Sun Valley Road. This road will turn into Trail Creek Road. Then turn right on Corral Creek Rd and follow this dirt road to the Pioneer Trail Head! There is a parking lot with a bathroom at the bottom so if you forget to go before hand there is a toilet for your convenience. Once you get there, make sure to sign in so that the forest service knows how many in your party in case of emergency!
The Hike
The first part of this hike is probably .25 miles of flat trail leading into the switch backs. Then comes the incline of approximately 23 switchbacks going up the mountain. At a certain point you get out of the trees and it is an open desert land that always feels the longest (to me!) to get through. The last stretch of the hike is a little rocky and it feels like you will never reach the top. But then, all of a sudden, you come over a little ridge and there you are! The cabin is right in front of you!
For us the trip up takes just barely over 2 hours. But we definitely stop for snacks along the way!
The Cabin
The cabin itself is my favorite part. It is two rooms and has 3 bunk beds. And yes you can stay there if you stake your claim first! It has a little stove and a table. The walls are full of signatures from hikers. There is always a book where you can sign your name and tell your hiking story. The best part though are the treasures people leave behind. People from all over will leave food, cards, knick-knacks, and anything you want to share with the other hikers. You can take what you need but always leave what you can.
One of my favorite memories in the cabin was the first time we went! There was a bottle of peppermint Schnapps that someone had buried 10 years prior and then dug it up and left it in the cabin for people to enjoy. Yes, we all did take a pull from that bottle as I am sure hundreds of other hikers had done as well! If you don’t think about how may people we definitely swapped germs with, it really isn’t that bad!
Coming Down
The way down seems so easy after going up. It usually takes us about 90 minutes. You do need to be careful in some parts as their are rocks that you may slide on even with great hiking shoes. It is definitely a great trek and you feel so accomplished by the end of it!
What to Bring
First of all, you can definitely do this hike in tennis shoes if you do not have hiking boots. That being said, I always recommend hiking boots for your safety. It does get warm but can rain so I always wear leggings, a tank top, and a rain jacket that stays in my backpack unless needed.
We always bring lunch and snacks with us but I have seen many people go up and back down with only their bladder bags. Speaking of bladder bags, I typically go through about 2 liters of water on this hike so pack accordingly! We also bring bear spray, just in case. While bears are not prominent in the are there are many other wild animals so be prepared.
If you plan to sleep in the cabin make sure to bring a sleeping bag and lots of blankets! It does get chilly at night so bring enough to keep warm.
Final Thoughts
We hike quite a bit and try new hikes every where we go. This has stayed one of my favorite hikes over the years and I will continue to do it as often as I can! If you are ever in the area I highly recommend giving it a try.
This looks like the best getaway spot!
It is amazing!
This looks awesome! I live at the tip of Northern Utah, so I bet I could get here and it would be awesome! I need to do this in the next week or so!
Yes for sure! We just moved to Murray, UT so its about a 5 hour drive from us to Ketchum now but we have thought about making a weekend out of it and getting in a couple of our favorite hikes!
Thank you so much for this article, me and my husband are heading here very soon and this is definitely on our bucket list of things to do, it just looks so picturesque, i cant believe it 😀
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It is seriously one of my favorite places to hike!
Wow! Such an amazing place to hike would love to explore someplace like this really soon, great pics
It is my favorite!
I wish there was a place like this near me. I would love to have hills and hiking.
I’ve always wanted to do a trip like this. What a beautiful sight!
I highly recommend it!
Wow it looks like a stunning hike! I’d love to go
It is so beautiful!
I’m not much of a hiker but this looks like something I would enjoy! I’m all about cabins.
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Wow this hike looks amazing. The view is gorgeous!
The view is breathtaking!
Wow! Stunning views! My husband and I are trying to do more traveling now that we are almost empty nesters. This would make a wonderful mini vacation for us!
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Oh absolutely! I so recommend it!
Wow, the views are absolutely amazing. I have a deep love for hiking, so I definitely need to check this place out!
Kileen
Wow, the views are absolutely amazing. I have a deep love for hiking, so I definitely need to check this place out!
Kileen
cute & little
Gorgeous views and loving these photos. It just sounds so relaxing 🙂
I always tell my husband how beautiful it is out West, especially Idaho, Utah, and other nearby states that we New Englanders don’t often think of visiting. So, this was the perfect post to share with him. Sounds like a wonderful, scenic trip. I’m now motivated to go hiking! Thanks! Melissa Damiani | Gratitude Grace Glamour
HOLY crap!! That view alone is worth the trip! I’ve never heard of this place and now I want to go!
It is seriously my favorite!
This is exactly the trip I need! Beautiful and peaceful with hiking and solitude.
I love how hikers leave things in the cabin for others to use as needed. Your story of the peppermint schnapps being unearthed and shared among who knows how many hikers made me laugh. This sounds like a great hiking trail to take when in Ketchum, Idaho!
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It is seriously the coolest!
What a fun weekend outing to take!
I’ve been to Idaho a few times while working wildland fire details and am always impressed with the views. I love that this hike offers views, isn’t too strenuous, and has a cabin full of treasure at its end. I would love looking through the mementos and signatures.
Oh my goodness I just LOVE this. It’s absolutely gorgeous and the perfect spot to unplug!