Hiking Alone in Kings Canyon Backcountry, California: Ionian Basin Loop

I backpacked alone in Kings Canyon national park (part of the Sierra Nevada mountains) September 4-11 2024. The main destination of my route was Ionian Basin, no trails lead here, so much of my route was cross country. Check out my next video featuring Sequoia NP: https://youtu.be/DK3MQ04ZGjw?si=z9hqxA4K0D5MTl5f Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/basin_and_range (Hiking guide videos with commentary, GPX tacks, campsite coordinates, ad-free films and more) 🗺️ About the Route: I designed this 53 mile figure-8 loop as the ultimate alternative to the popular North Lake - South Lake loop. After leaving the JMT at Wanda Lake, I didn't see a single person. If you want to do this hike, I’d recommend prior experience with cross country hiking or mountaineering. Alpine Col is made of car sized talus, a misstep could lead to falling into deep gaps. lonian basin is rugged mountaineering terrain, it’s very difficult to exit this area in adverse conditions… there’s no shelter at all, you could end up stuck here if the weather doesn’t cooperate. Another hazard here is the steep snowfields that linger all year long, and the route finding is complicated, expect to hit dead ends and have to backtrack. ❕ Disclaimers: This video is for the purpose of entertainment and inspiration only, it is not a guide or trip report. Always research cross country passes on your route and prioritize safety. Explore responsibly and at your own risk. 🏞️ Print shop: https://basinandrange.myshopify.com/ http://instagram.com/alisha.maddy 🎶 Music: 1. The Heartlands by Dreyma 2. Relaxing Nylon Guitar Music by JASA Productions 3. Edge of Silence by Dreyma 4. Spiritual Viking Music by JASA Productions 5. Peaceful Landscape Music by JASA Productions 6. Ysmir by Dreyma 7. We Trust by Johnannes Bornlof 8. Daybreak by Dreyma 9. Light of Aetherius by Dreyma 10. The Forgotten by JASA Productions ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 Day 1 - Piute Pass 1:50 Day 2 - Darwin Bench 4:31 Day 3 - Evolution Valley 7:45 Day 4 - Davis Lake 12:05 Day 5 - Ionian Basin 16:24 Day 6 - Sapphire Lake 19:18 Day 7 - Lamarck Col 22:12 Day 8 - North Lake Trailhead 22:56 Conclusion 📸 Shot on Sonya7rIII, Sony G F4 24-105mm, and iPhone 15 pro max