Topo and GPS tracks for today's 7.5mi, 2000ft gain outing.

I didn't set out to climb Basin today. My original plan was to do Phipps in Desolation but Emerald Bay was completely clouded in. North Tahoe looked clear so I headed up towards Donner. (Sitting in hourlong construction delays near both Tahoe City and approaching Donner Pass)

I had climbed Castle Peak on Saturday but hadn't realized that Basin was right behind it.

Basin is my 34th OGUL Peak.

Parked in the same spot as Saturday's outing to Castle- near the trail junction about halfway back the forest road.

Castle Peak visible off to the east as I headed out.

Back to the end of the forest road, ready for the short leg up to Castle Pass. Saw noone on the trails today.

PCT trail junction near Castle Pass.

Castle Pass with a first peek at Basin Peak between the trees. Right turn to the Castle Peak trail, straight to continue along the PCT, left to head up to Andesite.

Winding through some young pines on the descent from Castle Pass to Round Meadow.

Not sure what this route to the right was- possibly an old road or legacy tread of the PCT. It petered out after a few hundred yards.

Down to Round Meadow. The PCT skirted the west (left) side of the meadow. I could see an old roadbed leading out of the north (far) side of the meadow and decided to head toward that.