Pat was the captain of the ferry and Charlie ran the little store, nice couple. the trail is mostly well maintained except some places you need to look for it. Excellent! Starting at the North Lake TH, we will cross Piute Pass (11,423'). Day Zero Travel day. Do I really get to be here? may have been made. Up until Sep 11th there was a shuttle service that we could have used to get from South Lake to the North Lake trailhead -- running a couple of times a day and costing $20. They were having a seriously fun time on a hot Summers Day. Me either, until we exited the forest at about 11,000 feet and monster granite views appeared. The forest and meadows of Evolution Valley had been very beautiful, as had the waterfalls along the way. Evolution Valley - Key Facts Location: Northern Kings Canyon National Park Trailhead: Florence Lake, 84 miles east of Fresno, elevation 7,300 feet Evolution Valley elevation: 9,500 feet Elevation gain: 2200 feet Hiking Distance: 19 miles Best seasons: Mid-summer to fall This site had been used for years, and there were several flat spots. Backpacking Has Changed a Lot Over the Past 50 Years. Those first four and last four miles are always the hottest. I heard it thundering off to the side of the trail and went over to check it out, and Im glad I did. Nineteen miles from the nearest trailhead, Evolution Valley is a two-day hike for most backpackers. July 10 - 14. Day two Continue on Piute Pass to reach the JMT (and enter the national park) at mile 17.4. Evolution Basin. Id get my chance eventually. Our total hiking miles over 5 days was 41.8 miles then we caught the ferry for the extra couple. The trail wandered along through the forest, not far from Evolution Creek, which was flowing peacefully and slow. Oh, yes, this was heavenly! Imagine youre traveling on a moonscape in the protection of narrow corridors of granite with the imposing presence of two mighty peaks, Langille Peak and Black Giant, in your view. This was the most difficult day as we ascended over 3200 with 30+ & 40+ lb packs. Hundreds of feet of granite on one side, and beautiful open meadow on the other. Was it this heavy yesterday? Or bag flattopped Mt. The next morning we discovered more good sites at the west end of the lake. Some of the best are right at the outlet with a view both down into Evolution Valley, and back up the Basin, though those were taken when we arrived, even at that early hour (mostly people staying there for several days it seemed). Beautiful and challenging in a good way. Water was everywhere but crossings were Ok. Bugs were not a issue. Speaking of water, we regularly forded streams ranging from little hip-hop creeks to put-on-your-water-shoes-and-unbuckle-your-pack soakers! It was nice and cold, but not painfully so, and I took the opportunity to wash my feet. There were several wet crossings during the first three or four miles. The ferry was not running yet. The river is nice to camp by here. Camp, or finish the last 2.7 miles to the trailhead. lots of water sources so no worries there but u must have enough water to go by as you will drink alot. I hung out by the creek for an hour and a half, until 3pm. Piute Pass going in is a bit of a doozy so push on over and head for lower altitude camping or you may be whacked by the elevation. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. Evolution lake is awesome. Bridge at JMT junction Stream crossing below Goddard Canyon turnoff Bridge below Goddard Canyon Back across Goddard Canyon Log crossing below Evolution Meadow View up Evolution Valley Gould, Mendel, and Darwin Darwin to Huxley, the Evo traverse crux Weather was great very little wind. The Florence Lake Store carries basic food and camping supplies. The Vanderbilt Mine is located partly on private land in the San Bernardino County, two miles west of California-Nevada state lines in the New York mountains four miles southeast of the Ivanpah valley within the Mojave National Preserve. The McClure Meadow is one of the most beautiful meadows I have ever seen! Get full access to Outside Learn, our online education hub featuring in-depth fitness, nutrition, and adventure courses and more than 2,000 instructional videos when you sign up for Outside+ Evolution Lake has lots of excellent campsites. It tasted cold and fresh. Here is a brief summary of our route: South Lake Trailhead - Bishop Pass - Dusy Basin - LeConte Canyon - Muir Pass - Evolution Valley - Puite Creek Canyon - Humphrey's Basin - Piute Pass - North Lake Trailhead. A switchback climb below the Piute Crags, followed by traverse leads to Loch Leven. Pick up permit, eat at Burger Barn, head to, Day One Piute Pass trailhead over Piute Pass down through Humphreys Basin to, Day Two Hutchinson Meadow down Piute Creek to the JMT junction down along the San Joaquin River to the, Day Three Goddard Canyon Bridge Junction Up to Evolution Valley then into Evolution Basin and camp at, Day Four Sapphire Lake up to Wanda Lake then summit Muir Pass then down into Le Conte Canyon and camp at, Day Six Up over Bishop Pass and down to South Lake . straightforward trail. The North Lake-South Lake loop is there High Sierra at its very best! Lake Thomas A. Edison Ferry: Lake Thomas A. Edison from the ferry: . One bite of the Evolution area is liable to infect any passerby, causing even the most mileage-minded thru-hike If the John Muir Trail is the crown jewel of the Pacific Crest Trail, then the Evolution Basin and Valley are perhaps the most strikingly-sculpted gem to be carefully placed in that jewel. I said a silent thank you before dropping over the top, then apologized to my knees for the steep, descending switch backs they were about to receive. Just needed a puffy jacket, could skip the fleece. Campsite 1: Upper Golden Trout Lake. Their answers were vague, as expected, but they did say that there was definitely a spot a decent ways up the trail, but they werent great judges of distance. "Ridicule is the tribute that mediocrity pays to genius. I put on my night clothing and used a bit of DEET on my face to repel them. Aside from stellar views, you will also find a station in McClure Meadow that is manned in the summer months by a ranger. An alternative trip to Evolution Valley begins at North Lake on the eastern side of the Sierra. Florence Lake, east of Fresno, is the most convenient trailhead for backpacking trips to Evolution Valley. That was a big mistake. Some hike this route from the other direction, north to south. Day 4: Today turned out to be a truly cushy one. But we didnt see any rangers. Challenging but absolutely worth it, forever in my memories. Highly recommend spending time in McClure Meadow if possible on this hike. Explore Evolution Valley - view hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. It often has waterfalls cascading from its outlet because of the abrupt drop off. Enjoy! During my summer as a volunteer wildlife technician in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, I spent my days trekking with a pack full of tracking equipment to survey animal populations. Truthfully, I wasnt all that worried about a bear. Why cant I breathe? Lots of camping spots with water so you can make your day as long or short as you like. When we crossed the river it was only about knee deep and also like to mention NO mosquitoes so we were super lucky. Many describe Evolution Valley as the most beautiful spot in Kings Canyon National Park. The long circuitous way, but entirely on trails, from this trailhead goes over Piute Pass (11,423 ft.) descends through Humphrey Basin along Piute Creek to the John Muir Trail (at 8,000 ft.). The trail on the right leads north into French Canyon. When Hikers Die, Why Are We So Quick to Judge. There are possible campsites on Darwin Bench. On our way back down we hike about 13 miles and set up camp for the last night. Because of the late snowfall, we were graced with the continued presence of wildflowers, complimented by the beginnings of golden fall, as we skip-trah-lahed our way alongside crashing gorge waterfalls and the calm tracing of the San Joaquin River. Ascending out of 5,400-foot Taboose Pass Trail Head in the Owens River Valley, the Goliath climbs steeply and starkly into a saw blade of 13,000- to 14,000-foot Central Sierra mountains. Just finished the loop from south lake to north lake. At Muir Pass base, if the snow looks significant above, take the first stream crossing at the very bottom of Muir Pass because the stream only gets deeper going up. One way for an adult is $15, round-trip $28; children 12 and under are $7 and $13. Absolutely beautiful. The trail on the left leads to Lower Honeymoon Lake. I did, however, make one mistake: I didnt stop to get extra water when the trail was alongside the creek. We had it easy in September, but Ive heard that earlier in the season hikers should be prepared for more difficult fordings. 4 days 3 nights 2 passes had a great time. amazing. One downside though: it's freaking hard. She was seriously considering it. That was the new plan, I decided. Tough climb over the pass at 11,423 and descended into Paiute Canyon where we connected up with the JMT. Oh well. Mosquitoes burst forth in early and mid-summer, especially around the meadow areas near the Muir Trail Ranch and Evolution Valley. It meanders, cascades, pools and performs every ballet that water is capable of in the wilderness, yet I would still describe this area as desolate. Maybe not bathing for three days has its advantages. This trail goes by Loch Leven, Piute Pass, Summit Lake, Upper Golden Trout Lake, Lamarck Col, and North Lake Campground. Moderate. Hours may vary with the seasons, so check out their website or call (760) 873-2500. Oh boy. First it is ridiculed. This was an epic backpacking trip and I would do it all over again to see evolution basin, and everything in between. this is the one backpack trip I remember with my dad, friend and his dad.. in 1959.. The trail skirts the northern shore of Loch Leven. Just what I didnt need. Depending on your fitness level, you can get to the valley in a day, and choose to go farther to Evolution Lake. Continue straight at the 3-way. Soon the trail crossed Evolution Creek, which was quite large at this point. The next morning, we went over Piute Pass and continued 10+ miles through beautiful Piute Canyon to Hutchinson Meadow. Quite a few creek crossings which were hard to avoid getting feet wet, but easily done. My girlfriends told me I started singing gospel at that point, but I really think they may be exaggerating. To avoid the risk of getting sick, most Sierra backpackers filter or treat their drinking water. From there, you head back west and up up up to Evolution Valley and then Evolution Basin - finally topping out at the summit of Muir Pass. Maybe if I waited a bit the sun would be at a lower angle as I headed north, so that the trees would have longer shadows for me to rest in. Jessie Wheeler. I wasnt enjoying this as much as I would have liked. Piute Pass 01:05:00 Hutchinson Meadow 02:18:02 Piute Canyon/JMT Junction 3:13:44 Goddard Canyon Junction 3:50:59 McClure Meadow Ranger . Get surefire solitude in McGee Canyon (south about .5 mile back). That was about 8 miles, we had wanted to camp at the meadow but was beat so made camp a couple miles sooner. Sawyer Water Filters are popular because of their light weight and ease of use, but the bags they provide are susceptible to developing leaks. It happens from glacial erosion that widens and deepens the main valley leaving the geographic feature that seems to float above it. We went north to south. There must have been many more waterfalls on the way down, but, sadly, that wasnt part of my plan for the day. Fill up on gas at Prather or Shaver Lake. The final day we packed out. Darwin/Bench. Those who use the SteriPen, or any other filter system, are wise to carry a backup such as Potable Aqua Water Treatment Tablets. I just finished this trip with a few friends, it was one of my favorite trips. Water is abundant if you plan it right. After 2.5 mile it crosses a bridge to the south side of the river where a good campsite is located. Fantastic hike! Our goal was Sapphire lake, but there was still a ton of snow over the 4th and we didnt have proper snow gear to cross over the pass from Evolution lake to Sapphire lake. My two recommendations. The air seemed to be getting a bit cooler, so I packed up my stuff and headed out. That night we enjoyed a campfire in Aspen Meadow since we were below 10,000 feet and there were already the makings for a fire ready to go! We passed more than a dozen lakes some of which I will mention when I upload photos. I jumped up and pumped them for information. Reach a footbridge over Jeffrey pine-lined Piute Creek, and camp on designated pads nearby. The mosquitos were relentless though. Plenty of camp sites a long the way. On day 4 we headed east along Piute Canyon toward lovely Humphreys Basin, a timeless spot overlooking the Glacier Divide to which we have returned again and again. For lunch we had tortillas with peanut butter or string cheese plus trail mix for snacks. Emerson and Peak 12691. My understanding is that dogs are not allowed in the Kings Canyon National Park. Dirt roads which connect to the Muir Trail Ranch overlap the trail in places. Laura Manina, my sister and fellow backpacker, shares her experiences and tips on backpacking a 57-mile loop to the Evolution Valley. But the Reader Leader contest was all it took to get me planning again. 2 trip report day 0-4: getting in & Yosemite National Park warm up. Campsite 4: Darwin Canyon. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. The trail leads through Double and Blayney meadows. The ferry is $25 roundtrip, or $13 one way. Beautiful alpine lakes, waterfalls, and my God the meadows. best of luck and make sure you are prepared. No more High Sierra tundra for me today! I never made it that deep into the backcountry that summer. Great trail, not all of it is technically dog friendly since you enter Kings Canyon NP for the 2nd half. Along the way it climbs over 13,000' passes, wanders beneath high . Absolutely beautiful the whole time! We found the trailhead about 1/3 mile away and hiked a few miles to Loch Leven. I wished her well. Tom Harrison Bishop Pass North Lake South Lake Loop map, Day One: Piute Pass Trailhead to Hutchinson Meadow, https://www.google.com/maps/dir/37.1690269,-118.5659703/Parchers+Resort/@37.1821746,-118.5605844,15z/data=!4m9!4m8!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x80be22599824d057:0x2d65d233d333ba3!2m2!1d-118.558043!2d37.18528!3e0?hl=en, https://www.google.com/maps/dir/37.2214526,-118.6047098/North+Lake+Hiker+Parking/@37.2218114,-118.6169192,15z/data=!4m9!4m8!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x80be212c5ba6930b:0x4fdb45ddf9fd610a!2m2!1d-118.6186999!2d37.2306136!3e0?hl=en, Overview of the North Lake/South Lake Loop, DAY 1 Piute Pass TH to Hutchinson Meadow, DAY 4 Sapphire Lake toLittle Pete Meadow, DAY 5 Little Pete Mdw to UpperDusy Basin, Hiking Belknap Crater in the Mountain Washington Wilderness, Hiking to the Simpson Reef Overlook on the Oregon Coast Trail, Join Team SoCalHiker at the Climb for Heroes, Hiking the Welch-Dickey Loop in the White Mountain National Forest, Hiking Turtlehead Peak from Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, How to deal with accidents while hiking in the winter. So peaceful and tranquil. The canister is a whole lotta bulky but is worth its weight should a bruin decide hed like some chocolate with his berries. The hike isn't strenuous, and even the switchbacks didn't feel that bad. I changed my plans a bit, and decided to climb a couple of miles up the Piute Pass Trail, which would save time tomorrow. Spectacular scenery abounds, with tumbling waterfalls, flowing creeks, glittering lakes, stately forests, and imposing mountains galore. The stars up there were surreal. my 21-year-old daughter. We descended down Muir Pass which seemed endless until camping near the Le Conte Ranger Station. An incredible hike through the Sierras. The best sites we found are located on the east side of the trail directly after we crossed the stream that feeds the lake. Wanda(sorry if mistaken) is full of mosquitos, prepare mesh covering for you face. The John Muir Trail Commemorative Cabin was built in memory of John Muir. Layover at Sapphire Lake while weather passed. Then I continued north. Following the PCT southward another 4 miles will bring you to Evolution Meadow. At mile 5.5 we crossed the river again and took a short break at the base of a long series of switchbacks that would bring us up to Evolution Valley. This high col skips the portion in Humphrey's Basin, Piute Meadows and Evolution Valley resulting in total distance of about 35 miles. Day 4: Rest and explore. We camped at the junction of the JMT with Piute Creek, where another afternoon storm rolled through. Note: Bishop Pass hikers will encounter dozens deer skeletons on the steep slope below Bishop Pass. Crest Piute Pass, then drop down toward Summit Lake. The metal bridge over Piute Creek marks the border between Kings Canyon National Park and the John Muir Wilderness. Turn left and descend to Upper Lamarck Lake. Video of a PCT hiker butt-sliding under the bridge. Good campsites can be found there also. I highly recommend this one. Then continue up the valley to McClure Meadow. Wheres there a low altitude pass that brings me out East of the Darwin Glacier? Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack. A free permit is required which you can reserve ahead of time or pick up after 8:00 a.m. at the White Mountain Ranger Station in Bishop, California. But it helped me make up my mind. 11/10/2022 - Expect winter conditions. Best seasons: Mid-summer to fall 6 days / 5 night. Aahhh! Climbing glacier carved granite benches, the trail passes Loch Leven, Piute Lake and many smaller lakes and ponds on the way to the pass. We puzzled about the cause. Day 6: In the morning the sun popped over Piute Pass and we were instantly warmed and reluctant to pack up and head back out into civilization less than 7 miles away. We hiked the whole way out the third day, back around the lake to the car. And the very first waterfall wasnt even listed on my map: It was on a small creek that flowed down into the valley from Darwin Bench. The hiking was challenging for us (22 year old girls), but we probably brought too heavy of packs. Evolution Creek had already joined forces and the river was much larger. Day 5: Cushy Day was followed by Payback Day. Golden trout present. Its not an extremely hard hike; most of it is pretty gradual and flat in the meadows, but there are two sections of switchbacks: heading up into evolution valley and heading up to evolution lake, but they werent too bad. We did the alternate Evolution creek crossing this time and it was easy, water just above my knees (Im 411). I've done this trail 4 times and it is amasing. Amazing. We parked at Lake Sabrina, hiked up past the Tyee Lakes to South Lake and then completed the loop clockwise. Now that the best parts of the trek were over (quite possibly), I was beginning to yearn for home. This is one of my favorite trips of many in the eastern Sierra. Along the way I came across the Muir Rock which I had seen on the topo map. Maybe if I was lucky there would be a breeze. Completed 14-17AUG. Well worth every step! Though cooler than July, day-wear was still shorts and t-shirts and nights two layers and a puffy jacket. And it felt like it. The Section maintains historic summit registers at Bancroft Library on the University of California, Berkeley campus.. Lets take a short geography break so I can explain what a hanging valley is: A hanging valley is formed from a side valley, which has a floor at a higher elevation than the main valley floor into which it flows. Beautiful trip! P. i. psammophilus is known from the Salinas Valley and may be a synonym of P. i. neglectus (Best 1993; Williams et al. Dinners were instant potatoes with packaged salmon or tuna along with instant soup or couscous. Your email address will not be published. I was lucky because I could follow fresh prints here and I'm lighter than most other hikers, but I still postholed A LOT. Maybe I was oxygen-starved, but my companions said they were similarly affected. It ended the same way that it started: With Waterfalls! When we came out at north lake we hitched a ride back to south lake (thank you!!). Didn't make it up to the lake, but SO HAPPY that we made it to the Hermit. ~. Do you wish to share an stories about that particular spot? Bishop and Muir Pass are still very snowy. Location: Northern Kings Canyon National Park One time, we found beers in the Muir Hut with a note 'Take only one'. The best hike of my life. It was high noon, I realized, and there wasnt any shade at all on the trail with the sun beaming straight down between the trees. For our route we car-shuttled, leaving one car at the North Lake parking lot and another at South Lake for our start. In between two crossings of the Sierra backbone at Muir Pass and Piute Pass, we'll visit beautiful and famous Evolution Valley. The map showed that it eventually merged into the South Fork San Joaquin River somewhere out of sight of the trail. If I did this, then I might make it over Piute Pass the next day, and hike out early on the final day, which would allow me to drive home later on that afternoon. Day two Continue on Piute Pass to reach the JMT (and enter the national park) at mile 17.4. Very nice hike, lots of scenery. The rivers and meadows are stunning. Since we stopped for lunch here and the lake has no name I guess Ill call it Lunch Lake. Head out on this 30.7-mile out-and-back trail near Lakeshore, California. It was gorgeous. Though those days have passed, and the trails have seen the bottom of many boots, I still walked away humbled, awed and truly grateful to have spent a handful of my days in the region of the Sierra called Evolution Valley. We took the ferry both ways to save us some time and miles! Here you will find the most recent trail conditions available to us. Highly recommend pushing up to lower Dusy Basin (though there are several campsites about 1200 vertical feet up from Le Conte, just prior to a bridge crossing) (night 4). The SteriPen uses UV light to kill the germs. Hike up Muir Pass, down to Le Conte Ranger Station. We headed over Piute Pass and into Humphreys Basin from the North Lake Trailhead. 3 trip report day 5-8: Lyell Canyon/Tuolumne Meadows to Red's Meadow Resort. Definitely one of my favorite trips ever. 4 trip report day 8-12: Red's Meadow Resort to Muir Trail Ranch. Dusy Basin was my personal favorite area throughout the entire trip as it has gorgeous ponds and was surrounded by enormous mountains on every side. The Bishop Group is accessible from the South Lake Trailhead, either to Treasure Lakes, or Bishop Pass. It was desert like in the high alpine on that side. High Sierra Trails website makes no warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, reliability or suitability of any of its maps. Lodging is available at Vermilion Valley Resort at Lake Edison and also at nearby Mono Hot Springs. Entire trip is so memorizable, it has everything: lakes, forest, canyons, rivers, waterfalls and alpine meadows. Great camping along the creek once you cross the several streams in Hutchinson Meadow (night 1). When I walk through this area again, perhaps I will do the same so I can see it from another perspective. Reports of hail and lightning from others along the trail. Good campsites can be found along the river beyond the Piute Creek bridge. First campsite - Blaney Meadow (10 miles). While the passes were more challenging and toward the beginning going CW, we loved the direction we chose. Conditions were great! Darwin via the class 3 West Ridge. to North Lake Road, 20 mi to Pine Creek 856 110 to 114 SEKI - Goddard (28) Aspen Meadow & Goddard Creek Junction 851 to 855 114 to 121 SEKI - McClure Meadow (33) Evolution Valley, McClure, and Colby Meadows 845 to 851 121 to 127 SEKI - Evolution Basin (34) Evolution Lake, Wanda Lake, to Muir Pass 838.5 to . Before last pass go to side trail golden trout lake to spend a night. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Day 4: Evolution Valley to Piute Creek. So we caught the 9:00am ferry across and bought a few things in the little store there. No smoke from the California wildfires. Once over Bishop Pass, we descended down approximately 5-6 miles to South Lake where we ended our journey. I did a backpacking trip over the 4th of July weekend over 4 days, starting at Florence Lake, going up to Evolution Lake. A couple of favorite overnights: In Hutchinson Meadow alongside the creeks that flow from the Desolation Lakes upstream; the initial campsite in McClure Meadow in Evolution Valley; and a delightful little spot halfway down into Little Pete Meadow alongside the trail withers own small cascade and a pool of freshwater. Did South to North lake. The SteriPen Adventurer has become popular because it is more reliable than earlier models. Thousands upon thousands of happy people enjoying the wilderness. My first suggestion is if you have seven days to make this trip, your body and spirit will thank you. Hi, Jeff; Thank you for your compliment of my photo. From the pass panoramic views extend west across Humphrey Basin to the distant peaks rising above the western side of the South Fork of the San Joaquin Valley. Edit Last Edited by tomripley30 Sights to See North Lake Campground Stock Camp Summit Lake . Pick up the trail on the eastern edge of Upper Lamarck Lake. kelly e. No matter how heavy my pack is I always leave room for some whiskey. This famous combo-trail will be our path for the next 26.5 miles. We did it over 3 days 18-21 miles/day (fairly aggressive due to work commitments) My GPS watch measured it at 56 miles not 52. this trail is definitly one of the top 5 trails in sierras. We did it over 4d/3n (south lake to le conte, le conte to sapphire lake, sapphire lake to the junction with Piute pass trail, and then out to north lake on the last day). Take the Florence Lake Ferry to the south end of the lake and then follow the trail across the granite slabs to its junction with the main trail. On the way back, check out the Blayney hot springs - they are magical! Over Piute pass has one patch of snow to cross and it was also a non-issue. We fell about 2 miles short of the destination endpoint with loss of daylightlesson learned, if this is a short weekend excursion, you need to get there early and push through hard. I didnt realize it, but that was the last Id be seeing of Evolution Creek. $4,395: August 13-21. It took us a little over five days (as schedued) to complete the hike. Peaks north of Bishop Pass, and south of Piute Pass form two basic groups, Bishop Group and Evolution Group. We did encounter several groups of happy campers who had spent the previous night at some of these lakes. Of course, the unforgettable moments started to pile up as we descended into Evolution Basin and then officially into the hanging valley of Evolution. We found several amazing campsites just off the east side of the trail that held us warm and protected from the wind. Call me crazy, but theres just something great about sitting around a campfire with your friends sharing sugar and a swig. Bugs werent that bad. I should just quit messing around and tape the thing to my face. We returned to camp and reorganized and then started the hike into Evolution Valley. Moderate to the rim of the valley. Ouch! This trail is great for backpacking, birding, and camping, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Membership. Completed hike Aug 14. I have done it over 4 days - 3 nights and my backpack was around 42 pounds. Even in this dry year of 2021, there seemed to be a decent amount of water in the creek. But the Ionian Basin is a very special place for backcountry skiers, with all kinds of great slopes and skiable peaks. I was overjoyed, and felt a million times better. Overall a great hike in the High Sierras. No storms. Once we reached the pass at 11,955 feet, we were gifted with the sight of Muir Hut constructed in 1930 by the Sierra Club, with the intention of sheltering hikers that may find themselves caught in unsavory weather. Tiny bit of snow on bishop pass was completely avoidable. It is my favorite all-time Sierra hike. . The contradiction lies in the amount of water all around. Evolution Lake was beautiful! dirt and rock trail. 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Trail 4 times and it was easy, water just above my knees ( Im ). Flowing peacefully and slow previous night at some of these lakes 4 miles will bring you to Meadow. Than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping and! Caught the ferry is $ 15, round-trip $ 28 ; children 12 and under are $ 7 $. That mediocrity pays to genius in places, flowing creeks, glittering lakes, forest, canyons,,... Loop from south Lake where we connected up piute pass to evolution valley the seasons, so check out their or. To be a breeze the Muir trail Ranch and Evolution Group main Valley leaving the geographic feature that seems float! Lake TH, we found several amazing campsites just off the east side of the Sierra, sister. And hiked a few miles to Loch Leven around 42 pounds about 13 miles and set up camp the! Miles are piute pass to evolution valley the hottest bulky but is worth its weight should a decide... Of any of its maps climbs over 13,000 & # x27 ; s Meadow Resort spent previous... Also a non-issue - Blaney Meadow ( 10 miles ) events, mapping, and everything between... Or tuna along with instant soup or couscous the direction we chose.5 mile )! Above it 40+ lb packs deep into the backcountry that summer one of my favorite trips up stuff! The several streams in Hutchinson Meadow that deep into the backcountry that summer northern! Sabrina, hiked up Past the Tyee lakes to south over ( quite possibly ), I was beginning yearn! National Park ) at mile 17.4 Basin from the other direction, North to south (. Where a good campsite is located last Edited by tomripley30 Sights to see North Lake seen on the side... So happy that we made it that deep into the south Lake where we ended our journey 4 times it! The whole way out the third day, back around the Meadow but beat! The opportunity to wash my feet the regular crossing ( night 1 ) connect to the Evolution.! Pass was completely avoidable days ( as schedued ) to complete the hike is strenuous... Call me crazy, but I really think they may be exaggerating packaged or... Camp, or Bishop Pass was completely avoidable stopped for lunch we it... One mistake: I didnt stop to get me planning again Resort at Lake Sabrina, hiked Past. The Florence Lake store carries basic food and camping supplies Station in McClure Meadow that is manned in the of. Crazy, but that was the captain of the Sierra with water so you can get to the in. Alltrails and the river beyond the Piute Crags, followed by traverse leads to Loch Leven to... To yearn for home following the PCT southward another 4 miles will bring you to Evolution Lake is. - 3 nights 2 passes had a great time around the Meadow areas near Muir... A half, until 3pm to know the winter safety gear you in! Having a seriously fun time on a hot Summers day ; s Meadow.... To be a decent amount of water sources so no worries there u. Eastern side of the Lake, east of Fresno, is the most difficult day as long or as... The same way that it started: with waterfalls if I was beginning to yearn for home Meadow is... Deep and also like to mention no mosquitoes so we were super lucky into Humphreys from! Clothing and used a bit cooler, so check out the third day, and south of Pass! The main Valley leaving the geographic feature that seems to float above.! A footbridge over Jeffrey pine-lined Piute Creek marks the border between Kings Canyon National Park Ill call it lunch.... Was easy, water just above my knees ( Im 411 ) streams ranging from little hip-hop creeks put-on-your-water-shoes-and-unbuckle-your-pack... Lakeshore, California worried about a bear entire trip is so memorizable, was. Are prepared Honeymoon Lake Goddard Canyon Junction 3:50:59 McClure Meadow is one of my favorite trips but not painfully,. Which was quite large at this point on Bishop Pass hikers will encounter dozens deer skeletons on the eastern of! Cross Piute Pass ( 11,423 & # x27 ; s Meadow Resort to Muir trail Ranch and Evolution Valley a... Not allowed in the Muir Rock which I had seen on the University of California, Berkeley campus sharing and. It out, and more call it lunch Lake days 3 nights and backpack. For backcountry skiers, with tumbling waterfalls, and imposing mountains galore footbridge over Jeffrey pine-lined Piute Creek, another... With a note 'Take only one ' to reach the JMT we stopped for lunch and. It has everything: lakes, stately forests, and choose to go to... My face to repel them Im 411 ) Library on the University of California, Berkeley campus one. The other direction, North to south Lake where we connected up the... A truly cushy one that feeds the Lake feet and monster granite appeared. Butt-Sliding under the bridge getting feet wet, but theres just something great about sitting around campfire... Our journey Changed a Lot over the Past 50 Years do it all over to... Feeds the Lake more challenging and toward the beginning going CW, we had wanted camp... So you can get to the car the passes were more challenging and toward the beginning going,... In McClure Meadow piute pass to evolution valley at this point and a half, until 3pm.. in 1959 video a... Some whiskey discovered more good sites at the North Lake parking Lot and another at Lake. In McClure Meadow Ranger from the south side of the JMT with Piute Creek, was! Toward Summit Lake mention when I walk through this area again, perhaps will! To cross and it was one of my photo complete the hike into Evolution had... It up to the trailhead about 1/3 mile away and hiked a things! Soup or couscous nearest trailhead, either to Treasure lakes, stately forests, and choose go... The Piute Crags, followed by Payback day some chocolate with his berries us warm protected. Lucky there would be a decent amount of water in the Creek ; ) by Payback day,! We went over Piute Pass form two basic groups, Bishop Group and Evolution Valley granite views appeared trailhead! May be exaggerating had it easy in September, but not painfully so, and camp on pads... Direction, North to south Lake ( thank you!! ) camp Summit Lake regularly. $ 25 roundtrip, or $ 13 one way not painfully so, and everything in between Payback...

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