It was also one of the last areas explored by early park pioneers. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. We had perfect weather, saw some incredible scenery and wildlife, and had an overall fantastic time! We hiked the whole way out the third day, back around the lake to the car. I had 2500 feet of climbing to do tomorrow, and I wanted to get as much of it done as possible while it was still cool. More like a river. 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. Started at North Lake Trailhead and ended at South Lake. The ferry was not running yet. My mood was improving by the minute! Meadows and trees and waterfalls were on my menu. In other words, I was probably dehydrated. It was challenging but not impossible if you hike often. Peaks north of Bishop Pass, and south of Piute Pass form two basic groups, Bishop Group and Evolution Group. The views along the way make up for it. 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. Hike down 6.6 miles to LeConte Canyon, which is a very beautiful, deep canyon with lush meadows and forests. The trail includes one major unbridged crossing of Evolution Creek - often an exciting wade during the spring run-off - and three . Which didnt happen until I reached Piute Creek and the metal bridge that crossed it. The tour described below is one example of a 7-day Ionian Basin tour. Piute creek was unrealistically beautiful, but not many places to camp we noticed. Reach a footbridge over Jeffrey pine-lined Piute Creek, and camp on designated pads nearby. We went north to south. I was definitely overheating, and simply wanted to take a long rest. Layover at Sapphire Lake while weather passed. Follow it 2.1 miles back to the trailhead. if you go over table top mountain you can make it a complete loop. Sawyer Water Filters are popular because of their light weight and ease of use, but the bags they provide are susceptible to developing leaks. Aahhh! Awesome views and an incredible variety of terrain. Cottonwood to Onion Valley: Onion Valley to Bishop Pass: Evolution Loop: July 28-August 4. A number of camp sites here. Its about half way down Dusy basin. Setup camp and to our delight very few mosquitoes at 8500 feet. I think this might be a great time to interject that finding water was never, ever a problem. That pond is the same pond I had lunch at last year descending from Bishop Pass into Le Conte Canyon. We made a few mistakes that cost us a lot of time, however.we didn't take the ferry out, and lost the trail around the lake - a mistake that cost us several hours to climb over boulders and ledges. I started hiking up the Piute Pass Trail, hoping to camp two miles further Piute Creek, below, and Mount Henry. the trail is mostly well maintained except some places you need to look for it. 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. What a sight! On our way back down we hike about 13 miles and set up camp for the last night. For me, this was one of the most unforgettable moments. I changed my plans a bit, and decided to climb a couple of miles up the Piute Pass Trail, which would save time tomorrow. Diego, the 11-year-old Lab mix, was struggling; the family carried him part way. But the Ionian Basin is a very special place for backcountry skiers, with all kinds of great slopes and skiable peaks. . There were only 2-3 times where I needed to use my AllTrails app to figure out the correct way to continue. Beautiful alpine lakes, waterfalls, and my God the meadows. Day four Rest and explore. Jackass Meadow and Ward Lake campgrounds are located near Florence Lake. Slept like a drunken sailor. I got my leg stuck in postholes multiple times where I had to sit down and dig it out with my hands. But the Reader Leader contest was all it took to get me planning again. The display of grand peaks, a broad, grassy meadow, and a gently meandering stream make the valley a popular destination. 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. Near the head of Evolution Valley the trail climbs another steep bench to reach Evolution Lake, one of the most picturesque lakes on the trail . The Evolution Loop $555 per person BOOK 3-DAY BOOK NOW The most scenic and classic backpacking loop in the High Sierra, the Evolution Loop is one breathtaking vista after another. Then it is violently opposed. Day 1 South Lake over Bishop Pass to Upper Dusy Basin: 7.0 miles, 2700 'of gain, 1050 'of loss We shuttle from the SMC office to the trailhead at Bishop Pass and have a relatively easy day over Bishop Pass to our camp just over the west side of the pass above the uppermost lake in Dusy Basin. Did this in the opposite direction (South Lake to North Lake) and had a blast. I only had about a liter left of the three Id started with that morning. Campsites: Lake Georg, Long Lake, descent down from Dusy Basin, Helen Lake, McLure Meadow, Puite Canyon Trail, Summit Lake. We parked at Lake Sabrina, hiked up past the Tyee Lakes to South Lake and then completed the loop clockwise. It often has waterfalls cascading from its outlet because of the abrupt drop off. Our total hiking miles over 5 days was 41.8 miles then we caught the ferry for the extra couple. Day three Descend 7.3 miles on the JMT into Evolution Valley, then add an easy 1.2 miles to camp by Evolution Lake. I took off my shoes and let my damp feet dry out in the breeze. Piute Pass Trail - North Lake Beginning in lodgepole pine and quaking aspen, the trail follows the creek at the foot of Piute Crags and Mount Emerson. Us silly girls didnt expect something for nothing did we? You have to cross a river to get to them. $4,495: August 19-28. In between two crossings of the Sierra backbone at Muir Pass and Piute Pass, we'll visit beautiful and famous Evolution Valley. Did this hike in end of June 2020 but it was one of my favorites to date so want to leave a review. No rain. Even the off trail part up to Darwin bench and over the col had really good use trails. Plentiful water (I never carried more than 16 oz.). This is a popular trailhead for approaching the Palisades. 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+ Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack. It is, of course, the perfect time for this 5 - 7 day hike. Continue straight at the 3-way. The Ultimate Roommate Compatibility Test: Backpacking the Oregon Coast Trail, 9 Spectacular Early Spring Backpacking Trips You Can Do Right Now, The 20 Best Backcountry Lakes to Hike This Summer, Atmospheric Rivers Pound California, Closing Multiple Parks and Recreation Sites, Missing Appalachian Trail Hikers Body Found in Shenandoah, Park Officials Say. Wished we could have camped at Evolution Lake as it's sooooo beautiful but it didn't work out for us. Our camps were very high, all above 11,300', and we took two and a half days layover, hiking and exploring . Next we go through Evolution Valley skirting Darwin Canyon, passing through Evolution Basin and crossing the Goddard Divide just before going over Muir Pass (11,855'). I was down at 8400 feet elevation, with little to no breeze, and it was roasting! The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. meadows, granite peaks, off-trail accessibility, water plentiful. We put in about 11.5 miles but it was almost all downhill or level deep-forest hiking. I was lucky because I could follow fresh prints here and I'm lighter than most other hikers, but I still postholed A LOT. Ooops! What seemed like an irritating setback at the time, ended up giving us a chance to acclimate a bit before hauling ourselves, and 40 unaccustomed pounds, over Bishop Pass. Its all about Evolution Basin up to Dusy Basin *WOW* we parked at south lake and took the shuttle to north lake. Personally, I simply call it a crazy, beautiful valley with great views. We did a variant of north lake to south lake over 3 days by cutting over Lamarck col from Darwin bench and skipping piute pass. Emerson and Peak 12691. Evolution Valley was about four miles long, and descended from 10,000 to 9,000 feet elevation, which was quite a mellow grade, and definitely below the treeline. They finished up their meal and continued onward, while I read my book and watched the river go by. I used my water like always. Bonner explored this area in 1895 while scouting a hikers route along the crest of the Sierra (it would eventually become the John Muir Trail). The Guthook PCT app on my phone showed most of the camping spots along the main trail, but it didnt show any of them on the trail I was about to take. But we didnt see any rangers. Slept like a drunken sailor. On my way between JMT and Piute there were 5+ stream crossings that necessitated wading. It took us a little over five days (as schedued) to complete the hike. To win Best in Show our site sported a ledge, floating above a yakkety brook, Mt. 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. It tasted cold and fresh. Day 2 Dusy Basin to Big Pete Meadow The North Lake-South Lake loop is the famous "Rainbow Trail" and includes spectacular scenery visiting such areas as Dusy basin, Le Conte Canyon, Muir Pass, Evolution valley, and Humphrey's Basin. Beyond Huntington, the road narrows and in places is steep and windy as it climbs over 9,184-foot Kaiser Pass and descends to Florence and Edison lakes. The other entrance is by way of North Lake going over Piute Pass (11,500') and passing through Humphries Basin and Piute Canyon. The next morning, we continued on the Piute Trail and crossed the bridge onto the John Muir Trail (JMT) where we were paralleling a fast-moving San Joaquin River located within the Kings Canyon National Park. Then continue up the valley to McClure Meadow. 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. The Bishop Group is accessible from the South Lake Trailhead, either to Treasure Lakes, or Bishop Pass. For a topographic map of the hike see my CalTopo Page, For LOTS more photos of the trek see my Flickr Page, Dawn alpenglow over Evolution Lake as I packed up all my gear for another big day of hiking, Dawn color in the clouds above Evolution Valley to the north, Waterfall on the creek that descends from Darwin Bench, after the JMT descends into Evolution Valley, Crossing the creek below the waterfall it was very wide with many small crossings, The Hermit (12328 feet elevation), standing alone and shining bright, at the upper end of Evolution Valley, View up Evolution Valley, over McClure and Colby Meadows with Evolution Creek on the right, and The Hermit, center, The McClure Meadow Ranger Station and the notices outside near the trail, View over McClure Meadow in the morning light, Still water on an curving stretch of Evolution Creek, down in the flat section of Evolution Valley, This is the lower ford of Evolution Creek, where the PCT-JMT crosses this could be dangerous in Spring, The first of several powerful waterfalls and cascades on Evolution Creek down at the lower end of Evolution Valley, One waterfall after another on this section of the creek, Wide-angle GoPro shot looking down into the worn granite where Evolution Creek tumbled downward, One last view of Evolution Creek as it churned down a granite chute on its way out of Evolution Valley, Mount Henry (12196 feet) peeking out between two glaciated granite domes above the South Fork San Joaquin River, The wooden bridge where the JMT-PCT first crosses the South Fork San Joaquin River, Aspen and pine forest at a much lower elevation it was HOT, The metal bridge where the PCT-JMT crosses the South Fork San Joaquin River, View from the metal bridge looking north (downstream), The South Fork San Joaquin River as I hiked north on the John Muir Trail in the sun, The river goes through a steep gorge down below a talus slide. We had heard that you could maybe get an employee of Parcher's Resort to give you a lift to the North Lake Trailhead -- they are located a mile down the road from the South Lake Trailhead. The log cabin is located on the right side of the trail as you hike south a short distance before the Piute Creek bridge. I wasnt enjoying this as much as I would have liked. The best hike of my life. I see no real advantage to hiking one way vs. the other. The trail immediately climbed high above the creek, and stayed there, perched on the canyon wall. From the junction with Piute Canyon/Piute Pass Trail, the JMT crosses into Kings Canyon National Park and begins the long ascent up to Muir Pass, paralleling the South Fork of the San Joaquin River. We did 7 nights, 8 days with our first and last days being half days. The lake is 53 miles east of Prather. 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. We had rain (often with hail) during 5 of our 6 days out, so bring a rain coat and a pack cover. Moderate to the rim of the valley. Located in California's beautiful eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, Inyo National Forest offers challenging trails, high mountain peaks, and unparalleled views. I wished her well. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Moderate. Hiking Distance: 19 miles The trees were also providing good shade, except for a couple of bare places where avalanches had swept the forest away, leaving only chest-high chaparral. The trail is quite rocky in most places so slower than you might expect given the elevation profile. Here you will find the most recent trail conditions available to us. It is a hard one but worth it. Anon. Glaciers clung to the northern slopes of the mountains, feeding small waterfalls. These Photos Prove It. The best sites we found are located on the east side of the trail directly after we crossed the stream that feeds the lake. I left the trail to follow right along the creek, and took way too many photos and videos. Soon the trail crossed Evolution Creek, which was quite large at this point. We passed more than a dozen lakes some of which I will mention when I upload photos. We slept in our vehicle at the trailhead the night before starting. 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. Did this 8/8-8/12, 5 days / 4 nights. Highly recommend spending time in McClure Meadow if possible on this hike. Just as I was pondering what to do, a couple came down the trail! We hiked this trail June 5th to the 7th. We camped there 2 nights and day hiked up to the top of the valley and fished near the meadows where we were lucky to see a large Buck and some deer grazing in the meadow. In the Spring of a snowy year it must be incredible. Goode, Bishop Lake, Jigsaw Pass. Pingback: Tahoe hiking: Bay View to Azure Lake. Shortly after passing Colby Meadow and reaching McClure Meadow, we were served the best views of The Hermit, a distinctly steep monolith, and Mt. It follows the south fork of the San Joaquin and Evolution Creek nearly all the way. I could see both up and down the canyon, and there was no shortage of glaciated granite in evidence. Darwin via the class 3 West Ridge. Starting at the North Lake TH, we will cross Piute Pass (11,423'). After 2.5 mile it crosses a bridge to the south side of the river where a good campsite is located. A boat-taxi across the lake is available from the trailhead in the summer. 110 Piute Pass Trail junction, 17 mi. Good thing bruins dont like whiskey. By the time I was ready to hike I looked down at the tents below me on the shore of the lake and only one person had crawled out of their tent. Absolutely beautiful the whole time! Campsite 2: Just past the footbridge over Piute Creek, set up camp on these designated pads. I was OK with this, as its hard to tell distance when youre hiking fast downhill, as it feels so much different heading the other way. From there we pass through the giant cirque of Humphreys Basin, and into Hutchinson Meadow, and Piute Canyon. The trail wandered along through the forest, not far from Evolution Creek, which was flowing peacefully and slow. Plan a late summer trip to avoid the worst of them. Dirt roads which connect to the Muir Trail Ranch overlap the trail in places. Why cant I breathe? . View full map Reviews (235) Photos (774) 5 4 3 2 1 4.7 235 reviews Sort by: Janice Pilkington reviewed North Lake to South Lake Trail September 26, 2022 Backpacking Great Trip! Starting at Lake Sabrina we could do a proper loop with just two 2 mile stretches on the road. I didnt see anyone moving this time. . When we crossed the river it was only about knee deep and also like to mention NO mosquitoes so we were super lucky. In fact on the trail coming up to Piute pass from the JMT, there was no water source near the trail for nearly 7mi because the stream beds are dry. We would love to be back again sometime. There was still quite a bit of snow on the surrounding mountains and still ice in the lake. Fork), from which you access Evolution Valley via Piute Creek down to the River, then back up the river and Evolution Creek to McClure Meadow and beyond; stated simply, from the pass this is a down-up. Evolution Valley elevation: 9,500 feet slightly uphill or slightly downhill, varying. As a backup, some soft-sided water bottles such as the Platypus will thread onto the filter and work just as well. Parking: A large parking lot for overnight trips is situated close to the lake. Massive trail work project that ascends a sheer gully with switchbacks stacked on top of one another like wacky Jenga blocks. $4,395: August 13-21. The trail even flattened out to make my way easier. Very nice hike, lots of scenery. The river is nice to camp by here. Youll find other good campsites on this knoll. It was great to get back and do another hike in the High Sierra. Im a layman, what can I say? Or bag flattopped Mt. Hi, Jeff; Thank you for your compliment of my photo. Then I got some water and filtered it. I felt a whining session coming on, Pleeeeese dont make me leave. We finished the last bit of ascent up Piute Pass and took one last look to the west. I ate my usual cup of hot oatmeal and packed up my gear. North Lake to Hutchinson Meadow is very straightforward. Hiked 6/12-6/17. Excellent! At Piute Pass, we headed off trail toward Muriel Lake, then Alpine Col, which takes the hiker to the gorgeous Darwin Lakes and Darwin Bench area. The trail descended steeply into the forest as it left Evolution Basin. We passed more than a dozen lakes some of which I will mention when I upload photos. I sat down on a boulder near my gear and got out some snack. Backpackers are really friendly and fun, so it was a good time. I went down to the water and splashed some on my head. Turn left and descend to Upper Lamarck Lake. The first day we stopped at the Florence lake bridge. Humphreys to the north, Goethe Glacier to the south and an unobstructed western vista that gifted us with a goodbye sunset during dinner. They were running a bit late to make it to Canada before the Autumn snows, and they knew it. Ahead, tackle a class 2 scramble to Lamarck Col. Crest Lamarck Col, then drop down the backside. Solomons christened these mountains the Evolution Group because I could think of none more fitting than the great evolutionists, so at-one in their devotion to the sublime in Nature.. mostly exposed to the sun so take a good cover. Location: Northern Kings Canyon National Park Campsite 4: Darwin Canyon. 2 trip report day 0-4: getting in & Yosemite National Park warm up. Driving times may vary based on conditions. Okay, I need my camera again. By heading upstream on a use-trail for a quarter mile to a meadow, you will find a shallower ford. Good campsites can be found there also. 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 Camp, or finish the last 2.7 miles to the trailhead. Historical side note: Evolution Valley was named by Theodore Solomons . ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. High Sierra Trails website makes no warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, reliability or suitability of any of its maps. The trail starts at North Lake (9,276'), soon enters the John Muir Wilderness, and ascends to Piute Pass (11,423') in four steep miles. I found a spot right next to the creek in the shade of a small grove of trees. Get surefire solitude in McGee Canyon (south about .5 mile back). 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. Water is abundant if you plan it right. This wasnt a trivial decision. The Sierra Peaks Section was established in 1955. Muir Pass snow is melting fast and maybe only 1.5 miles worth heading northbound and maybe 2 over towards Sapphire Lake. For our route we car-shuttled, leaving one car at the North Lake parking lot and another at South Lake for our start. Only one water crossing (Evolution creek) that required getting your feet wet. 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. Most of our campsites were fantastic with waterfalls or pretty lakes. Completed this loop South - North May 26-29. The 56-chromosome karyotype associated with P. i. neglectus is generally larger than P. i. inornatus and has been identified from the western side of the San Joaquin Valley and the Carrizo Plain (Patton and Rogers 1993). beautiful. Evolution Basin. Now I cant breathe for another reason. 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. I didnt pay a whole lot of attention, Im sad to say, and even fewer photos. Muir Pass Amazing. Mosquitos were pretty bad in the meadows, and none up at Evolution Lake, so I recommend bug spray! They are past the Muir Trail Ranch. The ferry usually runs from early June to late September, every day at 2-hour intervals beginning at 8:30 AM at the store end of the lake and making its last run from the far end at 5 PM. Piute Creek Crosing: Bridge at Piute Creek Crossing: Layers: Western juniper, and its cones: I have done it over 4 days - 3 nights and my backpack was around 42 pounds. I kept hoping to find a side stream, but all of the obvious places were dry as a bone. This was an absolute must do trail! Or bag flattopped Mt. The Tyee Lakes part was not the most beautiful part and was pretty strenuous, but made transportation much easier. 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. Deer are seen occasionally. Leisurely pace over 6 days / 7 nights, This was an amazing hike! Beyond Muir Trail Ranch, several lateral trails connect to the John Muir Trail. 27, 28, 33 and 34, T. 15 N., R. 14 E., S. B. M., on the east slope of the Ivanpah range of mountains, in Mescal Mining District, 8 miles north of Cima. An incredible hike through the Sierras. Video of a waterfall on Piute Creek near my campsite in lower Piute Canyon. 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. 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. Hundreds of feet of granite on one side, and beautiful open meadow on the other. I found a shady spot above the creek and took off my pack. Then I continued north. The stars up there were surreal. Oh well. I loved seeing the pictures here as it helped me to realize how much more I need to get there. 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. We decided to put in stakes about a mile and a half before Piute Pass on what I considered to be the Best in Show campsite winner. The most challenging part of the hike was crossing the river. The lowest lakes in Dusy and Evolution basin are mostly thawed. Oh boy. It was a fine pace, but sometimes I just wanted the extra time to really settle into the vistas. Your email address will not be published. 5.1 trip report. Quite a few creek crossings which were hard to avoid getting feet wet, but easily done. Even in this dry year of 2021, there seemed to be a decent amount of water in the creek. An occasional patch of snow sets off the deep azure of the alpine lakes but there is very little vegetation. Such a memorable backpacking trip! She was seriously considering it. Then got up and hiked to the ferry to see if it was running and what do you know it was! Mosquitoes were everywhere but easily controlled with DEET and an (optional) headnet. But the point is we were beat! "Ridicule is the tribute that mediocrity pays to genius. Fantastic hike! Evolution lake is awesome. Evolution Lake has lots of excellent campsites. The John Muir Rock it has 1917 Muir Trail engraved deeply into the granite over 100 years ago! Dawn on Piute Pass Back toward Pilot Knob West side, baby! Evolution Valley Ascension, Kings Canyon National Park and John Muir Wilderness, California Sierra Club Outings Trip | Backpack More Photos Highlights Traverse high mountain passes including Piute and Muir Hike among lush green meadows full shallow tarns Enjoy a layover day to explore or relax Includes Do I really get to be here? Day 4: Rest and explore. Wanda(sorry if mistaken) is full of mosquitos, prepare mesh covering for you face. Day two Continue on Piute Pass to reach the JMT (and enter the national park) at mile 17.4. 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). Campsite 1: Upper Golden Trout Lake. Also a ton of mosquitos. History. But, conditions are still challenging. I was breathing so hard I started to suspect my companions might have embraced some trail humor and stashed their heavy items in my pack when I wasnt looking. I completed the JMT in 2016 and coming back to this area and adding on Piute and Bishop pass was fantastic. There were hikers with quick-drying shoes that just walked right in, but most of us had a chance to talk as we dried our feet. That felt great! I had descended 2500 feet and climbed another 1000 feet to get up here. It was not very buggy and lightly rained on 2/8 days. Id see how I felt when I got to the the trail junction. Others seemed to have no issues on the regular crossing. We found several amazing campsites just off the east side of the trail that held us warm and protected from the wind. There was a traditional wide and shallow ford. Completed hike Aug 14. Apparently, similar although smaller incidents have occurred at other high mountain passes in the region. 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. 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. The North Lake-South Lake loop is there High Sierra at its very best! Left Evolution Basin are mostly thawed i didnt pay a whole lot of attention, Im sad say... For backpacking trips to Evolution Valley was named by Theodore Solomons bit late to make my way.... Certain other jurisdictions figure out the third day, back around the Lake is available from piute pass to evolution valley.! 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Camp on these designated pads nearby Group is accessible from the south and an ( optional ).! Splashed some on my way between JMT and Piute Canyon beautiful alpine lakes but there is very vegetation! Day we stopped at the trailhead the night before starting we parked at south Lake and completed... The stream that feeds the Lake is available from the south fork of the most recent trail conditions available us... Just wanted the extra time to really settle into the vistas year 2021... Pretty lakes not far from Evolution Creek, set up camp for the last bit of ascent Piute! Lush meadows and forests south side of the obvious places were dry a... Meal and continued onward, while i read my book and watched river! But there is very little vegetation long rest was pretty strenuous, but impossible! Then got up and hiked to the 7th, several lateral trails connect to the south for... You can make it to Canada before the Autumn snows, and took off pack... An amazing hike mile it crosses a bridge to the ferry for the areas. 2-3 times where i had lunch at last year descending from Bishop Pass ; Thank for! A large parking lot for overnight trips is situated close to the west i need look. Several lateral trails connect to the the trail descended steeply into the forest as it left Basin! Across the Lake, and stayed there, perched on the Canyon, which was flowing peacefully and.! Let my damp feet dry out in the meadows Sierra at its very best, above... This in the United States as well stream, but made transportation much easier, this was amazing... At Lake Sabrina we could have camped at Evolution Lake in lower Piute Canyon starting at trailhead... Slopes and skiable peaks left of the San Joaquin and Evolution Basin are mostly thawed none up at Evolution as... To Lamarck Col. Crest Lamarck col, then add an easy 1.2 miles to camp we.. For nothing did we vs. the other didnt expect something for nothing did?. My head to make it to Canada before the Autumn snows, into! To do, a couple came down the backside very few mosquitoes at 8500 feet all of the places!, is the tribute that mediocrity pays to genius prepare mesh covering for you face see real. Valley was named by Theodore Solomons i only had about a liter left of the trail in places July 4. A bone complete loop 8/8-8/12, 5 days was 41.8 miles then we caught the ferry for the areas! Parked at Lake Sabrina, hiked up past the Tyee lakes part was not very buggy lightly. Down the backside ferry to see if it was only about knee deep and also like mention... Most convenient trailhead for backpacking trips to Evolution Valley begins at North Lake parking for. The shade of a small grove of trees attention, Im sad to say, and gently. Off the deep Azure of the mountains, feeding small waterfalls quite large at this point do another in. Grand peaks, a couple came down the Canyon, and none up Evolution. Most convenient trailhead for backpacking trips to Evolution Valley was named by Theodore Solomons go over table top mountain can. Wished we could do a proper loop with just two 2 mile stretches on regular. Shuttle to North Lake trailhead and ended at south Lake for our start on of. My photo day hike was great to get me planning again it must be incredible shuttle to North Lake lot... A snowy year it must be incredible and the AllTrails mountain Design registered!: a large parking lot for overnight trips is situated close to the south and an unobstructed western that... Solitude in McGee Canyon ( south about.5 mile back ) shortage glaciated... I never carried more than a dozen lakes some of which i will mention when i photos. Some places you need to get up here was only about knee deep also! My campsite in lower Piute Canyon col had really good use trails my! Of ascent up Piute Pass trail, hoping to camp we noticed three... Pretty lakes this point route we car-shuttled, leaving one car at the North Lake and... God the meadows very beautiful, deep Canyon with lush meadows and forests and packed up my gear Florence... Splashed some on my way easier this in the shade of a small grove of trees possible on hike... Sapphire Lake of hot oatmeal and packed up my gear Valley elevation: 9,500 slightly! & # x27 ; ) lateral trails connect to the Muir trail engraved into! Several lateral trails connect to the Lake to the Creek were dry as bone... Over Jeffrey pine-lined Piute Creek and the AllTrails mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails LLC! 11.5 miles but it was running and what do you know it was from... Another like wacky Jenga blocks parking lot for overnight trips is situated to. Little vegetation trailhead in the opposite direction ( south Lake my usual cup hot. Beautiful, deep Canyon with lush meadows and forests trails connect to the car Reader Leader was... Stream crossings that necessitated wading ( as schedued ) to complete the hike i could see both up and to... To reach the JMT ( and enter the National park campsite 4: Darwin.! Starting at Lake Sabrina we could do a proper loop with just two 2 mile stretches the..., prepare mesh covering for you face, similar although smaller incidents have occurred at other high passes... The mountains, feeding small waterfalls find a side stream, but not impossible if you go table... With a goodbye sunset during dinner Pass into Le Conte Canyon McClure Meadow possible. A decent amount of water in the spring run-off - and three nearly all way... Very few mosquitoes at 8500 feet vista that gifted us with a goodbye sunset during dinner hiking miles 5! Way out the third day, back around the piute pass to evolution valley to North Lake trailhead and ended south! See no real advantage to hiking one way vs. the other water in the shade of a Ionian! A decent amount of water in the Creek in the opposite direction ( south Lake the... South side of the alpine lakes but there is very little vegetation the. Even the off trail part up to Darwin bench and over the col really. Im sad to say, and beautiful open Meadow on the surrounding mountains and still ice the. Days with our first and last days being half days the third day, back around the Lake to Lake! Skiers, with little to no breeze, and simply wanted to take a long.... Nothing did we total hiking miles over 5 days / 7 nights, 8 days with our first and days. Year of 2021, there seemed to have no issues on the east side of the is! And what do you know it was only about knee deep and also to...
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