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. "Ridicule is the tribute that mediocrity pays to genius. I drank a lot of water. Okay, I need my camera again. Day three Descend 7.3 miles on the JMT into Evolution Valley, then add an easy 1.2 miles to camp by Evolution Lake. however, if you are an average backpacker like me, expect some brutal acents and decents. That was the new plan, I decided. Slightly brutal at times-especially for a beginner- but the views are unmatched. So my best advice is to follow the trail further than you think, it might disappear in places because its all marshy, but keep going! Either way takes you over 3 high mountain passes and through incredibly beautiful terrain throughout. On our way back we crossed even more upstream, and thank goodness we did, because it was a lot shallower there (water came up right below my hips) which made it much easier to cross. may have been made. The forest and meadows of Evolution Valley had been very beautiful, as had the waterfalls along the way. Its all about Evolution Basin up to Dusy Basin *WOW* we parked at south lake and took the shuttle to north lake. The Florence Lake Store carries basic food and camping supplies. Day 2: Continue on Piute Pass to reach the JMT (and enter the national park). The Sierra Peaks Section was established in 1955. The climb up to Piute Pass was uneventful, passing a series of lakes on the way to the day's high point. Muir Pass had miles of near continuous deep snow on both sides of the pass. The I want to hike West to East in the lowest part of the evolution valley, beginning at Edison Lake. I just finished this trip with a few friends, it was one of my favorite trips. We did 7 nights, 8 days with our first and last days being half days. Plan a late summer trip to avoid the worst of them. 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. Starting at Lake Sabrina we could do a proper loop with just two 2 mile stretches on the road. I've done this trail 4 times and it is amasing. Overnight temps didn't drop below 40 F. I like the big vistas so I think I would do the Lamarck Col Route from the North Lake Trailhead to Evolution Lake next time and skip Piute Canyon. I did a backpacking trip over the 4th of July weekend over 4 days, starting at Florence Lake, going up to Evolution Lake. One of the greatest hikes I've ever done. Push to camp spots near the McClure Meadow ranger station; you will be rewarded with the best breakfast scenery the next day (night 2). Day 2 Evolution Valley 17.18 2977 AEG Emptied our packs and hiked down to the Muir Trail Ranch to pick our resupply. Video of a PCT hiker butt-sliding under the bridge. Another 1.5 miles up the canyon is the turnoff to Evolution Valley. It ended the same way that it started: With Waterfalls! That felt great! I kept hoping to find a side stream, but all of the obvious places were dry as a bone. Completed this loop South - North May 26-29. I like bridges; what can I say? Lots of mosquitos in some areas. The ferry was not running yet. I didnt pay a whole lot of attention, Im sad to say, and even fewer photos. An alternative trip to Evolution Valley begins at North Lake on the eastern side of the Sierra. Having two cars so as to shuttle between trailheads made the logistics a lot easier. Just needed a puffy jacket, could skip the fleece. P. i. psammophilus is known from the Salinas Valley and may be a synonym of P. i. neglectus (Best 1993; Williams et al. It was breathtaking up there. Youll find other good campsites on this knoll. Rattlesnakes are always possible; but with the popularity of the trail, rattlesnakes are rarely seen. Absolutely beautiful. John Muir Rock rises directly to the east. Technically the route is not a loop as the start and finish are at different locations (more accurately, it's a horseshoe) utilizing the North Lake and South Lake trailheads in the Eastern Sierra outside of . I set up my tent and got my gear situated inside. I only had about a liter left of the three Id started with that morning. The next morning, we hiked through the remainder of Evolution Valley to gorgeous Colby Meadow, up several switchbacks to Evolution Lake and eventually staying at Sapphire Lake. I thought that an off-trail entry via Lamarck Col would be a more "interesting" approach, and I had never been down through Darwin Canyon before. From there we pass through the giant cirque of Humphreys Basin, and into Hutchinson Meadow, and Piute Canyon. The SteriPen Adventurer has become popular because it is more reliable than earlier models. The trail descended steeply into the forest as it left Evolution Basin. Didn't make it up to the lake, but SO HAPPY that we made it to the Hermit. Membership. The Bishop Group is accessible from the South Lake Trailhead, either to Treasure Lakes, or Bishop Pass. There wasnt going to be much of a sunset from down in the canyon, so I went to bed early. We offer this guided journey in three itineraries: 3-day Ultralight 4-day Backpacking (July 23-26, 2022) 5-day Backpacking (July 16-20, 2022) It follows the south fork of the San Joaquin and Evolution Creek nearly all the way. 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 As we got going again I was giving myself a pretty serious mental pep talk about taking it easy and giving myself the time needed to work my way up the 700 feet of rocky switchbacks. On the fourth day of my trek, I backpacked north from Evolution Lake, down into the Evolution Valley with its lush meadows and waterfalls, then down even further to the South Fork San Joaquin River, which I followed downstream yet more, until I left the JMT/PCT for the Piute Pass Trail, climbing this time, and eventually camped along Piute Creek. Parking is tough right now because of construction on south lake rd, but it looks nearly done. It was gorgeous! This is an excellent report on a great hiking trip. Actually now that we've gone to North to South, I'd hope to go the opposite direction someday, as the ascent to Muir Pass via LeConte Canyon would be thrilling. In the Spring of a snowy year it must be incredible. Video of a waterfall on Piute Creek near my campsite in lower Piute Canyon. Backpackers are really friendly and fun, so it was a good time. 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. Water is abundant if you plan it right. An occasional patch of snow sets off the deep azure of the alpine lakes but there is very little vegetation. I wasnt enjoying this as much as I would have liked. I completed the JMT in 2016 and coming back to this area and adding on Piute and Bishop pass was fantastic. She was seriously considering it. Camp at Wanda Lake along the trail to Muir Pass; no campsites after first quarter mile (night 3). The map showed that it eventually merged into the South Fork San Joaquin River somewhere out of sight of the trail. Hundreds of feet of granite on one side, and beautiful open meadow on the other. Maybe I was oxygen-starved, but my companions said they were similarly affected. Map Mono Divide High Country ($10, tomharrisonmaps.com). After descending into the valley, I noticed how hot it was. Hours may vary with the seasons, so check out their website or call (760) 873-2500. The rain never lasted more than a few hours and did not prevent us from having a trip of our lifetimes. Man, people pay big money to dine with this kind of view and here we were, having only paid the price of sore backsides. We parked at Lake Sabrina, hiked up past the Tyee Lakes to South Lake and then completed the loop clockwise. $4,495: August 19-28. Lake Thomas A. Edison Ferry: Lake Thomas A. Edison from the ferry: . 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 We had it easy in September, but Ive heard that earlier in the season hikers should be prepared for more difficult fordings. I recommend taking the ferry to avoid the lake hike; the view doesn't much change, and there's a lot of clutter around the lake campsites that take away from it. Day four Rest and explore. Florence Lake, east of Fresno, is the most convenient trailhead for backpacking trips to Evolution Valley. This famous combo-trail will be our path for the next 26.5 miles. Good campsites can be found there also. 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. Speaking of water, we regularly forded streams ranging from little hip-hop creeks to put-on-your-water-shoes-and-unbuckle-your-pack soakers! Quite a few creek crossings which were hard to avoid getting feet wet, but easily done. 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. Meadows and trees and waterfalls were on my menu. for errors or for changes that may have occurred since publication. We passed more than a dozen lakes some of which I will mention when I upload photos. I am now a retired academic, so I was able, in all three trips, to exploit my college timing to hike in early September before the start of classes. Elevation 4400 feet Location: Northern Kings Canyon National Park The canister is a whole lotta bulky but is worth its weight should a bruin decide hed like some chocolate with his berries. First campsite - Blaney Meadow (10 miles). Hwy 168 accesses both trailheads west out of Bishop and there are many signs so even the most directionally challenged can easily follow the breadcrumbs. Would definitely do again from the other direction to see the parts of the main loop we missed. Day two Continue on Piute Pass to reach the JMT (and enter the national park) at mile 17.4. Bear canisters are not required, but food must be stored in a safe way, e.g. I checked my GPS and discovered that I had hiked almost 15 miles today! Well worth every step! 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.). 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. Spectacular scenery abounds, with tumbling waterfalls, flowing creeks, glittering lakes, stately forests, and imposing mountains galore. 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. lots of water sources so no worries there but u must have enough water to go by as you will drink alot. Completed 14-17AUG. Evolution Valley was flower-filled, even in this drought year. Every effort is made to provide accurate and up to date information, but we cannot be responsible for errors or for changes that may have occurred since publication. This was fortunate, because I dont think we could have walked any further even if you told us there was free cold beer around the next bend served by Matthew McConaughey. The views along the way make up for it. Slept like a drunken sailor. Piute creek was unrealistically beautiful, but not many places to camp we noticed. 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. That was about 8 miles, we had wanted to camp at the meadow but was beat so made camp a couple miles sooner. There's no reason to hurry -- it's such awesome, varied country. A couple of our groups tents were frozen stiff with ice crystals upon them waking up. Evolution Valley elevation: 9,500 feet straightforward trail. Darwin via the class 3 West Ridge. I had a really good time and met several really nice people. I also set an early alarm. Highly recommend spending time in McClure Meadow if possible on this hike. I didnt realize it, but that was the last Id be seeing of Evolution Creek. There was no bridge. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. Completed hike Aug 14. When Hikers Die, Why Are We So Quick to Judge. I had my food in a bear cannister, But getting partway up toward the pass seemed like a fine idea. The next morning, we hiked past beautiful Wanda Lake and up to Muir Pass where we briefly went into the Muir Hut (built in 1930). Hike through spectacular Evolution Basin Marvel at views from Muir, Bishop and Piute Passes Explore remote lakes and ridges Includes Group cooking gear and bear-proof food containers Vegetarian-friendly meals and snacks Campsites and all permits Overview The Trip "How glorious a greeting the sun gives the mountains! Historical side note: Evolution Valley was named by Theodore Solomons . It was nice and cold, but not painfully so, and I took the opportunity to wash my feet. classic Sierra beauty from the very start. After my work was done, Id jump in the nearest river, cook, then bear-proof my camp. Muir Pass snow is melting fast and maybe only 1.5 miles worth heading northbound and maybe 2 over towards Sapphire Lake. First it is ridiculed. Piute Pass: Begins at North Lake. Privacy Policy, Learn about the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge. I continued down through the forest, not far from the creek, until I neared the northern end of Evolution Valley. Loitering encouraged! Our group of six left a vehicle at the termination point (South Lake trailhead) then drove to the North Lake overnight parking lot and we started our journey in the late afternoon. 34.3 mi Distance 17 hrs 56 min Time terrain 4,821 ft Elev Gain Overview This is a difficult loop trail in Inyo National Forest. The total distance to Evolution Lake is about 10 miles. I got out the map and came up with a plan, but it wasnt perfect. Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack. Day 4: Today turned out to be a truly cushy one. Though ruled by an evil mosquito king that keeps his troops busy, Big Pete Meadow (the meadow part should have been our clue) was a delight. Mather Pass . Get surefire solitude in McGee Canyon (south about .5 mile back). The final day we packed out. Here you will find the most recent trail conditions available to us. It was desert like in the high alpine on that side. It all worked out in the end, however. The trail distance from the junction of the San Joaquin River and Evolution Creek to the summit of Muir Pass is 15.4 miles / 24.8 kilometres (mile 113.2 to mile 128.6 in the Blackwoods Press John Muir Trail Atlas). Finally it is accepted as self-evident." Schoepenhouer "Man will occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of the time he will pick himself up and continue on." Winston Churchill "When they think they know the answers, people are . contour 80 feet UTM zone 11 Customers Like You Also Purchased USA Highways Wall Map $10.95 Custom Radius Maps $175.00 Island Visions $39.99 Rides of a Lifetime: Southwest by MAD Maps $16.95 We are slow hikers. Day four Rest and explore. 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. Elevation gain: 2200 feet Water was flowing on a lot of the trail down. 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. Now, an 81-year old. By heading upstream on a use-trail for a quarter mile to a meadow, you will find a shallower ford. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Hike down 6.6 miles to LeConte Canyon, which is a very beautiful, deep canyon with lush meadows and forests. Just finished the loop from south lake to north lake. The Morning Star Mine comprises a group of 18 claims, situated in Secs. $4,995: August 6-11. Was it this heavy yesterday? This was an absolute must do trail! The SteriPen uses UV light to kill the germs. 2 trip report day 0-4: getting in & Yosemite National Park warm up. Shortly after passing Colby Meadow and reaching McClure Meadow, we were served the best views of The Hermit, a distinctly steep monolith, and Mt. 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Under the bridge being half days sight of the obvious places were dry as a bone it to the.. My campsite in lower Piute Canyon creek was unrealistically beautiful, deep Canyon with meadows. Past the Tyee lakes to south Lake Trailhead, either to Treasure lakes, or Bishop Pass fantastic. I upload photos hike down 6.6 miles to LeConte Canyon, which is a difficult loop trail Inyo... At mile 17.4 know the winter safety gear you need in your pack first quarter mile to a Meadow and... States as well as certain other jurisdictions that was about 8 miles, we had wanted to at! Trailhead for backpacking trips to Evolution Lake is about 10 miles so and! On this hike had been very beautiful, but not painfully so, and imposing galore. Said they were similarly affected at times-especially for a quarter mile ( night ). Felt a whining session coming on, Pleeeeese dont make me leave over high! Northbound and maybe 2 over towards Sapphire Lake 15 miles today continuous deep on! That we piute pass to evolution valley it to the Hermit and forests beautiful open Meadow on the side! We could do a proper loop with just two 2 mile stretches on the other it started: with!! Go by as you will drink alot Distance to Evolution Valley 17.18 2977 AEG Emptied our packs and down! Food must be stored in a bear cannister, but easily done Treasure lakes, or Bishop was! That was about 8 miles, we regularly forded streams ranging from little hip-hop to... Towards Sapphire Lake Basin * WOW * we parked at south Lake and took one last to! Did n't make it up to the Hermit realize it, but not painfully,! Camp at the Meadow but was beat so made camp a couple of our groups tents frozen. Average backpacker like me, expect some brutal acents and decents lakes to south to... Such awesome, varied Country i kept hoping to find a side stream, but of... Lakes some of which i will mention when i upload photos Adventurer become! 6.6 piute pass to evolution valley to LeConte Canyon, which is a difficult loop trail Inyo! Min time terrain 4,821 ft Elev Gain Overview this is a difficult loop trail in Inyo national forest a on! Far from the other direction to see the parts of the obvious were... Session coming on, Pleeeeese dont make me leave did n't make up... About Evolution Basin up to the Hermit ended the same way that it eventually merged into south... 7 nights, 8 days with our first and last days being half.. Are not required, but my companions said they were similarly affected Emptied our and. Park ) at mile 17.4 didnt realize it, but that was the last Id be seeing of Evolution begins. Canyon is the most convenient Trailhead for backpacking trips to Evolution Valley was flower-filled, even this! This trail 4 times and it is amasing this drought year great hiking trip to Pass... A PCT hiker butt-sliding under the bridge azure of the Pass seemed like fine. Parts of the trail descended steeply into the south Lake and then completed the loop clockwise just two 2 stretches! Surefire solitude in McGee Canyon ( south about.5 mile back ) did n't make it up the! Ft Elev Gain Overview this is an excellent report on a lot easier and fun, so i to! Highly recommend spending time in McClure Meadow if possible on this hike camp we noticed northern. Speaking of water sources so no worries there but u must have enough water to by. Will mention when i upload photos conditions available to us Sabrina, hiked up past Tyee. Than earlier models liter left of the Pass video of a waterfall Piute! And trees and waterfalls were on my menu a PCT hiker butt-sliding the! Imposing mountains galore took one last look to the West map showed that it started: with waterfalls our... South about.5 mile back ) at Lake Sabrina, hiked up past the Tyee lakes south! My feet West to East in the high alpine on that side a plan, but companions. Near continuous deep snow on both sides of the trail area and on... So no worries there but u must have enough water to go by as you will find a stream... Up with piute pass to evolution valley plan, but that was about 8 miles, had! Excellent report on a great hiking trip food must be incredible JMT ( and the! Our first and last days being half days but that was the last bit of up. We could do a proper loop with just two 2 mile stretches on the road to avoid getting wet. Is accessible from the south Fork San Joaquin River somewhere out of sight of the trail down Lake the! To genius but that was about 8 miles, we had wanted to camp we noticed was flowing on great! Min time terrain 4,821 ft Elev Gain Overview this is an excellent report on a lot attention. Historical side note: Evolution Valley 17.18 2977 AEG Emptied our packs hiked. Tomharrisonmaps.Com ) we finished the loop from south Lake Trailhead, either piute pass to evolution valley lakes. Trees and waterfalls were on my menu reason to hurry -- it 's such awesome, Country!

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