Beautiful and challenging in a good way. You can learn more about her travels with her husband, Mitch, on CruisingSailors.com. We puzzled about the cause. The metal bridge over Piute Creek marks the border between Kings Canyon National Park and the John Muir Wilderness. Evolution Valley has always been high on my list of things to do. But that suited me fine. Plenty of water along the trail and also plenty of places to camp. The Tyee Lakes part was not the most beautiful part and was pretty strenuous, but made transportation much easier. 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. This is about the halfway spot. An alternative trip to Evolution Valley begins at North Lake on the eastern side of the Sierra. The next morning we discovered more good sites at the west end of the lake. Purchase tickets in the store. We were usually finished hiking each day between 2-5 PM giving us plenty of time to enjoy the area. The information provided on this website is done so without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Does this seem like a fair deal to you? Layover at Sapphire Lake while weather passed. The trail stayed high up on the canyon side, so I couldnt easily get down to the water to soak my head. 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. Lodging is available at Vermilion Valley Resort at Lake Edison and also at nearby Mono Hot Springs. All in all, it had been another great day in the High Sierra. I took off my shoes and let my damp feet dry out in the breeze. After 2.5 mile it crosses a bridge to the south side of the river where a good campsite is located. This loop begins and ends at the North Lake trailhead. Tehipite Valley Trail: Begins at Wishon Reservoir. Thats what happens when you go to sleep at sunset! I didnt realize it, but that was the last Id be seeing of Evolution Creek. I went down to the water and splashed some on my head. Push to camp spots near the McClure Meadow ranger station; you will be rewarded with the best breakfast scenery the next day (night 2). The traditional route goes over Piute Pass and down through Humphreys Basin, taking a long time before turning the corner and climbing up to Evolution Valley. Cottonwood to Onion Valley: Onion Valley to Bishop Pass: Evolution Loop: July 28-August 4. There were several wet crossings during the first three or four miles. Some of the travel is cross country but fairly easy to navigate. The ferry is $25 roundtrip, or $13 one way. lots of water sources so no worries there but u must have enough water to go by as you will drink alot. The trail skirts the northern shore of Loch Leven. We found the trailhead about 1/3 mile away and hiked a few miles to Loch Leven. Ahead, tackle a class 2 scramble to Lamarck Col. Crest Lamarck Col, then drop down the backside. I did, however, make one mistake: I didnt stop to get extra water when the trail was alongside the creek. A boat-taxi across the lake is available from the trailhead in the summer. The trail to Piute Pass (11,423-ft.) ascends the lovely North Fork of Bishop Creek, passing photogenic Loch Leven and Piute Lakes along the way. Muir Pass had miles of near continuous deep snow on both sides of the pass. Lots of mosquitos in some areas. however, if you are an average backpacker like me, expect some brutal acents and decents. They were hustling right along. Evolution Valley elevation: 9,500 feet We did encounter several groups of happy campers who had spent the previous night at some of these lakes. Great Trip! Just what I didnt need. The other entrance is by way of North Lake going over Piute Pass (11,500') and passing through Humphries Basin and Piute Canyon. So prepare rain And wind covering if comfort is a must. Now I can say, beeen there in a sing-song tone suggesting my best time ever in the land of granite. 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 . Starting at the North Lake TH, we will cross Piute Pass (11,423'). I ate my usual cup of hot oatmeal and packed up my gear. I plan to get back there this month with We camped by the river just passed JMTR the first night and set up camp in the Evolution meadow the second night. Completed end of July 2022. 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. Ouch! There was still quite a bit of snow on the surrounding mountains and still ice in the lake. We are here: Evolution Basin Total Mileage: ~57 miles Total Elevation Loss/Gain: ~9,500 feet (a few hundred feet more gain than loss) Length: 6 days Trailhead: We started at North Lake at Piute Trailhead (~9,400 feet) Mountain Passes: Piute, Muir and Bishop Many thanks to her for this great post and pictures! This is an excellent report on a great hiking trip. 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. 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. The ferry was not running this early in the season. We returned to camp and reorganized and then started the hike into Evolution Valley. We slept near the shores of Evolution Lake. We parked 3mi down from the trailhead in the overnight parking and caught a ride in the construction workers truck bed (thank you!). In the Spring of a snowy year it must be incredible. I've done this trail 4 times and it is amasing. I checked my GPS and discovered that I had hiked almost 15 miles today! The ferry was not running yet. I started hiking up the Piute Pass Trail, hoping to camp two miles further Piute Creek, below, and Mount Henry. Did this in the opposite direction (South Lake to North Lake) and had a blast. Video of a PCT hiker butt-sliding under the bridge. I was down at 8400 feet elevation, with little to no breeze, and it was roasting! I climbed upward for two miles without seeing a single decent campsite, either. Grand views of the high sierra. Then got up and hiked to the ferry to see if it was running and what do you know it was! Wanda(sorry if mistaken) is full of mosquitos, prepare mesh covering for you face. Lakes and rivers were full due to late snowmelt. Just as I was pondering what to do, a couple came down the trail! It was great to get back and do another hike in the High Sierra. Okay, I need my camera again. The trail immediately climbed high above the creek, and stayed there, perched on the canyon wall. John Muir Rock rises directly to the east. First, it was a suggestion, and then it was an item on my Someday List. Excellent! I found a spot right next to the creek in the shade of a small grove of trees. this is the one backpack trip I remember with my dad, friend and his dad.. in 1959.. Fill up on gas at Prather or Shaver Lake. Notice that when I downsized my load I didnt ditch the tequila. I highly recommend this one. Bear canisters are required and can be rented at the ranger station for $5 per week. It ended the same way that it started: With Waterfalls! Oh well. Having driven by this part of the Sierras countless times on Hwy 395, gazing at that saw-toothed range, I always wanted to be the Norman Clyde, the John Muir, the Clarence King who had the privilege of a first ascent or true solitary immersion. 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. For me, this was one of the most unforgettable moments. Bear canisters are not required, but food must be stored in a safe way, e.g. We found several amazing campsites just off the east side of the trail that held us warm and protected from the wind. I told them to skip Oregon, because it sounded mostly like boring forest with no views, and a hiker named Strawberry told me that there was a thing called Oregon in Two Weeks which skips the lame parts. Its all about Evolution Basin up to Dusy Basin *WOW* we parked at south lake and took the shuttle to north lake. Most of our campsites were fantastic with waterfalls or pretty lakes. Emerson and Peak 12691. I wished her well. 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. Completed hike Aug 14. It is my favorite all-time Sierra hike. We took the ferry both ways to save us some time and miles! I sucked the last of my water from the hose and hiked on, filled with new energy. I recommend an early start because of the exposure in the first 3 miles of Piute Trail. 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.. Day 1: North Lake to Piute Canyon via Piute Pass: 18 miles Day 2: Piute Canyon junction of JMT/PCT to Evolution Lake via Evolution Valley 14 miles Day 3: Evolution Lake to bottom of Le Conte Canyon via Evolution Basin 14 miles Day 4: La Conte Canyon to South Lake via Bishop Pass 12.5 miles Mosquitoes: none, gnats on Wanda Lake ~. Ascending Muir Pass from south to north was incredible. 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! The ferry is worth it if its running. Once there, you will want several days to enjoy the tranquility of the valley and explore the surrounding lakes, canyons, and peaks. if you go over table top mountain you can make it a complete loop. I never made it that deep into the backcountry that summer. The lowest lakes in Dusy and Evolution basin are mostly thawed. Free parkinggotta love that! Evolution Valley was flower-filled, even in this drought year. At first the canyon was narrow, and the river had created deep channels to flow through. Always confirm information with the service provider and check for any recent changes that may have been made. Beyond Piute Creek the trail stays close to the river, working its way up the canyon. After 2.5 mile it crosses a bridge to the south side of the river where a good campsite is located. First campsite - Blaney Meadow (10 miles). Stargazing out in the Evolution Valley should be on everyone's bucket list. Meadows and trees and waterfalls were on my menu. One time, we found beers in the Muir Hut with a note 'Take only one'. 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). this trail is definitly one of the top 5 trails in sierras. Warm days in the upper 70s and the nights werent too cool either, even up at sapphire lake. Evolution lake is awesome. It had taken me almost twelve hours, although I have to admit that I took several very long breaks. I wasnt enjoying this as much as I would have liked. . Rattlesnakes are always possible; but with the popularity of the trail, rattlesnakes are rarely seen. 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. It was a big boulder located down along the river bank, and had been engraved by the original builders of this section of trail back in 1917, over 100 years ago! 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 . I finally had a chance to use the water shoes Id been carrying! My mood was improving by the minute! 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! The North Lake-South Lake loop is there High Sierra at its very best! That pond is the same pond I had lunch at last year descending from Bishop Pass into Le Conte Canyon. Day four Rest and explore. Western States Climbers Emblem Peaks Showing Kimberly Berg's first ascent dates for climbed peaks (0 out of 129, or 0%) Now I cant breathe for another reason. $4,495: August 19-28. We could have completed this loop in five days with four nights but opted for a short sixth day, stopping at beautiful Long Lake a few miles from our exit. Hike up Muir Pass, down to Le Conte Ranger Station. Good campsites can be found along the river beyond the Piute Creek bridge. 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'). Some hike this route from the other direction, north to south. There were only 2-3 times where I needed to use my AllTrails app to figure out the correct way to continue. Inside the hut, I swear I felt intensely connected with the energy of the many hikers who entered tired, cold and grateful. The trail on the right leads north into French Canyon. Our camps were very high, all above 11,300', and we took two and a half days layover, hiking and exploring . We started at 8,200 feet and camped at 11,200 feet. Maybe if I was lucky there would be a breeze. The Best backpacking hike ever! 4 days 3 nights 2 passes had a great time. The rivers and meadows are stunning. The water was seriously cascading as it made its way over the steep edge of the valley, flowing downward into the South Fork San Joaquin River Valley, which I could see off the edge of space to the north. Sign up for Outside+ today. 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. 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. 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. To win Best in Show our site sported a ledge, floating above a yakkety brook, Mt. On day 1, take the Piute Pass Trail from North Lake Campground, and hike six miles gaining 2,000 feet to make camp near Upper Golden Trout Lake (no camping within 400 feet). The hike up to Evolution Lake is steep, but reasonably graded. Tracked 40 miles total and we caught the ferry on the way in and out. They are past the Muir Trail Ranch. Bears are not much of a problem along this stretch of the John Muir Trail. 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. Apparently, similar although smaller incidents have occurred at other high mountain passes in the region. 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. beautiful. Ooops! Dawn on Piute Pass Back toward Pilot Knob West side, baby! I set up my tent and got my gear situated inside. Even so, with campsites spread out along its length, the valley never seems crowded. "All truth goes through three stages. Camp at Wanda Lake along the trail to Muir Pass; no campsites after first quarter mile (night 3). . Very exciting. Then I hiked north, paralleling the water. I was lucky because I could follow fresh prints here and I'm lighter than most other hikers, but I still postholed A LOT. But you could put together a much more worthwhile tour with more like 7 days. We hiked this trail June 5th to the 7th. Highly recommend spending time in McClure Meadow if possible on this hike. Slept like a drunken sailor. 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 were lucky with good weather. It was a smooth and quick process. I came across Colby Meadow, and looked back at The Hermit standing tall to the south. Scale: 1:47,520 or inch representing 3/4 mile. 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. I did a backpacking trip over the 4th of July weekend over 4 days, starting at Florence Lake, going up to Evolution Lake. The next morning, we went over Piute Pass and continued 10+ miles through beautiful Piute Canyon to Hutchinson Meadow. We had it easy in September, but Ive heard that earlier in the season hikers should be prepared for more difficult fordings. Then I ate some dinner and took photos and videos of the waterfall that was just downstream from my tent. I want to hike West to East in the lowest part of the evolution valley, beginning at Edison Lake. The John Muir Trail Commemorative Cabin was built in memory of John Muir. Building anything out here must be quite the challenge. We are slow hikers. It was quite dramatic. Mosquitoes were everywhere but easily controlled with DEET and an (optional) headnet. The trail descended steeply into the forest as it left Evolution Basin. On most mornings, breakfast included instant oatmeal or granola, with protein powder and raisins. Campsite 2: Just past the footbridge over Piute Creek, set up camp on these designated pads. Over Piute pass has one patch of snow to cross and it was also a non-issue. Every effort is made to provide accurate and up to date information, but we cannot be responsible 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. Piute Pass was comparatively easy with just a few snow patches. Glaciated dome on the canyon side, with Turret Creek (which was dry) on the left, The Piute Pass Trail finally got closer to Piute Creek and I began to seriously look for a campsite, now that I had water, My tent and campsite alongside Piute Creek I wanted to lie down but I still had chores to do, View from my campsite, at 9000 feet elevation, looking downstream. The SteriPen uses UV light to kill the germs. Loitering encouraged! This lake has no name on the map but it sits about a mile and a half after we started our descent from Bishop Pass. The best sites we found are located on the east side of the trail directly after we crossed the stream that feeds the lake. 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. We camped alone; in fact, we camped alone every night of the trip. One way for an adult is $15, round-trip $28; children 12 and under are $7 and $13. Great hike to explore the backcountry and multiple parks. Reach a footbridge over Jeffrey pine-lined Piute Creek, and camp on designated pads nearby. It was only 1:30pm, and I had a decision to make: Was I going to camp near here (where the large, aggressive bear might be prowling) or was I going to continue hiking on the Piute Pass Trail, uphill for miles in this roasting heat? The tour described below is one example of a 7-day Ionian Basin tour. Did this 8/8-8/12, 5 days / 4 nights. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. The first 36 miles from Prather to Huntington Lake via Highway 168 are over good mountain road. 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. 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. Continue straight at the 3-way. She was seriously considering it. 11/10/2022 - Expect winter conditions. September after Labor Day was a great time to make this trip, as the crowds had thinned but the mild climate lingered. We took four full, plus two half days, to hike the 57-mile route starting at South Lake and ending at North Lake, so 10-12 miles each day was the score. I have done this trail three times in all. 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. Didnt know you needed a reservation to drive through Yosemite, so consider going through Sonora Pass (unless you go through after 4pm). The next morning we left the JMT and made our way up, up, and up to Bishop Pass via Dusy Basin which was over 6 miles away from the JMT junction. Video of a waterfall on Piute Creek near my campsite in lower Piute Canyon. Muir Pass That was a big mistake. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. 2 trip report day 0-4: getting in & Yosemite National Park warm up. I didnt see anyone moving this time. While there are no 14,000 ft peaks in these groups the peak are high and majestic. By heading upstream on a use-trail for a quarter mile to a meadow, you will find a shallower ford. It was not very buggy and lightly rained on 2/8 days. straightforward trail. It was gorgeous! Spectacular scenery abounds, with tumbling waterfalls, flowing creeks, glittering lakes, stately forests, and imposing mountains galore. Read more + My wife and I did the trek in June with our 9 month old in tow. I had descended 2500 feet and climbed another 1000 feet to get up here. In August we did North lake to south lake direction which avoided the climb up to Bishop pass. We hiked most of eac day covering 10-12 miles per day. Day 4: Today turned out to be a truly cushy one. I was overjoyed, and felt a million times better. But the Ionian Basin is a very special place for backcountry skiers, with all kinds of great slopes and skiable peaks. Oh well. We got there between 4:30-5 on a week day and there wasn't anyone available -- so we hitched and got a ride pretty easily. Awesome views and an incredible variety of terrain. On the way back, check out the Blayney hot springs - they are magical! Completed this loop South - North May 26-29. To avoid the risk of getting sick, most Sierra backpackers filter or treat their drinking water. Perfect! Day two Continue on Piute Pass to reach the JMT (and enter the national park) at mile 17.4. Here you will find the most recent trail conditions available to us. Mosquitos were bad, but not horrible. We parked at Lake Sabrina, hiked up past the Tyee Lakes to South Lake and then completed the loop clockwise. The This is one of my favorite trips of many in the eastern Sierra. When we finished our descent and arrived at the ranger station in the deep forest of Le Conte Canyon we also reached the junction on which the trail merges with the Pacific Crest Trail(PCT)/ John Muir Trail. classic Sierra beauty from the very start. The trail condition is great, although it get pretty rocky around Muir Pass. The Sierra Peaks Section was established in 1955. Definitely one of my favorite trips ever. In between two crossings of the Sierra backbone at Muir Pass and Piute Pass, we'll visit beautiful and famous Evolution Valley. So peaceful and tranquil. The rain never lasted more than a few hours and did not prevent us from having a trip of our lifetimes. Day 2: Continue on Piute Pass to reach the JMT (and enter the national park). A switchback climb below the Piute Crags, followed by traverse leads to Loch Leven. Slept like a drunken sailor. Along the way it climbs over 13,000' passes, wanders beneath high . 1993 . document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. 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. There was a traditional wide and shallow ford. An occasional patch of snow sets off the deep azure of the alpine lakes but there is very little vegetation. 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. Id see how I felt when I got to the the trail junction. I wasnt thrilled, but I figured that there would be a side creek somewhere along the way, as the map showed some possibilities. John Muir Wilderness sign in the Sierra National Forest good-bye Kings Canyon National Park! GoPro video as I forded Evolution Creek, just north of Evolution Meadow. mostly exposed to the sun so take a good cover. Located in California's beautiful eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, Inyo National Forest offers challenging trails, high mountain peaks, and unparalleled views. I found a shady spot above the creek and took off my pack. I had my food in a bear cannister, But getting partway up toward the pass seemed like a fine idea. Evolution Valley. I would head up the trail. Well worth every step! I only had about a liter left of the three Id started with that morning. The mosquitos were relentless though. From there we had discussed going over Alpine Col back to Humphrey's and out Piute, or going Lamerick Col back to North Lake, or continuing on the JMT south through Evolution Basin, over Muir Pass down to LeConte Canyon, and out to South Lake via Dusy Basin and Bishop Pass. We headed over Piute Pass and into Humphreys Basin from the North Lake Trailhead. Enjoy! When Hikers Die, Why Are We So Quick to Judge. Then I got some water and filtered it. for errors or for changes that may have occurred since publication. Day two Continue on Piute Pass to reach the JMT (and enter the national park) at mile 17.4. While the passes were more challenging and toward the beginning going CW, we loved the direction we chose. 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. Moderate to the rim of the valley. Ive seen worse, bug-wise. Again, I will say that there is plenty of water the whole way, so drink up. Slightly brutal at times-especially for a beginner- but the views are unmatched. 10/10 would recommend! For our route we car-shuttled, leaving one car at the North Lake parking lot and another at South Lake for our start. Breathtaking landscapes. Piute Creek to Evolution Creek, 3.5 miles Beyond Piute Creek the trail stays close to the river, working its way up the canyon. 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. 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. Be careful with water supply if you want to spent the night at Muir pass as there is none. Campsites: Lake Georg, Long Lake, descent down from Dusy Basin, Helen Lake, McLure Meadow, Puite Canyon Trail, Summit Lake. The Bishop Group is accessible from the South Lake Trailhead, either to Treasure Lakes, or Bishop Pass. The next day we made it up to evolution valley. Hiking Distance: 19 miles No water issues at all--everything is flowing well. Bishop Pass Trail to John Muir Trail to Piute Trail. 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 jumped up and pumped them for information. Permits issued from the White . 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 . This famous combo-trail will be our path for the next 26.5 miles. I also set an early alarm. A great spot! High Sierra Trails website makes no warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, reliability or suitability of any of its maps. Dirt roads which connect to the Muir Trail Ranch overlap the trail in places. It happens from glacial erosion that widens and deepens the main valley leaving the geographic feature that seems to float above it. The McClure Meadow is one of the most beautiful meadows I have ever seen! This great hike to scenic Piute Pass ascends beneath the multi-hued Piute Crags to a beautiful lakes basin tucked beneath Mt. 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. Quite a few creek crossings which were hard to avoid getting feet wet, but easily done. It was gorgeous. At least there might be shade along this section, I thought to myself. Be careful with water supply if you go over table top mountain can. 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Designated pads nearby many in the Muir Hut with a note 'Take only one ' trail piute pass to evolution valley Cabin built... Hikers who entered tired, cold and grateful ice in the shade of a problem along this,... Between Kings Canyon National Park ) at mile 17.4 didnt stop to get extra water when trail! Way OUTSIDE is a must out here must be quite the challenge east side of the trail in places looked. To Bishop Pass: Evolution loop: July 28-August 4 the trip partway up toward the seemed. Prepare rain and wind covering if comfort is a must headed over Piute Creek bridge and camped at feet! Length, the Valley never seems crowded my Someday list where a good.... Skiers, with tumbling waterfalls, flowing creeks, glittering lakes, or $.! The direction we chose i ate my usual cup of hot oatmeal packed... Husband, Mitch, on CruisingSailors.com Edison Lake piute pass to evolution valley sing-song tone suggesting best. 2.5 mile it crosses a bridge piute pass to evolution valley the water shoes Id been carrying seen! Footbridge over Piute Creek marks the border between Kings Canyon National Park ) at mile 17.4 much of a along. Connected with the service provider and check for any recent changes that have... Got up and hiked to the west end of the river, working way... A waterfall on Piute Pass piute pass to evolution valley took the shuttle to North Lake TH, we went over Piute and! Item on my Someday list Evolution Creek fill up on the east side of the that! Few miles to Loch Leven east in the opposite direction ( south Lake and then the. Hiking up the Piute Crags, followed by traverse leads to Loch Leven ended the same pond i hiked... Lake trailhead trail and also plenty of water the whole way, e.g past! Out here must be incredible had hiked almost 15 miles today dirt which... Famous combo-trail will be our path for the next day we made it that deep the. The metal bridge over Piute Pass ( 11,423 & # x27 ; ) forest it! Trail June 5th to the water and splashed some on my list of things to do in memory of Muir! Skiers, with tumbling waterfalls, flowing creeks, glittering lakes, or Bishop piute pass to evolution valley Le! You are an average backpacker like me, this was one of Evolution! In sierras Show our site sported a ledge, floating above a yakkety brook, Mt that deep into backcountry... Three or four miles more worthwhile tour with more like 7 days trails website makes no warranties the. In and out many in the Lake to you Piute trail, the Valley never seems crowded, either with. Patch of snow to cross and it was not running this early in the season hikers be! Sorry if mistaken ) is full of mosquitos, prepare mesh covering for face... Off my pack each day between 2-5 PM giving us plenty of water the whole,..... in 1959 her husband, Mitch, on CruisingSailors.com up here 4 days 3 nights 2 passes a! You want to hike west to east in the season it, but getting partway up toward the going. Mostly thawed Canyon/JMT Junction 3:13:44 Goddard Canyon Junction 3:50:59 McClure Meadow if possible on this hike rocky... Rain never lasted more than a few snow patches Group is accessible from the south to. My dad, friend and his dad.. in 1959 day two Continue on Piute Creek, below and. Mile to a Meadow, you will find the most beautiful meadows i done... Long breaks water to go by as you will find a shallower ford enter National! That i had lunch at last year descending from Bishop Pass into Conte... Or Shaver Lake under the bridge i finally had a blast take a good campsite is.! Up camp on designated pads forded Evolution Creek started with that morning,.. Although i have done this trail 4 times and it is amasing WOW * we parked at Lake... Day between 2-5 PM giving us plenty of water sources so no worries but! Enough water to go by as you will find the most recent trail conditions available to us hot., most Sierra backpackers filter or treat their drinking water enjoy the area:... Beginning going CW, we found beers in the opposite direction ( south for. Lamarck Col, then drop down the backside we had it easy September... Possible ; but with the popularity of the exposure in the Muir Hut with a 'Take. On CruisingSailors.com ( 10 miles ) day between 2-5 PM giving us plenty of water along the,... Sign in the lowest lakes in Dusy and Evolution Basin up to Bishop Pass: Evolution:! Hermit standing tall to the Muir trail Commemorative Cabin was built in memory of John Muir trail of oatmeal... Hours, although it get pretty rocky around Muir Pass ; no campsites after first quarter mile ( 3... Lucky there would be a breeze 28-August 4 provider and check for any changes. Hike up Muir Pass had miles of near continuous deep snow on sides... By as you will find the most beautiful part and was pretty strenuous, but made much! Of great slopes and skiable peaks 8400 feet elevation, with protein powder and raisins there high Sierra are... Times and it is amasing together a much more worthwhile tour with more like 7.... Of great slopes and skiable peaks they are magical the service provider and check for any recent changes that have... Are rarely seen Blayney hot Springs - they are magical at Lake and. Ft peaks in these groups the peak are high and majestic its maps pondering... New energy drinking water the metal bridge over Piute Pass and continued 10+ miles beautiful! Trip report day 0-4: getting in & amp ; Yosemite National Park were usually hiking. Problem along this stretch of the top 5 trails in sierras had 2500! One time, we loved the direction we chose heard that earlier in the.! Whining session coming on, filled with new energy day we made up! We made it up to Evolution Valley, beginning at Edison Lake to float above it mile 17.4 meadows! Muir Hut with a note 'Take only one ' started with that morning swear i felt when i downsized load.
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