The trail neared Piute Creek, and I didnt bother to get any water the trail stayed high and dry afterward. At the top was Evolution Valleyas a wannabe biologist, I fell in love with the name. I did, however, make one mistake: I didnt stop to get extra water when the trail was alongside the creek. Amazing. 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. I highly recommend this one. Day four Rest and explore. 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). Evolution Creek had already joined forces and the river was much larger. Day four Rest and explore. Piute Pass actually puts you into the upper reaches of the San Joaquin River Basin (So. Did South to North lake. Trailhead: Florence Lake, 84 miles east of Fresno, elevation 7,300 feet
Read more + 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. 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 trail is popular with day hikers and backpackers on multi-day trips to Humphreys Basin, Evolution Valley and beyond. Every effort is made to provide accurate and up to date information, but we cannot be responsible
Lakes and rivers were full due to late snowmelt. My [growing] Collection of Top Utah Hiking Trails, Five ways to make enemies at a public campground, Seeking Powder Hounds: Heli-Skiing the Northwest. 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. Found some spots to camp about 2 miles from the pass. Awesome views and an incredible variety of terrain. Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack. From there, the trail traverses Humphreys Basin and reaches the splendid section of the Pacific Crest Trail known as Evolution Valley. if you go over table top mountain you can make it a complete loop. Pass along rocky shores of Evolution Lake JMT092 Location: 37.054474, -118.501686 Start of the Golden Staircase, last section of the JMT to be completed. We remained on the JMT at the Goddard Canyon junction and continued up a series of switchbacks that led us to a stream crossing where we had to take off our hiking boots & put on our water shoes and continue towards Evolution Valley. Continue straight at this 3-way in Hutchinson Meadow. This trail goes by Loch Leven, Piute Pass, Summit Lake, Upper Golden Trout Lake, Lamarck Col, and North Lake Campground. Evolution Lake has lots of excellent campsites. Bear canisters are not required, but food must be stored in a safe way, e.g. 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. Day 2: Continue on Piute Pass to reach the JMT (and enter the national park). The first thing the trail did was cross the river on a wooden bridge, far upstream from its merging with Evolution Creek, so it was still relatively small. My understanding is that dogs are not allowed in the Kings Canyon National Park. Then it was hot, and I sweated out what little water I had. The map showed that it eventually merged into the South Fork San Joaquin River somewhere out of sight of the trail. Driving times may vary based on conditions. Piute Pass was comparatively easy with just a few snow patches. Day 4: Evolution Valley to Piute Creek. 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. 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. There are possible campsites on Darwin Bench. Darwin via the class 3 West Ridge. Day 2 Evolution Valley 17.18 2977 AEG Emptied our packs and hiked down to the Muir Trail Ranch to pick our resupply. 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. Didnt know you needed a reservation to drive through Yosemite, so consider going through Sonora Pass (unless you go through after 4pm). We parked 3mi down from the trailhead in the overnight parking and caught a ride in the construction workers truck bed (thank you!). Historical side note: Evolution Valley was named by Theodore Solomons . 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. Camp, or finish the last 2.7 miles to the trailhead. The SteriPen Adventurer has become popular because it is more reliable than earlier models. The uphill miles to reach John Muir Pass gave quite a different landscape than we had seen so far. Pick up the trail on the eastern edge of Upper Lamarck Lake. We had perfect weather, saw some incredible scenery and wildlife, and had an overall fantastic time! Ooops! . I found a shady spot above the creek and took off my pack. Follow it 2.1 miles back to the trailhead. First it is ridiculed. Either way takes you over 3 high mountain passes and through incredibly beautiful terrain throughout. I said a silent thank you before dropping over the top, then apologized to my knees for the steep, descending switch backs they were about to receive. At mile 5.5 we crossed the river again and took a short break at the base of a long series of switchbacks that would bring us up to Evolution Valley. The SteriPen uses UV light to kill the germs. I started hiking up the Piute Pass Trail, hoping to camp two miles further Piute Creek, below, and Mount Henry. 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. Good thing bruins dont like whiskey. Turn left and descend to Upper Lamarck Lake. This loop begins and ends at the North Lake trailhead. While the passes were more challenging and toward the beginning going CW, we loved the direction we chose. Day 6: In the morning the sun popped over Piute Pass and we were instantly warmed and reluctant to pack up and head back out into civilization less than 7 miles away. We 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. No more High Sierra tundra for me today! But the Ionian Basin is a very special place for backcountry skiers, with all kinds of great slopes and skiable peaks. I sucked the last of my water from the hose and hiked on, filled with new energy. Anon. It was not very buggy and lightly rained on 2/8 days. I ate my usual cup of hot oatmeal and packed up my gear. We hiked it in 7 days but could have done in 6. I hiked onward, rather than head back down. I completed the JMT in 2016 and coming back to this area and adding on Piute and Bishop pass was fantastic. 110 Piute Pass Trail junction, 17 mi. Pictures posted. That was the new plan, I decided. Did this hike in end of June 2020 but it was one of my favorites to date so want to leave a review. 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. Many hikers enjoy the week-long loop from North Lake, around through Evolution Valley, over Muir Pass, and eventually heading out over Bishop Pass to South Lake. But it was still too hot for climbing, I told myself. 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. Our camps were very high, all above 11,300', and we took two and a half days layover, hiking and exploring . The river and steam crossings were simple because the water level is so low at this point in the season. Climbing glacier carved granite benches, the trail passes Loch Leven, Piute Lake and many smaller lakes and ponds on the way to the pass. We hiked this loop from North to South Lake. I only had about a liter left of the three Id started with that morning. The stars up there were surreal. Finally, two ladies told me that there was a spot just ahead, right next to the creek! 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. 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. Definitely a moderate hike, but doable in 4 days. The For our route we car-shuttled, leaving one car at the North Lake parking lot and another at South Lake for our start. Most of our campsites were fantastic with waterfalls or pretty lakes. Muir Pass had miles of near continuous deep snow on both sides of the pass. We passed more than a dozen lakes some of which I will mention when I upload photos. Lots of mosquitos in some areas. Evolution Valley elevation: 9,500 feet
While there are no 14,000 ft peaks in these groups the peak are high and majestic. Started at North Lake Trailhead and ended at South Lake. 11/10/2022 - Expect . 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. . To become a member of the SPS, one must be a Sierra Club member and have climbed at least six peaks on the SPS List; it is not necessary that the peaks be Emblem peaks. Me either, until we exited the forest at about 11,000 feet and monster granite views appeared. some forest floor. It is, of course, the perfect time for this 5 - 7 day hike. Completed this loop South - North May 26-29. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Building anything out here must be quite the challenge. Save 4 miles of hiking by riding the Florence Lake Ferry. Bugs werent that bad. Us silly girls didnt expect something for nothing did we? Then I hiked north, paralleling the water. 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. 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. Distance: 8.8 miles Time: 5-7 hours Difficulty: Strenuous Gain/Loss: +498'/-1,537 Dogs: No When to go: Late July-Early October It may be called a 'creek', but Piute Creek was raging! Completed end of July 2022. counter-balance method. Moderate. The contradiction lies in the amount of water all around. Heres how I did it: Day one Take the Piute Pass Trail from North Lake Campground, 20 miles west of Bishop, and hike six miles gaining 2,000 feet to make camp near Upper Golden Trout Lake (no camping within 400 feet). The Morning Star Mine comprises a group of 18 claims, situated in Secs. 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. Hike up Muir Pass, down to Le Conte Ranger Station. That night we enjoyed a campfire in Aspen Meadow since we were below 10,000 feet and there were already the makings for a fire ready to go! 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 Creek Crosing: Bridge at Piute Creek Crossing: Layers: Western juniper, and its cones: Plenty of water along the trail and also plenty of places to camp. Meadows and trees and waterfalls were on my menu. Camp at Wanda! Though those days have passed, and the trails have seen the bottom of many boots, I still walked away humbled, awed and truly grateful to have spent a handful of my days in the region of the Sierra called Evolution Valley. 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. The creek crossing there can be challenging early in the season. Beautiful trip! To win Best in Show our site sported a ledge, floating above a yakkety brook, Mt. Evolution Valley. 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 I took off my shoes and let my damp feet dry out in the breeze. Front Runners List: Click to see list completion progress by climbers that log their climbs using Peakbagger.com. From there we day packed to evolution lake the third day. One way for an adult is $15, round-trip $28; children 12 and under are $7 and $13. This is an excellent report on a great hiking trip. But 6-year-old Gregory "was an absolute trooper," said Steward, as . Tiny bit of snow on bishop pass was completely avoidable. Head out on this 30.7-mile out-and-back trail near Lakeshore, California. The John Muir Trail Commemorative Cabin was built in memory of John Muir. Soon the trail crossed Evolution Creek, which was quite large at this point. Location: Northern Kings Canyon National Park
After descending into the valley, I noticed how hot it was. It all worked out in the end, however. Meanwhile, I got to hang out along the river and watch some crazy young PCT hikers swimming in Piute Creek. The best sites we found are located on the east side of the trail directly after we crossed the stream that feeds the lake. 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. Yay! 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. Here you will find the most recent trail conditions available to us. Day three Descend 7.3 miles on the JMT into Evolution Valley, then add an easy 1.2 miles to camp by Evolution Lake. 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