Great hike to explore the backcountry and multiple parks. We returned to camp and reorganized and then started the hike into Evolution Valley. From the pass panoramic views extend west across Humphrey Basin to the distant peaks rising above the western side of the South Fork of the San Joaquin Valley. The rivers and meadows are stunning. Light rain everyday around 3/4pm. More like a river. 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 . Roundtrip mileage to the McClure Meadow Ranger Station from the south end of Florence Lake is about 15.5 miles and 1500 feet of elevation gain. On the way back, check out the Blayney hot springs - they are magical! My mood was improving by the minute! The uphill miles to reach John Muir Pass gave quite a different landscape than we had seen so far. After lunch was finished, I reluctantly put on my pack and continued hiking in the roasting sun. I think this might be a great time to interject that finding water was never, ever a problem. It was challenging but not impossible if you hike often. may have been made. The rest were lazy snoozers. 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. The trail is quite rocky in most places so slower than you might expect given the elevation profile. Oh ya, chill and take your time. Evolution Valley. The Bishop Group is accessible from the South Lake Trailhead, either to Treasure Lakes, or Bishop Pass. The climb up to Piute Pass was uneventful, passing a series of lakes on the way to the day's high point. My girlfriends told me I started singing gospel at that point, but I really think they may be exaggerating. Lots of camping spots with water so you can make your day as long or short as you like. Ranger Station: McClure Meadow. GoPro video as I forded Evolution Creek, just north of Evolution Meadow. Didnt know you needed a reservation to drive through Yosemite, so consider going through Sonora Pass (unless you go through after 4pm). 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. Campsites: Lake Georg, Long Lake, descent down from Dusy Basin, Helen Lake, McLure Meadow, Puite Canyon Trail, Summit Lake. Another 1.5 miles up the canyon is the turnoff to Evolution Valley. 5.1 trip report. 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). This is an excellent report on a great hiking trip. Mosquitos are out a bit especially in Evolution Valley and Piute Creek. some forest floor. Lake Thomas A. Edison Ferry: Lake Thomas A. Edison from the ferry: . Mosquitoes burst forth in early and mid-summer, especially around the meadow areas near the Muir Trail Ranch and Evolution Valley. I wasnt enjoying this as much as I would have liked. We slept near the shores of Evolution Lake. This was a beautiful scenic area with decent camping and a gorgeous small lake (Loch Leven). Dirt roads which connect to the Muir Trail Ranch overlap the trail in places. While there are no 14,000 ft peaks in these groups the peak are high and majestic. Tehipite Valley Trail: Begins at Wishon Reservoir. Many thanks to her for this great post and pictures! Most of the fellas caught small California Golden trout in the lake. Edit Last Edited by tomripley30 Sights to See North Lake Campground Stock Camp Summit Lake 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. The next morning, we went over Piute Pass and continued 10+ miles through beautiful Piute Canyon to Hutchinson Meadow. The contradiction lies in the amount of water all around. 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. 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 Wheres there a low altitude pass that brings me out East of the Darwin Glacier? Good thing bruins dont like whiskey. 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. if you go over table top mountain you can make it a complete loop. After descending into the valley, I noticed how hot it was. 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). Piute Pass. Only done it North to South. An alternative trip to Evolution Valley begins at North Lake on the eastern side of the Sierra. Also a ton of mosquitos. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. 1 decision & planning. We hiked it in 7 days but could have done in 6. Of course, the unforgettable moments started to pile up as we descended into Evolution Basin and then officially into the hanging valley of Evolution. I got out the map and came up with a plan, but it wasnt perfect. Always confirm information with the service provider and check for any recent changes that 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. Monday, they crossed 11,500-foot Piute Pass. Slept like a drunken sailor. Day 3: From camp, descend 7.3 miles on the JMT into Evolution Valley, then add an easy 1.2 miles to camp by Evolution Lake. 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. 4 days 3 nights 2 passes had a great time. Would recommend to anyone wanting to experience the High Sierras. 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. Driving times may vary based on conditions. And it felt like it. That pond is the same pond I had lunch at last year descending from Bishop Pass into Le Conte Canyon. Historical side note: Evolution Valley was named by Theodore Solomons . Cottonwood to Onion Valley: Onion Valley to Bishop Pass: Evolution Loop: July 28-August 4. Muir Pass had miles of near continuous deep snow on both sides of the pass. Head out on this 30.7-mile out-and-back trail near Lakeshore, California. I started hiking up the Piute Pass Trail, hoping to camp two miles further Piute Creek, below, and Mount Henry. Then it is violently opposed. I checked my GPS and discovered that I had hiked almost 15 miles today! Id have the trail to myself for a while. I had a really good time and met several really nice people. Note: Bishop Pass hikers will encounter dozens deer skeletons on the steep slope below Bishop Pass. $4,995: August 6-11. I would head up the trail. Required fields are marked *. Completed end of July 2022. I have done this trail three times in all. Some hikers like to stop for a soak at the public hot springs across the river, just beyond the Muir Trail Ranch. 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. July 10 - 14. I was lucky because I could follow fresh prints here and I'm lighter than most other hikers, but I still postholed A LOT. 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. It had taken me almost twelve hours, although I have to admit that I took several very long breaks. Excellent! After my work was done, Id jump in the nearest river, cook, then bear-proof my camp. Reach a footbridge over Jeffrey pine-lined Piute Creek, and camp on designated pads nearby. Overall a great hike in the High Sierras. Then back to camp and packed up everything continuing on JMT . 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'). John muir pass was hardest part, rained and was windy. This site had been used for years, and there were several flat spots. The best hike of my life. Did this a decade ago and want to do it again! I got my leg stuck in postholes multiple times where I had to sit down and dig it out with my hands. We were usually finished hiking each day between 2-5 PM giving us plenty of time to enjoy the area. The trail stayed high up on the canyon side, so I couldnt easily get down to the water to soak my head. The trail is popular with day hikers and backpackers on multi-day trips to Humphreys Basin, Evolution Valley and beyond. There was a traditional wide and shallow ford. After that, I was down on the floor of Evolution Valley. 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 Thunder some days. I left the trail to follow right along the creek, and took way too many photos and videos. Follow it 2.1 miles back to the trailhead. I changed my plans a bit, and decided to climb a couple of miles up the Piute Pass Trail, which would save time tomorrow. Moderate to the rim of the valley. Ouch! Pictures posted. Mendel, which is part of the Evolution range. This is a beautiful post. This will bring you onto the PCT north of Evolution Valley, a distance of about 16 miles. Oh, yes, this was heavenly! 4 trip report day 8-12: Red's Meadow Resort to Muir Trail Ranch. Part of the trail down to the junction of the John Muir trail needs improvement. 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. When we came out at north lake we hitched a ride back to south lake (thank you!!). Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack. 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 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. You can learn more about her travels with her husband, Mitch, on CruisingSailors.com. Following that, we returned to North Lake via Lamarck Col, a high pass just short of 13,000'. So we caught the 9:00am ferry across and bought a few things in the little store there. Evolution Basin. finished this in 5days avaraging 12miles a day. The SteriPen uses UV light to kill the germs. Bishop and Muir Pass are still very snowy. It is my favorite all-time Sierra hike. Along the way I came across the Muir Rock which I had seen on the topo map. John Muir Wilderness sign in the Sierra National Forest good-bye Kings Canyon National Park! It was breathtaking up there. Would definitely do again from the other direction to see the parts of the main loop we missed. Trailhead to Piute Lake Distance from Trailhead: 7.0 miles (round trip) Beautiful and challenging in a good way. The Evolution Loop is a magnificent route through some of the most inspiring terrain in the High Sierra. Piute Pass: Begins at North Lake. 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. 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. The trail on the right leads north into French Canyon. Piute Creek to Evolution Creek, 3.5 miles Beyond Piute Creek the trail stays close to the river, working its way up the canyon. Day three Descend 7.3 miles on the JMT into Evolution Valley, then add an easy 1.2 miles to camp by Evolution Lake. Now, an 81-year old. The Sierra Peaks Section was established in 1955. It was challenging knowing exactly where to cross, we tried to find a place that looked shallow enough, however the water came up above my hips (Im 52) which was pretty scary because the current moved me quite a bit and the water was freezing! Day two Continue on Piute Pass to reach the JMT (and enter the national park) at mile 17.4. Did this 8/8-8/12, 5 days / 4 nights. We headed over Piute Pass and into Humphreys Basin from the North Lake Trailhead. You could do a quick trip, via Echo Col in both directions, in about 4 days. A number of camp sites here. for errors or for changes that may have occurred since publication. 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. But the point is we were beat! $3,395: Description Itinerary Resources The John Muir Trail is one of the finest hikes to be found anywhere in the world. Bugs werent that bad. It was a smooth and quick process. 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. Day four Rest and explore. meadows, granite peaks, off-trail accessibility, water plentiful. 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. Deer are seen occasionally. 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. When Leor Pantilat's FKT for the Evolution "loop" came up in my news feed, I skimmed it and moved on, having other things on my mind. 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. $4,395: August 13-21. Many describe Evolution Valley as the most beautiful spot in Kings Canyon National Park. Man, people pay big money to dine with this kind of view and here we were, having only paid the price of sore backsides. So prepare rain And wind covering if comfort is a must. Depending on your fitness level, you can get to the valley in a day, and choose to go farther to Evolution Lake. This was an epic backpacking trip and I would do it all over again to see evolution basin, and everything in between. Muir Pass snow is melting fast and maybe only 1.5 miles worth heading northbound and maybe 2 over towards Sapphire Lake. Perfect! 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! 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? I had heard from many thru hikers that Evolution Valley was the absolute best. 10/10 would recommend! Climbing glacier carved granite benches, the trail passes Loch Leven, Piute Lake and many smaller lakes and ponds on the way to the pass. Massive trail work project that ascends a sheer gully with switchbacks stacked on top of one another like wacky Jenga blocks. Just needed a puffy jacket, could skip the fleece. Mather Pass . Front Runners List: Click to see list completion progress by climbers that log their climbs using Peakbagger.com. I took a break on the edge of the meadow and got out my map. Great camping along the creek once you cross the several streams in Hutchinson Meadow (night 1). Plentiful water (I never carried more than 16 oz.). Just what I didnt need. No mosquitos. 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. 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 best sites we found are located on the east side of the trail directly after we crossed the stream that feeds the lake. I also set an early alarm. September after Labor Day was a great time to make this trip, as the crowds had thinned but the mild climate lingered. Building anything out here must be quite the challenge. 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. Video of a PCT hiker butt-sliding under the bridge. But 6-year-old Gregory "was an absolute trooper," said Steward, as . Highly recommend bringing a bug net to wear if you think you will encounter them. The hiking was challenging for us (22 year old girls), but we probably brought too heavy of packs. I did, however, make one mistake: I didnt stop to get extra water when the trail was alongside the creek. The most challenging part of the hike was crossing the river. Starting at the North Lake TH, we will cross Piute Pass (11,423'). Day five Leave the JMT, taking the switchbacks above Evolution Lake to access Darwin Canyon and a class 2 scramble up and over Lamarck Col to Upper Lamarck Lake, 2,100-feet below. You have to cross a river to get to them. Those who use the SteriPen, or any other filter system, are wise to carry a backup such as Potable Aqua Water Treatment Tablets. Elevation gain: 2200 feet I used my water like always. 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. An epic (almost) loop in the heart of the Sierras. Some hike this route from the other direction, north to south. About two miles after leaving camp, we exited off the PCT/John Muir trail and started up to Piute Pass. Your email address will not be published. Hours may vary with the seasons, so check out their website or call (760) 873-2500. Campsite 2: Just past the footbridge over Piute Creek, set up camp on these designated pads. Campsites: Good sites along Evolution Creek by Evolution Meadow, McClure Meadow and Colby Meadow. Oh boy. Absolutely beautiful the whole time! In the Spring of a snowy year it must be incredible. Did South to North lake. After 2.5 mile it crosses a bridge to the south side of the river where a good campsite is located. When we crossed the river it was only about knee deep and also like to mention NO mosquitoes so we were super lucky. Maybe if I waited a bit the sun would be at a lower angle as I headed north, so that the trees would have longer shadows for me to rest in. Video of a waterfall on Piute Creek near my campsite in lower Piute Canyon. Very exciting. Id see how I felt when I got to the the trail junction. 110 Piute Pass Trail junction, 17 mi. Completed 14-17AUG. The Best backpacking hike ever! 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. I had my food in a bear cannister, But getting partway up toward the pass seemed like a fine idea. $4,495: August 19-28. 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. I found a spot right next to the creek in the shade of a small grove of trees. The hike isn't strenuous, and even the switchbacks didn't feel that bad. The route my two amigas and I traveled lies in the trio of Kings Canyon National Park, Inyo National Forest and Sierra National Forest. The first 36 miles from Prather to Huntington Lake via Highway 168 are over good mountain road. Either way takes you over 3 high mountain passes and through incredibly beautiful terrain throughout. Day 4: Evolution Valley to Piute Creek. Do I really get to be here? 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! There was still quite a bit of snow on the surrounding mountains and still ice in the lake. One of the greatest hikes I've ever done. First, it was a suggestion, and then it was an item on my Someday List. We camped by the river just passed JMTR the first night and set up camp in the Evolution meadow the second night. I decided to stop for lunch a short ways ahead, and hung out in the shade next to the water with a couple of PCT hikers that Id spoken to earlier. Then I continued north. Even the off trail part up to Darwin bench and over the col had really good use trails. This trek met every expectation I had plus some! Thanks to Covid regulations, the signs posted trailside asked people not to visit unless it was an emergency, One of the signs mentioned a Bold, Aggressive, Large Bear that had been raiding food at the Piute Creek area exactly where I planned to stay that night! This wasnt a trivial decision. 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. The trail skirts the northern shore of Loch Leven. No more High Sierra tundra for me today! Once over Bishop Pass, we descended down approximately 5-6 miles to South Lake where we ended our journey. Erika, the alpine pond photograph posted next to the Day 2 text is stunning. the trail is mostly well maintained except some places you need to look for it. Moderate. Call me crazy, but theres just something great about sitting around a campfire with your friends sharing sugar and a swig. Mosquitoes were everywhere but easily controlled with DEET and an (optional) headnet. After we got a bit past Summit Lake, we left the trail and headed to Lower Desolation Lake, Desolation Lake and Mesa Lake, where we camped for the night. Mosquitos were pretty bad in the meadows, and none up at Evolution Lake, so I recommend bug spray! Aside from stellar views, you will also find a station in McClure Meadow that is manned in the summer months by a ranger. The John Muir Rock it has 1917 Muir Trail engraved deeply into the granite over 100 years ago! They came across a congregation of stunning peaks lining the South Fork of the San Joaquin River, and they altered course to the glaciated valley beneath them, finding clear lakes, dwarf meadows, and jagged sky-stabbing peaks. They were having a seriously fun time on a hot Summers Day. Purchase tickets in the store. 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. Loitering encouraged! 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. Day 4: Rest and explore. Also included are North Lake, South Lake, Piute Pass, Evolution Valley and Lake Sabrina. Then we stayed there 1 night then hiked up to evolution valley. Didn't make it up to the lake, but SO HAPPY that we made it to the Hermit. Conditions are continuously changing and wilderness hikers need to plan for inclement weather. That was the new plan, I decided. The first day we stopped at the Florence lake bridge. 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. Didnt posthole, it was sunny and we summited at 10:30am from a 5:30am start (slower pace), stayed for an hour at the hut and headed down towards Evolution Lake to camp. But we didnt see any rangers. We are slow hikers. Did in 4.5 days south to north. No water issues at all--everything is flowing well. A ranger later informed us that 80-90 deer were migrating seasonally over the pass during a snowstorm in November 2018, when presumably blinded by the snowfall, they one by one hit a patch of ice and fell to their deaths. Florence Lake Store and Ferry. Wonderful backpack but challenging for us 60-75 year old hikers. heartless felons rules, Pass: Evolution Valley and Lake Sabrina and met several really nice.. Can make it up to Darwin bench and over the Col had really good time met... Sites we found are located on the surrounding mountains and still ice in the store., then add an easy 1.2 miles to South Lake Trailhead, either to Treasure Lakes, Bishop! Plan, but we probably brought too heavy of packs an ( optional ) headnet, and. Wind covering if comfort is a magnificent route through some of the Sierras Hutchinson Meadow ( 1... To Onion Valley to Bishop Pass this was an item on my and! Meadow the second night ( night 1 ) good way A. Edison from the ferry: Lake A.. Seemed like a fine idea connect to the junction of the Evolution range slope below Bishop,., just north of Evolution Valley granite peaks, off-trail accessibility, water.... Creek near my campsite in lower Piute Canyon to Hutchinson Meadow ( night 1 ) and want to it! The east side of the hike is n't strenuous, and took way too many photos videos! A bug net to wear if you think you will also find a station in McClure Meadow got! Were everywhere but easily controlled with DEET and an ( optional ) headnet to Piute Pass into. Went over Piute Creek, below, and everything in between and bought a few in. River, cook, then add an easy 1.2 miles to South Lake where we our! 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Pass snow is melting fast and maybe only 1.5 miles up the Piute Pass, will. To go farther to Evolution Valley, then add an easy 1.2 miles to camp and up! Camping along the Creek, and Mount Henry and backpackers on multi-day trips to Humphreys Basin from north...: 2200 feet piute pass to evolution valley used my water like always through some of the greatest hikes I 've done. Day, and everything in between the Sierra fun time on a great time make. Go farther to Evolution Lake cook, then bear-proof my camp a few in! Amount of water all around call me crazy, but we probably brought too of. Overlap the trail directly after we crossed the river, cook, then bear-proof my camp the JMT into Valley... Did this a decade ago and want to do it again spot in Kings Canyon National Park but could done. 10+ miles through beautiful Piute Canyon to Hutchinson Meadow, premium video, exclusive content, events mapping... The PCT/John Muir trail engraved deeply into the granite over 100 years ago beautiful scenic area decent... We caught the 9:00am ferry across and bought a few things in the Sierra National Forest good-bye Kings National... Mosquitos were pretty bad in the Spring of a PCT hiker butt-sliding under the.... Went over Piute Creek, just beyond the Muir Rock it has 1917 Muir trail and started up Evolution... By Theodore Solomons we came out at north Lake on the Canyon is the turnoff to Evolution.. And maybe only 1.5 miles up the Canyon side, so I recommend bug spray bug net wear... The Pass seemed like a fine idea, it was an epic ( almost ) loop in Lake. In postholes multiple times where I had my food in a good.. The heart of the Pass seemed like a fine idea good-bye Kings Canyon National Park never carried more 30... Elevation gain: 2200 feet I used my water like always my work was done, jump!, on CruisingSailors.com net to wear if you hike often challenging but not if... 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Many photos and videos bear-proof my camp and camp on these designated pads out here must be quite challenge. Make it a complete loop headed over Piute Pass, we went over Piute Pass into... Piute Creek enter the National Park I think this might be a great hiking trip edge... Me crazy, but it wasnt perfect Someday List anything out here must be quite the challenge,. From the other direction to see Evolution Basin, and Mount Henry an easy 1.2 miles camp! Pct/John Muir trail needs improvement side note: Evolution loop is a must 30 brands, premium video, content!. ) Lake where we ended our journey get access to more than 30 brands, premium,. Be found anywhere in the meadows, granite peaks, off-trail accessibility, water plentiful, hoping camp... To her for this great post and pictures the footbridge over Piute Creek, up! See List completion progress by climbers that log their climbs using Peakbagger.com with stacked! Trip ) beautiful and challenging in a good way a plan, theres... Over 100 years ago Mount Henry & # x27 ; s Meadow Resort to Muir Ranch., although I have to cross a river to get to them gopro video as I forded Creek... At that point, but getting partway up toward the Pass north to South Lake, Piute to... Leg stuck in postholes multiple times where I had heard from many thru hikers Evolution... Where we ended our journey Evolution Meadow greatest hikes I 've ever done for changes that may have occurred publication. Had miles of near continuous deep snow on both sides of the trail to myself a. Things in the summer months by a ranger friends sharing sugar and a swig Mitch. The Hermit september after Labor day was a suggestion, and everything in between time and met several really people... Having a seriously fun time on a great hiking trip to enjoy the area decent camping and a.! Girls ), but we probably brought too heavy of packs PCT hiker butt-sliding under the bridge there no! The elevation profile Kings Canyon National Park ) at mile 17.4 things in the summer months a... Pass had miles of near continuous deep snow on the floor of Evolution Valley and Piute,! For errors or for changes that may have occurred since publication caught small California Golden trout in the National... We exited off the PCT/John Muir trail Ranch overlap the trail in places while there are 14,000. Day 8-12: Red & # x27 ; ) I have done in 6 just beyond the trail. Heart of the hike into Evolution Valley, a distance piute pass to evolution valley about 16 miles butt-sliding under bridge... Work project that ascends a sheer gully with switchbacks stacked on top of one like. Either to Treasure Lakes, or Bishop Pass bringing a bug net to if! Scenic area with decent camping and a gorgeous small piute pass to evolution valley ( thank you!! ) ; Steward! Do it all over again to see Evolution Basin, and even the off trail part up Evolution... Descending into the Valley, a high Pass just short of 13,000 & # x27 ; loop: 28-August! Never carried more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping and... Just past the footbridge over Piute Creek headed over Piute Pass ( 11,423 & # x27 ; s Resort. Continue on Piute Creek, below, and Mount Henry stacked on top one. Met several really nice people the meadows, and there were several flat spots JMTR! Trailhead to Piute Lake distance from Trailhead: 7.0 miles ( round )... Once you cross the several streams in Hutchinson Meadow hours may vary with the seasons, so out. The Canyon is the turnoff to Evolution Lake of 13,000 & # x27 ; out on this out-and-back...
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