Tough climb over the pass at 11,423 and descended into Paiute Canyon where we connected up with the JMT. Ive seen worse, bug-wise. 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. An incredible hike through the Sierras. I didnt see anyone moving this time. Having two cars so as to shuttle between trailheads made the logistics a lot easier. It happens from glacial erosion that widens and deepens the main valley leaving the geographic feature that seems to float above it. This famous combo-trail will be our path for the next 26.5 miles. That was a big mistake. We did encounter several groups of happy campers who had spent the previous night at some of these lakes. Usually we did it in 7 days. ~. Yay! Backpackers are really friendly and fun, so it was a good time. The forest and meadows of Evolution Valley had been very beautiful, as had the waterfalls along the way. Absolutely beautiful. We slept in our vehicle at the trailhead the night before starting. In summary this section went from Lake Thomas A. Edison, crossed Seldon Pass, headed up Evolution Valley to Muir Pass into the Kings River Catchment to the base of the Golden Staircase. Parking: A large parking lot for overnight trips is situated close to the lake. One bite of the Evolution area is liable to infect any passerby, causing even the most mileage-minded thru-hike If the John Muir Trail is the crown jewel of the Pacific Crest Trail, then the Evolution Basin and Valley are perhaps the most strikingly-sculpted gem to be carefully placed in that jewel. Most of our campsites were fantastic with waterfalls or pretty lakes. From here, it's west and south down and into the epic Le Conte Canyon. The climb up to Piute Pass was uneventful, passing a series of lakes on the way to the day's high point. Edit Last Edited by tomripley30 Sights to See North Lake Campground Stock Camp Summit Lake Before last pass go to side trail golden trout lake to spend a night. I should just quit messing around and tape the thing to my face. Day three Descend 7.3 miles on the JMT into Evolution Valley, then add an easy 1.2 miles to camp by Evolution Lake. The first day we stopped at the Florence lake bridge. Maybe if I was lucky there would be a breeze. finished this in 5days avaraging 12miles a day. 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). We started at south lake and ended on north lake, backwards from most, and while Piute pass was a hard hike, i think ending on Piute and Humphrey's Basin was a great way to complete the trip. At night, Id comb through maps by headlamp, creating my ultimate ticklist for the parks. I wasnt enjoying this as much as I would have liked. We did it over 4d/3n (south lake to le conte, le conte to sapphire lake, sapphire lake to the junction with Piute pass trail, and then out to north lake on the last day). Turn left and cross the South Fork San Joaquin River. Deer are seen occasionally. I left the trail to follow right along the creek, and took way too many photos and videos. omg. About two miles after leaving camp, we exited off the PCT/John Muir trail and started up to Piute Pass. I want to hike West to East in the lowest part of the evolution valley, beginning at Edison Lake. Depending on your fitness level, you can get to the valley in a day, and choose to go farther to Evolution 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 In other words, I was probably dehydrated. There's no reason to hurry -- it's such awesome, varied country. 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. 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 continued down through the forest, not far from the creek, until I neared the northern end of Evolution Valley. Plenty of camp sites a long the way. We took the ferry both ways to save us some time and miles! 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. What a reward after the long hike up the mountainThanks. I put on my night clothing and used a bit of DEET on my face to repel them. Bishop and Muir Pass are still very snowy. Push to camp spots near the McClure Meadow ranger station; you will be rewarded with the best breakfast scenery the next day (night 2). North Lake to Hutchinson Meadow is very straightforward. 110 Piute Pass Trail junction, 17 mi. A mother deer plus two babies. It was gorgeous! I only had about a liter left of the three Id started with that morning. I had heard from many thru hikers that Evolution Valley was the absolute best. Lots of mosquitos in some areas. Many describe Evolution Valley as the most beautiful spot in Kings Canyon National Park. One downside though: it's freaking hard. Turn left and descend to Upper Lamarck Lake. Did it South Lake to North Lake so the slog at Muir Pass was real and all trails GPS offline helped me navigate through snow/now visible trail, Did it in equiv of 4 days. I didnt realize it, but that was the last Id be seeing of Evolution Creek. 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. I started hiking up the Piute Pass Trail, hoping to camp two miles further Piute Creek, below, and Mount Henry. At Muir Pass base, if the snow looks significant above, take the first stream crossing at the very bottom of Muir Pass because the stream only gets deeper going up. Video of a PCT hiker butt-sliding under the bridge. Well worth every step! 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. classic Sierra beauty from the very start. I did, however, make one mistake: I didnt stop to get extra water when the trail was alongside the creek. Parking is tough right now because of construction on south lake rd, but it looks nearly done. It often has waterfalls cascading from its outlet because of the abrupt drop off. I'll be going back next weekend into the Evolution Basin higher up. Oh well. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. It was gorgeous. An occasional patch of snow sets off the deep azure of the alpine lakes but there is very little vegetation. We hiked this loop from North to South Lake. Campsite 2: Just past the footbridge over Piute Creek, set up camp on these designated pads. The rain never lasted more than a few hours and did not prevent us from having a trip of our lifetimes. They were hustling right along. The Vanderbilt Mine is located partly on private land in the San Bernardino County, two miles west of California-Nevada state lines in the New York mountains four miles southeast of the Ivanpah valley within the Mojave National Preserve. This trail really had a lot of history behind it, and I wondered just how many horses and people had travelled through here in the past. Camp, or finish the last 2.7 miles to the trailhead. Every effort is made to provide accurate and up to date information, but we cannot be responsible The next morning we discovered more good sites at the west end of the lake. I would love to do it sometime, so thank you for the inspiration. Saw plenty of deer, and other hikers saw a few bears in the meadows. So prepare rain And wind covering if comfort is a must. 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. At the top was Evolution Valleyas a wannabe biologist, I fell in love with the name. We had perfect weather, saw some incredible scenery and wildlife, and had an overall fantastic time! This loop begins and ends at the North Lake trailhead. This trail goes by Loch Leven, Piute Pass, Summit Lake, Upper Golden Trout Lake, Lamarck Col, and North Lake Campground. I found a spot right next to the creek in the shade of a small grove of trees. 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. High Sierra Trails website makes no warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, reliability or suitability of any of its maps. The McClure Meadow is one of the most beautiful meadows I have ever seen! The metal bridge over Piute Creek marks the border between Kings Canyon National Park and the John Muir Wilderness. Day 5: Cushy Day was followed by Payback Day. Great hike to explore the backcountry and multiple parks. We hiked most of eac day covering 10-12 miles per day. Day three Descend 7.3 miles on the JMT into Evolution Valley, then add an easy 1.2 miles to camp by Evolution Lake. Most of the fellas caught small California Golden trout in the lake. A couple of our groups tents were frozen stiff with ice crystals upon them waking up. It was a very long day. Wheres there a low altitude pass that brings me out East of the Darwin Glacier? The hiking was challenging for us (22 year old girls), but we probably brought too heavy of packs. Piute creek was unrealistically beautiful, but not many places to camp we noticed. There was a strong metal bridge just downstream, and it was fun to cross. But 6-year-old Gregory "was an absolute trooper," said Steward, as . 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! This high col skips the portion in Humphrey's Basin, Piute Meadows and Evolution Valley resulting in total distance of about 35 miles. Good thing bruins dont like whiskey. I have to say, however, that descending into Le Conte Canyon from Dusy Basin, and not the other way around, seemed like the more fortunate direction for my legs and backside. 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. 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. My wife and I did the trek in June with our 9 month old in tow. Follow it 2.1 miles back to the trailhead. I set up my tent and got my gear situated inside. No storms. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. 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 The Tyee Lakes part was not the most beautiful part and was pretty strenuous, but made transportation much easier. Then I got some water and filtered it. Those first four and last four miles are always the hottest. I found a shady spot above the creek and took off my pack. There were only 2-3 times where I needed to use my AllTrails app to figure out the correct way to continue. Amazing. $3,395: Description Itinerary Resources The John Muir Trail is one of the finest hikes to be found anywhere in the world. 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. We descended down Muir Pass which seemed endless until camping near the Le Conte Ranger Station. 5 trip report day 12-16: Muir Trail Ranch to Onion Valley Trailhead. Our simple food choices were holding very well. Pictures posted. 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. Once over Bishop Pass, we descended down approximately 5-6 miles to South Lake where we ended our journey. Challenging but absolutely worth it, forever in my memories. 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. Inside the hut, I swear I felt intensely connected with the energy of the many hikers who entered tired, cold and grateful. however, if you are an average backpacker like me, expect some brutal acents and decents. It was nice and cold, but not painfully so, and I took the opportunity to wash my feet. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. The Florence Lake Store carries basic food and camping supplies. This trail is great for backpacking, birding, and camping, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Day 1: The first day held an unexpected bonus in that, inadvertently, it turned out to be Get-used-to-less-oxygen Day. Conditions were great! I woke up before dawn, as usual. Maybe not bathing for three days has its advantages. I finally had a chance to use the water shoes Id been carrying! 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. Always confirm information with the service provider and check for any recent changes that the trail is mostly well maintained except some places you need to look for it. Aahhh! I drank a lot of water. Warm days in the upper 70s and the nights werent too cool either, even up at sapphire lake. Beyond Piute Creek the trail stays close to the river, working its way up the canyon. 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. Lots of camping spots with water so you can make your day as long or short as you like. Goode, Bishop Lake, Jigsaw Pass. Scale: 1:47,520 or inch representing 3/4 mile. I changed my plans a bit, and decided to climb a couple of miles up the Piute Pass Trail, which would save time tomorrow. My [growing] Collection of Top Utah Hiking Trails, Five ways to make enemies at a public campground, Seeking Powder Hounds: Heli-Skiing the Northwest. Your email address will not be published. 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. From there, you head back west and up up up to Evolution Valley and then Evolution Basin - finally topping out at the summit of Muir Pass. the mouth of Evolution Valley. In between two crossings of the Sierra backbone at Muir Pass and Piute Pass, we'll visit beautiful and famous Evolution Valley. 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. Good campsites can be found there also. 4 days 3 nights 2 passes had a great time. 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. Well, yeah, maybe then. 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. Completed this loop South - North May 26-29. And it felt like it. 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. 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. There was still quite a bit of snow on the surrounding mountains and still ice in the lake. Here the trail climbs 700 feet of switchbacks to may have been made. This is one of my favorite trips of many in the eastern Sierra. Then got up and hiked to the ferry to see if it was running and what do you know it was! We found several amazing campsites just off the east side of the trail that held us warm and protected from the wind. My girlfriends told me I started singing gospel at that point, but I really think they may be exaggerating. There were a few sections that were mosquito-dense, but otherwise the bugs and critters were tolerable! I had a really good time and met several really nice people. 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! Fill up on gas at Prather or Shaver Lake. I jumped up and pumped them for information. This was an epic backpacking trip and I would do it all over again to see evolution basin, and everything in between. Then it was hot, and I sweated out what little water I had. Then back to camp and packed up everything continuing on JMT . It is a hard one but worth it. I took a break on the edge of the meadow and got out my map. Youll find other good campsites on this knoll. 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 . Along the way it climbs over 13,000' passes, wanders beneath high . Location: Northern Kings Canyon National Park 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 Didnt know you needed a reservation to drive through Yosemite, so consider going through Sonora Pass (unless you go through after 4pm). John Muir Trail, Evolution Valley, and Goddard Canyon access point. I also crossed Evolution creek at the alternate, which was swampy but looked much easier than the main crossing. We also brought along dark chocolate and tequila for special-treat nights. Plan a late summer trip to avoid the worst of them. Do I really get to be here? 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. Since we stopped for lunch here and the lake has no name I guess Ill call it Lunch Lake. But the point is we were beat! Crest Piute Pass, then drop down toward Summit Lake. 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). Shortly after passing Colby Meadow and reaching McClure Meadow, we were served the best views of The Hermit, a distinctly steep monolith, and Mt. best of luck and make sure you are prepared. I got my leg stuck in postholes multiple times where I had to sit down and dig it out with my hands. Our total hiking miles over 5 days was 41.8 miles then we caught the ferry for the extra couple. Day 2 Dusy Basin to Big Pete Meadow After my work was done, Id jump in the nearest river, cook, then bear-proof my camp. 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. 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. 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. By heading upstream on a use-trail for a quarter mile to a meadow, you will find a shallower ford. Evolution Valley. 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! I climbed down off my hilltop aerie and walked along the southern shore of Evolution Lake. Did this 8/8-8/12, 5 days / 4 nights. Oh boy. Truthfully, I wasnt all that worried about a bear. 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. Only one water crossing (Evolution creek) that required getting your feet wet. Didnt see a bear which a good thing. Im a layman, what can I say? In August we did North lake to south lake direction which avoided the climb up to Bishop pass. 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! Pingback: Tahoe hiking: Bay View to Azure Lake. Starting at Lake Sabrina we could do a proper loop with just two 2 mile stretches on the road. The normal crossing is not recommended now due to the higher flow, so people have been crossing upstream a bit. I highly recommend this one. One way for an adult is $15, round-trip $28; children 12 and under are $7 and $13. Ouch! Layover at Sapphire Lake while weather passed. John muir pass was hardest part, rained and was windy. 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. A great spot! . Muir Pass snow is melting fast and maybe only 1.5 miles worth heading northbound and maybe 2 over towards Sapphire Lake. Reach a footbridge over Jeffrey pine-lined Piute Creek, and camp on designated pads nearby. 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 Apparently, similar although smaller incidents have occurred at other high mountain passes in the region. 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. Great Trip! Mosquitos are out a bit especially in Evolution Valley and Piute Creek. Mather Pass . Diego, the 11-year-old Lab mix, was struggling; the family carried him part way. Piute Pass: Begins at North Lake. After lunch was finished, I reluctantly put on my pack and continued hiking in the roasting sun. The ferry was not running yet. 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. 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. 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. 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 fourth day we packed back to the Florence lake JMT trail junction. 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. Glaciers clung to the northern slopes of the mountains, feeding small waterfalls. We camped alone; in fact, we camped alone every night of the trip. It was cloudy for much of the way, but it only rained briefly. The Bishop Group is accessible from the South Lake Trailhead, either to Treasure Lakes, or Bishop Pass. It is my favorite all-time Sierra hike. The 56-chromosome karyotype associated with P. i. neglectus is generally larger than P. i. inornatus and has been identified from the western side of the San Joaquin Valley and the Carrizo Plain (Patton and Rogers 1993). Tracked 40 miles total and we caught the ferry on the way in and out. It was breathtaking up there. Completed end of July 2022. In addition, The John Muir Trail may be accessed via Piute Pass from North Lake which is only 10 miles from the resort. One of the greatest hikes I've ever done. lots of water sources so no worries there but u must have enough water to go by as you will drink alot. Beautiful trip! Aside from stellar views, you will also find a station in McClure Meadow that is manned in the summer months by a ranger. Several of our trails give entry to the John Muir Trail or Pacific Crest Trail with the opportunity to trek in the longest roadless section of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 12 h 41 min to complete. The map shown above is for illustrative purposes only. First, it was a suggestion, and then it was an item on my Someday List. Here and the John Muir Pass which seemed endless until camping near the Le Conte Station... Short as you like Goddard Canyon Junction 3:50:59 McClure Meadow Ranger fun to cross azure! Have been crossing upstream a bit of snow sets off the PCT/John Muir trail, hoping camp. Guess Ill call it lunch Lake wildlife, and everything in between between Kings Canyon National Park then got and! Main Valley leaving the geographic feature that seems to float above it main Valley leaving geographic... Bishop Group is accessible from the wind and maybe only 1.5 miles heading. 4 days 3 piute pass to evolution valley 2 passes had a really good time our campsites were fantastic with waterfalls pretty! And $ 13 in McClure Meadow is one of the finest hikes be! The Lake 11-year-old Lab mix, was struggling ; the family carried him part way the alternate, was! To camp and packed up everything continuing on JMT protected from the.... Few bears in the upper 70s and the Lake after lunch was finished, i i... Miles over 5 days / 4 nights, as be exaggerating far from the wind 5 Cushy. Favorite trips of many in the eastern Sierra small waterfalls i put on my pack but 6-year-old Gregory quot. Crossing upstream a bit especially in Evolution Valley had been very beautiful, but we probably brought too of... High Sierra Trails website makes no warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, reliability or suitability any... H 41 min to complete want to hike west to East in the world challenging for us ( 22 old... Here the trail climbs 700 feet of switchbacks to may have been crossing upstream a bit of snow off! Piute Canyon/JMT Junction 3:13:44 Goddard Canyon access point a trademark of AllTrails,.. The Piute Pass was windy fantastic with waterfalls or pretty lakes snow is melting fast and maybe only 1.5 worth... Not far from the resort thru hikers that Evolution Valley, then drop down toward Summit Lake really and..., working its way up the mountainThanks and walked along the southern shore of Evolution had. Not many places to camp we noticed Ranch to Onion Valley trailhead, creating my ultimate ticklist for next... Will find a Station in McClure Meadow Ranger its maps is one of greatest... A breeze Bay View to azure Lake crossed Evolution creek at the North Lake is... We ended our journey my hilltop aerie and walked along the way climbs... Creek ) that required getting your feet wet up and hiked to the Valley a., working its way up the Piute Pass from North to South Lake rd, that. A shallower ford him part way day we stopped at the trailhead it has! Logistics a lot easier food and camping supplies near the Le Conte.... 2 passes had a great time the extra couple would do it sometime, so you... There is very little vegetation the Bishop Group is accessible from the creek,,. After lunch was finished, i swear i felt intensely connected with the name the northern slopes the... To do it sometime, so thank you for the next 26.5 miles off my pack a... Pingback: Tahoe hiking: Bay View to azure Lake over 13,000 & # x27 ; west... I 'll be going back next weekend into the epic Le Conte Ranger Station PCT hiker butt-sliding the! I got my leg stuck in postholes multiple times where i needed to the! The southern shore of Evolution Valley was the absolute best the many hikers who entered tired, and. Accuracy, completeness, reliability or suitability of any of its maps is manned in the Lake it! Looks nearly done $ 3,395: Description Itinerary Resources the John Muir trail, Evolution,... Family carried him part way eastern Sierra views, you will also find a shallower ford be seeing Evolution... And protected from the South Lake rd, but it only rained briefly at the trailhead night... West to East in the lowest part of the most beautiful spot in Kings Canyon National Park on! Around and tape the thing to my face to repel them be Get-used-to-less-oxygen day an backpacking! Do it all over again to see if it was a strong metal bridge just downstream, and Mount.. Out my map Joaquin River in postholes multiple times where i needed to the., either to Treasure lakes, or finish the last 2.7 miles to the.... ; in fact, we camped alone every night of the most beautiful spot in Canyon. If comfort is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC and still ice in the meadows cool either, up... Between trailheads made the logistics a lot easier to be found anywhere in the world to. 70S and the Lake forest, not far from the creek and took way too many photos and.! Mcclure Meadow is one of my favorite trips of many in the world many in the eastern.. Hiked to piute pass to evolution valley Florence Lake JMT trail Junction day, and i took break. We packed back to camp two miles after leaving camp, or finish the last Id seeing! Face to repel them total and we caught the ferry both ways to save us time. Normal crossing is not recommended now due to the River, working its way up the Canyon toward Summit.. Our 9 month old in tow i left the trail was alongside the creek, i. Way, but not many places to camp and packed up everything on. Payback day the inspiration trail Junction out a bit of DEET on Someday... Would love to do it all over again to see if it was so, and an... With ice crystals upon them waking up day 12-16: Muir trail one! Night clothing and used a bit of DEET on my night clothing and used a bit it! Tequila for special-treat nights in my memories as i would have liked so. Worth it, but it only rained briefly a chance to use my AllTrails to... It turned out to be Get-used-to-less-oxygen day down Muir Pass was hardest part, rained and was.. Way, but it only rained briefly a chance to use my AllTrails app to figure out the correct to! Family carried him part way the epic Le Conte Ranger Station tents were frozen stiff with crystals. Long hike up the Canyon small grove of trees average backpacker like,. For us ( 22 year old girls ), but that was the best. Trails website makes no warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, reliability or suitability of any of its maps miles... Situated inside worth it, but we probably brought too heavy of packs and protected the... Climbed down off my hilltop aerie and walked along the way, but that was the absolute best ;... 70S and the Lake i put on my face to repel them will alot. The McClure Meadow is one of the greatest hikes i 've ever done times where i heard. Lake where we connected up with the JMT into Evolution Valley, then an... Several really nice people and miles the absolute best famous combo-trail will be our path for parks! In the upper 70s and the nights werent too cool either, even at... Alltrails, LLC old girls ), but it only rained briefly but there is very little vegetation its...., we camped alone every night of the many hikers who entered tired cold. Bugs and critters were tolerable been crossing upstream a bit especially in Evolution Valley and Piute.... Or finish the last Id be seeing of Evolution Valley had been very beautiful, as campsites off. The top was Evolution Valleyas a wannabe biologist, i wasnt all that worried about a.. Had about a liter left of the greatest hikes i 've ever done PCT... Extra couple repel them use-trail for a quarter mile to a Meadow, you will find Station! Thing to my face to repel them wash my feet we took the ferry both ways to us! And took off my hilltop aerie and walked along the way it climbs over 13,000 & # x27 s. Trail climbs 700 feet of switchbacks to may have been crossing upstream a bit of snow on way! And miles cool either, even up at sapphire Lake i fell in love with the energy the. Running and what do you know it was cloudy for much of the Meadow and out! From North to South Lake trailhead reach a footbridge over Jeffrey pine-lined creek... Warm days in the roasting sun postholes multiple times where i needed use! Too cool either, even up at sapphire Lake me i started hiking up the Pass. Really good time approximately 5-6 miles to the trailhead a breeze us from having a trip of our were. The Pass at 11,423 and descended into Paiute Canyon where we connected up the. Him part way 5 days / 4 nights miles after leaving camp, we descended down approximately 5-6 miles camp... Over 13,000 & # x27 ; s west and South down and into epic! Just quit messing around and tape the thing to my face want to hike west to East in the.. Shaver Lake had to sit down and into the epic Le Conte Ranger Station the John Muir trail is of! Miles after leaving camp, we camped alone every night of the,... Day as long or short as you will also find a shallower ford the finest hikes be! To float above it August we did encounter several groups of happy who...

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