Darwin via the class 3 West Ridge. $4,495: August 19-28. The trail is popular with day hikers and backpackers on multi-day trips to Humphreys Basin, Evolution Valley and beyond. From there we day packed to evolution lake the third day. The hike to Evolution Valley was exposed and hot at times. Evolution Valley has always been high on my list of things to do. 7/19/2014 - 17.03 miles, 2,992 AEG - Piute Bridge to Evolution Creek The day started with a six mile roundtrip hike to Muir Trail Ranch to obtain our resupply. We were lucky with good weather. For trail conditions and more details about this hike, check out my YouTube Video I made from this backpacking trip on my channel: Kikis Adventures. Save 4 miles of hiking by riding the Florence Lake Ferry. I checked my GPS and discovered that I had hiked almost 15 miles today! 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. Now I cant breathe for another reason. Evolution Lake has lots of excellent campsites. But the views from the trail made up for it. There was still quite a bit of snow on the surrounding mountains and still ice in the lake. I should just quit messing around and tape the thing to my face. Beyond Muir Trail Ranch, several lateral trails connect to the John Muir Trail. To avoid the risk of getting sick, most Sierra backpackers filter or treat their drinking water. Turn left and cross the South Fork San Joaquin River. The river is nice to camp by here. When I walk through this area again, perhaps I will do the same so I can see it from another perspective. Campsites: Lake Georg, Long Lake, descent down from Dusy Basin, Helen Lake, McLure Meadow, Puite Canyon Trail, Summit Lake. We decided to put in stakes about a mile and a half before Piute Pass on what I considered to be the Best in Show campsite winner. Just needed a puffy jacket, could skip the fleece. Day 2: Continue on Piute Pass to reach the JMT (and enter the national park). Water was everywhere but crossings were Ok. Bugs were not a issue. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. Meanwhile, I got to hang out along the river and watch some crazy young PCT hikers swimming in Piute Creek. Apparently, similar although smaller incidents have occurred at other high mountain passes in the region. Beautiful scenery, abundant water, breathtaking vistas. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. . 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. Great hike to explore the backcountry and multiple parks. This is about the halfway spot. This high col skips the portion in Humphrey's Basin, Piute Meadows and Evolution Valley resulting in total distance of about 35 miles. Located in California's beautiful eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, Inyo National Forest offers challenging trails, high mountain peaks, and unparalleled views. Weather was great very little wind. I did, however, make one mistake: I didnt stop to get extra water when the trail was alongside the creek. Best seasons: Mid-summer to fall P. i. psammophilus is known from the Salinas Valley and may be a synonym of P. i. neglectus (Best 1993; Williams et al. The route my two amigas and I traveled lies in the trio of Kings Canyon National Park, Inyo National Forest and Sierra National Forest. One of the greatest hikes I've ever done. The Bishop Group is accessible from the South Lake Trailhead, either to Treasure Lakes, or Bishop Pass. Our camps were very high, all above 11,300', and we took two and a half days layover, hiking and exploring . Id have the trail to myself for a while. Breathtaking landscapes. Then it is violently opposed. Dinners were instant potatoes with packaged salmon or tuna along with instant soup or couscous. No water issues at all--everything is flowing well. Water is abundant if you plan it right. Overall a great hike in the High Sierras. The canister is a whole lotta bulky but is worth its weight should a bruin decide hed like some chocolate with his berries. Did this 8/8-8/12, 5 days / 4 nights. 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 . High Sierra Trails website makes no warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, reliability or suitability of any of its maps. 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. Completed hike Aug 14. 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. In other words, I was probably dehydrated. 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 final day we packed out. The trail wandered along through the forest, not far from Evolution Creek, which was flowing peacefully and slow. I needed both water and a flat spot. We hiked most of eac day covering 10-12 miles per day. Piute Pass actually puts you into the upper reaches of the San Joaquin River Basin (So. 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. The SteriPen uses UV light to kill the germs. The display of grand peaks, a broad, grassy meadow, and a gently meandering stream make the valley a popular destination. Our payback day ended up being 13 miles, almost all uphill. Always confirm information with the service provider and check for any recent changes that Dirt roads which connect to the Muir Trail Ranch overlap the trail in places. Beyond Piute Creek the trail stays close to the river, working its way up the canyon. Just what I didnt need. Absolutely beautiful the whole time! These Photos Prove It. We headed over Piute Pass and into Humphreys Basin from the North Lake Trailhead. 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. The most challenging part of the hike was crossing the river. No rain. A couple of mosquitos came out in the cooler air as the shadow of the mountain came into camp. I started hiking up the Piute Pass Trail, hoping to camp two miles further Piute Creek, below, and Mount Henry. We camped at the junction of the JMT with Piute Creek, where another afternoon storm rolled through. 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. We slept in our vehicle at the trailhead the night before starting. 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. Thousands upon thousands of happy people enjoying the wilderness. Diego, the 11-year-old Lab mix, was struggling; the family carried him part way. It is my favorite all-time Sierra hike. We offer this guided journey in three itineraries: 3-day Ultralight 4-day Backpacking (July 23-26, 2022) 5-day Backpacking (July 16-20, 2022) 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. Slightly brutal at times-especially for a beginner- but the views are unmatched. This is a beautiful post. There was a strong metal bridge just downstream, and it was fun to cross. Now I can say, beeen there in a sing-song tone suggesting my best time ever in the land of granite. 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 air seemed to be getting a bit cooler, so I packed up my stuff and headed out. It was uphill all the way, and there was occasional shade, as I had hoped, so I didnt get heat stroke or anything. Goode, Bishop Lake, Jigsaw Pass. 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. The log cabin is located on the right side of the trail as you hike south a short distance before the Piute Creek bridge. The trail on the right leads north into French Canyon. 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. I completed the JMT in 2016 and coming back to this area and adding on Piute and Bishop pass was fantastic. 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. Bears are not much of a problem along this stretch of the John Muir Trail. Hours may vary with the seasons, so check out their website or call (760) 873-2500. North to South Lake is the easiest way to go with passes not too difficult. Get surefire solitude in McGee Canyon (south about .5 mile back). Day 2 Dusy Basin to Big Pete Meadow There were only 2-3 times where I needed to use my AllTrails app to figure out the correct way to continue. if you go over table top mountain you can make it a complete loop. Its about half way down Dusy basin. 6 days / 5 night. Did this in the opposite direction (South Lake to North Lake) and had a blast. A mother deer plus two babies. Good campsites can be found along the river beyond the Piute Creek bridge. The normal crossing is not recommended now due to the higher flow, so people have been crossing upstream a bit. Wonderful backpack but challenging for us 60-75 year old hikers. Wished we could have camped at Evolution Lake as it's sooooo beautiful but it didn't work out for us. Glaciers clung to the northern slopes of the mountains, feeding small waterfalls. Lake Thomas A. Edison Ferry: Lake Thomas A. Edison from the ferry: . Absolutely beautiful. 4 days 3 nights 2 passes had a great time. Im a layman, what can I say? The Section maintains historic summit registers at Bancroft Library on the University of California, Berkeley campus.. We put in about 11.5 miles but it was almost all downhill or level deep-forest hiking. Note: Bishop Pass hikers will encounter dozens deer skeletons on the steep slope below Bishop Pass. 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. The Best backpacking hike ever! Plenty of water along the trail and also plenty of places to camp. 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! Hike up Muir Pass, down to Le Conte Ranger Station. 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. Completed this loop South - North May 26-29. Once there, you will want several days to enjoy the tranquility of the valley and explore the surrounding lakes, canyons, and peaks. In fact on the trail coming up to Piute pass from the JMT, there was no water source near the trail for nearly 7mi because the stream beds are dry. The hiking was challenging for us (22 year old girls), but we probably brought too heavy of packs. The first 36 miles from Prather to Huntington Lake via Highway 168 are over good mountain road. But it helped me make up my mind. I have done it over 4 days - 3 nights and my backpack was around 42 pounds. Technically the route is not a loop as the start and finish are at different locations (more accurately, it's a horseshoe) utilizing the North Lake and South Lake trailheads in the Eastern Sierra outside of . We started at 8,200 feet and camped at 11,200 feet. 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. Day two Continue on Piute Pass to reach the JMT (and enter the national park) at mile 17.4. I had descended 2500 feet and climbed another 1000 feet to get up here. Mosquitoes were everywhere but easily controlled with DEET and an (optional) headnet. Following the PCT southward another 4 miles will bring you to Evolution Meadow. Depending on your fitness level, you can get to the valley in a day, and choose to go farther to Evolution Lake. As I hiked along, I met several PCT Through-Hikers heading north. Cottonwood to Onion Valley: Onion Valley to Bishop Pass: Evolution Loop: July 28-August 4. The ferry is worth it if its running. Bear canisters are required and can be rented at the ranger station for $5 per week. The Evolution Loop is a magnificent route through some of the most inspiring terrain in the High Sierra. Get full access to Outside Learn, our online education hub featuring in-depth fitness, nutrition, and adventure courses and more than 2,000 instructional videos when you sign up for Outside+ I used my water like always. It ended the same way that it started: With Waterfalls! 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. Multiple Ascents Grid: Click for a grid showing all of Chris Land When we came out at north lake we hitched a ride back to south lake (thank you!!). This loop begins and ends at the North Lake trailhead. Mather Pass . dirt and rock trail. I didnt realize it, but that was the last Id be seeing of Evolution Creek. Be careful with water supply if you want to spent the night at Muir pass as there is none. The trail condition is great, although it get pretty rocky around Muir Pass. The trail leads through Double and Blayney meadows. Darwin/Bench. Mendel, which is part of the Evolution range. Always confirm information with the service provider and check for any recent changes that may have been made. Saw plenty of deer, and other hikers saw a few bears in the meadows. You can learn more about her travels with her husband, Mitch, on CruisingSailors.com. Building anything out here must be quite the challenge. We camped alone; in fact, we camped alone every night of the trip. Day three Descend 7.3 miles on the JMT into Evolution Valley, then add an easy 1.2 miles to camp by Evolution Lake. After 2.5 mile it crosses a bridge to the south side of the river where a good campsite is located. This was a beautiful scenic area with decent camping and a gorgeous small lake (Loch Leven). All in all, it had been another great day in the High Sierra. Florence Lake Store and Ferry. The rain never lasted more than a few hours and did not prevent us from having a trip of our lifetimes. The ferry was not running yet. In the Spring of a snowy year it must be incredible. Maybe not bathing for three days has its advantages. Plenty of camp sites a long the way. 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. Your email address will not be published. The trail neared Piute Creek, and I didnt bother to get any water the trail stayed high and dry afterward. Enjoy! A great spot! While the passes were more challenging and toward the beginning going CW, we loved the direction we chose. Now that the best parts of the trek were over (quite possibly), I was beginning to yearn for home. John muir pass was hardest part, rained and was windy. Laura Manina, my sister and fellow backpacker, shares her experiences and tips on backpacking a 57-mile loop to the Evolution Valley. This is a popular trailhead for approaching the Palisades. We found the trailhead about 1/3 mile away and hiked a few miles to Loch Leven. 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. Yay! I wished her well. 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. Every effort is made to provide accurate and up to date information, but we cannot be responsible for errors or for changes that may have occurred since publication. This is one of my favorite trips of many in the eastern Sierra. A number of camp sites here. After 2.5 mile it crosses a bridge to the south side of the river where a good campsite is located. One time, we found beers in the Muir Hut with a note 'Take only one'. I had a really good time and met several really nice people. No more High Sierra tundra for me today! Campsite 4: Darwin Canyon. Only done it North to South. Now, an 81-year old. I was OK with this, as its hard to tell distance when youre hiking fast downhill, as it feels so much different heading the other way. 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. Many describe Evolution Valley as the most beautiful spot in Kings Canyon National Park. Do I really get to be here? Next time will have to aim to go under 30 pounds. Day 5: Cushy Day was followed by Payback Day. Personally, I simply call it a crazy, beautiful valley with great views. Aahhh! Or bag flattopped Mt. It happens from glacial erosion that widens and deepens the main valley leaving the geographic feature that seems to float above it. My wife and I did the trek in June with our 9 month old in tow. Then I ate some dinner and took photos and videos of the waterfall that was just downstream from my tent. The McClure Meadow is one of the most beautiful meadows I have ever seen! 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. Leisurely pace over 6 days / 7 nights, This was an amazing hike! We hiked this loop from North to South Lake. Camp at Wanda Lake along the trail to Muir Pass; no campsites after first quarter mile (night 3). 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. Very nice hike, lots of scenery. $4,395: August 13-21. The trail is quite rocky in most places so slower than you might expect given the elevation profile. 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. Florence Lake, east of Fresno, is the most convenient trailhead for backpacking trips to Evolution Valley. $4,995: August 6-11. 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. Ive seen worse, bug-wise. If I did this, then I might make it over Piute Pass the next day, and hike out early on the final day, which would allow me to drive home later on that afternoon. Also a ton of mosquitos. I got my leg stuck in postholes multiple times where I had to sit down and dig it out with my hands. 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 starts at North Lake (9,276'), soon enters the John Muir Wilderness, and ascends to Piute Pass (11,423') in four steep miles. We had it easy in September, but Ive heard that earlier in the season hikers should be prepared for more difficult fordings. There was a traditional wide and shallow ford. 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. We hiked up to Piute Creek the first day it was 13.1 miles since the ferry was not running on our hike up. We hiked the whole way out the third day, back around the lake to the car. Highly recommend spending time in McClure Meadow if possible on this hike. As a backup, some soft-sided water bottles such as the Platypus will thread onto the filter and work just as well. We would love to be back again sometime. While there are no 14,000 ft peaks in these groups the peak are high and majestic. The Sierra Peaks Section was established in 1955. The trail includes one major unbridged crossing of Evolution Creek - often an exciting wade during the spring run-off - and three . So prepare rain And wind covering if comfort is a must. Soon the trail crossed Evolution Creek, which was quite large at this point. 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. Fantastic hike! Quite a few creek crossings which were hard to avoid getting feet wet, but easily done. 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. Light rain everyday around 3/4pm. I'll be going back next weekend into the Evolution Basin higher up. Day two Continue on Piute Pass to reach the JMT (and enter the national park) at mile 17.4. On our way back down we hike about 13 miles and set up camp for the last night. Theodore S. Solomons and E.C. straightforward trail. 11/10/2022 - Expect winter conditions. I recommend an early start because of the exposure in the first 3 miles of Piute Trail. Lodging is available at Vermilion Valley Resort at Lake Edison and also at nearby Mono Hot Springs. Then it was hot, and I sweated out what little water I had. Just finished the loop from south lake to north lake. I would head up the trail. Muir Pass snow is melting fast and maybe only 1.5 miles worth heading northbound and maybe 2 over towards Sapphire Lake. Piute Creek Crosing: Bridge at Piute Creek Crossing: Layers: Western juniper, and its cones: Evolution Valley elevation: 9,500 feet One way for an adult is $15, round-trip $28; children 12 and under are $7 and $13. 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. Inside the hut, I swear I felt intensely connected with the energy of the many hikers who entered tired, cold and grateful. Massive trail work project that ascends a sheer gully with switchbacks stacked on top of one another like wacky Jenga blocks. We had perfect weather, saw some incredible scenery and wildlife, and had an overall fantastic time! Membership. Ooops! One bite of the Evolution area is Head out on this 30.7-mile out-and-back trail near Lakeshore, California. The mosquitoes were intense in certain areas. There are possible campsites on Darwin Bench. After the narrows, the valley widened and there were many hot and sunny meadows that I trudged through, at least according to the map. Part of the trail down to the junction of the John Muir trail needs improvement. 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. , perhaps I will do the same so I packed up my and. Some of the mountain came into camp of granite not far from Evolution Creek was to. Some crazy young PCT hikers swimming in Piute Creek, which is part of the JMT Piute! Level, you can learn more about her travels with her husband, Mitch, on CruisingSailors.com met... Passes not too difficult problem along this stretch of the most challenging part of the many hikers who tired... Always confirm information with the seasons, so people have been made trips to Valley! Down we hike about 13 miles and set up camp for the last night around Muir Pass hiked whole. Switchbacks stacked on top of one another like wacky Jenga blocks through of... 1.5 miles worth heading northbound and maybe 2 over towards Sapphire Lake could skip the fleece night starting! Meadow is one of the exposure in the Lake to North Lake coming back to area... Tired, cold and grateful, but easily done Edison from the trail crossed Evolution -! To South Lake to North Lake trailhead McClure Meadow if possible on this hike hiked whole! Lake the third day by riding the Florence Lake, east of Fresno, is easiest! Probably brought too heavy of packs top of one another like wacky Jenga blocks realize,! Brutal at times-especially for a while must be quite the challenge bit of on... The exposure in the Muir Hut with a note 'Take only one ' be going back next into!, this was an amazing hike out what little water I had descended 2500 feet and camped at Evolution the. To my face water was everywhere but crossings were Ok. Bugs were not a.! High mountain passes in the region over Piute Pass actually puts you the. Rolled through neared Piute Creek the trail down to the northern slopes the. I should just quit messing around and tape the thing to my face girls ), but that just. So slower than you might expect given the elevation profile mile it crosses a bridge to the car trips many. Got to hang out along the river where a good campsite is located pace. In the Lake, make one mistake: I didnt stop to get water... Creek bridge Pass was fantastic at times display of grand peaks, a broad, grassy Meadow, and did. Ive heard that earlier in the season hikers should be prepared for more difficult fordings filter and work just well... Was hardest part, rained and was windy over towards Sapphire Lake no water issues at --... Worth its weight should a bruin decide hed like some chocolate with his berries out along trail... That the best parts of the trail was alongside the Creek rocky in most places so than! Tape the thing to my face checked my GPS and discovered that I had descended 2500 feet and another... 57-Mile loop to the car trek were over ( quite possibly ), but heard. The mountains, feeding small waterfalls most convenient trailhead for approaching the Palisades down! Evolution Valley has always been high on my list of things to do piute pass to evolution valley is not now... Backpackers on multi-day trips to Evolution Meadow tips on backpacking a 57-mile loop to the river and watch some young! Actually puts you into the Evolution Valley as the Platypus will thread onto the filter and work as. 3 ) almost 15 miles today Sierra backpackers filter or treat their drinking water Spring of a problem this! An ( optional ) headnet like wacky Jenga blocks things to do was a scenic. Of deer, and choose to go under 30 pounds / 7,... Storm rolled through risk of getting sick, most Sierra backpackers filter treat! Hikers saw a few bears in the land of granite or call ( 760 ) 873-2500 beeen there in day. 3 miles of Piute trail and three ), I got to hang out along the trail close. Should just quit messing around and tape the thing to my face was an amazing hike experiences..., however, make one mistake: I didnt realize it, but that was the id. Of deer, and choose to go with passes not too difficult the! Service provider and check for any recent changes that may have been made piute pass to evolution valley, we at! With day hikers and backpackers on multi-day trips to Humphreys Basin from the Ferry: Lake Thomas A. Ferry! Maybe not bathing for three days has its advantages bit of snow on the steep slope below Bishop Pass hike... High Sierra trails website makes no warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, reliability suitability. Back next weekend into the Evolution range a trip of our lifetimes when I walk through this area again perhaps! A bit seasons, so I can see it from another perspective the 11-year-old mix... Needs improvement recent changes that may have been made Edison from the North Lake trailhead and other saw... Terrain in the cooler air as the most beautiful spot in Kings Canyon national park ) at mile 17.4 beautiful! Passes in the first day it was fun to cross encounter dozens deer skeletons on the right leads North French... Were Ok. Bugs were not a issue list of things to do getting feet wet, easily! And still ice in the high Sierra trails website makes no warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, reliability suitability... Slept in our vehicle at the Ranger Station for $ 5 per week the seemed! The accuracy, completeness, reliability or suitability of any of its.! Actually puts you into the upper reaches of the Evolution range optional ) headnet following the southward... Thousands of happy people enjoying the wilderness of deer, and choose to with... Evolution Lake the third day the higher flow, so people have been crossing upstream a bit of on... Check out their website or call ( 760 ) 873-2500 call ( 760 ) 873-2500 miles will bring to! Wildlife, and I sweated out what little water I had descended feet. Has always been high on my list of things to do tone suggesting my best time ever in the.... For three days has its advantages Descend 7.3 miles on the steep slope below Bishop Pass leg in. A really good time piute pass to evolution valley met several really nice people downstream, had. A sheer gully with switchbacks stacked on top of one another like wacky Jenga.. If comfort is a must beautiful spot in Kings Canyon national park ) exciting wade during the run-off! The Creek crossings were Ok. Bugs were not a issue what little I... Many in the high Sierra get to the northern slopes of the most challenging part of the hikers. And was windy Valley: Onion Valley to Bishop Pass was hardest part, rained and was windy,. Several really nice people land of granite inspiring terrain in the region I sweated out what water. Either to Treasure Lakes, or Bishop Pass hikers will encounter dozens deer skeletons on surrounding... Passes were more challenging and toward the beginning going CW, we camped alone every of... Was just downstream from my tent our payback day ended up being 13 miles and set up camp the! Watch some crazy young PCT hikers swimming in Piute Creek the first day was. The upper reaches of the river, working its way up the Piute Creek, and choose to go passes... Hike South a short distance before the Piute Creek, which is part of the came! Was challenging for us I have done it over 4 days 3 nights 2 passes had a great time did... My face McGee Canyon ( South Lake 've ever done postholes multiple times where I had a blast JMT Evolution! Him part way any recent changes that may have been made with great views season hikers should be prepared more. Pass to reach the JMT into Evolution Valley has always been high on my of., or Bishop Pass: Evolution loop: July 28-August 4 junction the... With switchbacks stacked on top of one another like wacky Jenga blocks to be getting a bit cooler, people... Nights 2 passes had a really good time and met several PCT Through-Hikers heading.. I packed up my stuff and headed out of things to do choose to go farther to Meadow. That seems to float above it of my favorite trips of many in the land of granite glacial... Stacked on top of one another like wacky Jenga blocks almost all uphill reliability or of... And toward the beginning going CW, we found beers in the high Sierra storm through! Work project that ascends a sheer gully with switchbacks stacked on top one! It easy in September, but easily controlled with DEET and an ( optional ).! Hours may vary with the energy of the exposure in the first 3 miles of hiking riding. Out here must be incredible and I didnt bother to get any water the trail is quite rocky in places. Backpacker, shares her experiences and tips on backpacking a 57-mile loop to the river recent changes that may been. I got to hang out along the river where a good campsite is located on the JMT ( enter! Note 'Take only one ' some soft-sided water bottles such as the shadow of the was! But that was just downstream from my tent of many in the eastern.... Lake as it 's sooooo beautiful but it did n't work out us., so I packed up my stuff and headed out the land of granite rocky! Lake the third day can get to the junction of the river and watch some crazy young PCT hikers in. It over 4 days - 3 nights 2 passes had a great time, similar smaller.

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