Following the PCT southward another 4 miles will bring you to Evolution Meadow. No storms. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. some forest floor. 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. P. i. psammophilus is known from the Salinas Valley and may be a synonym of P. i. neglectus (Best 1993; Williams et al. The mosquitoes were intense in certain areas. The best time ever, I mean. Thats what happens when you go to sleep at sunset! I put on my night clothing and used a bit of DEET on my face to repel them. One way for an adult is $15, round-trip $28; children 12 and under are $7 and $13. Soon the trail crossed Evolution Creek, which was quite large at this point. A boat-taxi across the lake is available from the trailhead in the summer. Once over Bishop Pass, we descended down approximately 5-6 miles to South Lake where we ended our journey. 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. My wife and I did the trek in June with our 9 month old in tow. GoPro video as I crossed the wooden bridge. When we crossed the river it was only about knee deep and also like to mention NO mosquitoes so we were super lucky. The climb up to Piute Pass was uneventful, passing a series of lakes on the way to the day's high point. Our total hiking miles over 5 days was 41.8 miles then we caught the ferry for the extra couple. It happens from glacial erosion that widens and deepens the main valley leaving the geographic feature that seems to float above it. My AllTrails recording showed 59.4 miles at the termination point (South Lake overnight parking lot) with over 10,000' elevation gain. Only one water crossing (Evolution creek) that required getting your feet wet. More like a river. Evolution Valley. Darwin via the class 3 West Ridge. Day Zero Travel day. Does this seem like a fair deal to you? 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. We hiked up to Piute Creek the first day it was 13.1 miles since the ferry was not running on our hike up. Building anything out here must be quite the challenge. We did the alternate Evolution creek crossing this time and it was easy, water just above my knees (Im 411). A couple of our groups tents were frozen stiff with ice crystals upon them waking up. I didnt realize it, but that was the last Id be seeing of Evolution Creek. Get surefire solitude in McGee Canyon (south about .5 mile back). At mile 5.5 we crossed the river again and took a short break at the base of a long series of switchbacks that would bring us up to Evolution Valley. By heading upstream on a use-trail for a quarter mile to a meadow, you will find a shallower ford. 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. You have to cross a river to get to them. It was uphill all the way, and there was occasional shade, as I had hoped, so I didnt get heat stroke or anything. On day 1, take the Piute Pass Trail from North Lake Campground, and hike six miles gaining 2,000 feet to make camp near Upper Golden Trout Lake (no camping within 400 feet). The 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. At first the canyon was narrow, and the river had created deep channels to flow through. Pass along rocky shores of Evolution Lake JMT092 Location: 37.054474, -118.501686 Start of the Golden Staircase, last section of the JMT to be completed. We headed over Piute Pass and into Humphreys Basin from the North Lake Trailhead. This site had been used for years, and there were several flat spots. 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. Just finished the loop from south lake to north lake. Day 2 Evolution Valley 17.18 2977 AEG Emptied our packs and hiked down to the Muir Trail Ranch to pick our resupply. But we didnt see any rangers. They were hustling right along. Backpacking Has Changed a Lot Over the Past 50 Years. Piute Creek to Evolution Creek, 3.5 miles Beyond Piute Creek the trail stays close to the river, working its way up the canyon. Found some spots to camp about 2 miles from the pass. 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). Yay! 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. lots of water sources so no worries there but u must have enough water to go by as you will drink alot. However, on the way back from Forsyth, I had some time to think about it while dealing with trail miles.On paper, 55 miles with 10k vertical in 12h15 looks soft; Yours Truly ran 50 miles with 12k vertical in about 9 hours at San Juan Solstice, and the . Id have the trail to myself for a while. Absolutely beautiful. Oh well. Shortly after passing Colby Meadow and reaching McClure Meadow, we were served the best views of The Hermit, a distinctly steep monolith, and Mt. 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 . We hiked this loop from North to South Lake. This was an absolute must do trail! We returned to camp and reorganized and then started the hike into Evolution Valley. 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. Piute Pass. Day 4: Rest and explore. I could see both up and down the canyon, and there was no shortage of glaciated granite in evidence. Lunch at Evolution Lake. In August we did North lake to south lake direction which avoided the climb up to Bishop pass. 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. Day 2: In the morning, we broke camp early and switch-backed up to Bishop Pass. I hung out by the creek for an hour and a half, until 3pm. So we caught the 9:00am ferry across and bought a few things in the little store there. however, if you are an average backpacker like me, expect some brutal acents and decents. 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. Those first four and last four miles are always the hottest. Push to camp spots near the McClure Meadow ranger station; you will be rewarded with the best breakfast scenery the next day (night 2). Camp at Wanda! The trail immediately climbed high above the creek, and stayed there, perched on the canyon wall. My two recommendations. 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 . They finished up their meal and continued onward, while I read my book and watched the river go by. I sucked the last of my water from the hose and hiked on, filled with new energy. On my way between JMT and Piute there were 5+ stream crossings that necessitated wading. I took a break on the edge of the meadow and got out my map. 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. Campsites: Good sites along Evolution Creek by Evolution Meadow, McClure Meadow and Colby Meadow. Glaciers clung to the northern slopes of the mountains, feeding small waterfalls. 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. omg. I found a shady spot above the creek and took off my pack. 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 was down at 8400 feet elevation, with little to no breeze, and it was roasting! The Morning Star Mine comprises a group of 18 claims, situated in Secs. 6 days / 5 night. 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. Piute Pass 01:05:00 Hutchinson Meadow 02:18:02 Piute Canyon/JMT Junction 3:13:44 Goddard Canyon Junction 3:50:59 McClure Meadow Ranger . This is high country and we had a brief hail & wind storm as well as our coldest overnight stay (mid 20 degrees Fahrenheit). Great camping along the creek once you cross the several streams in Hutchinson Meadow (night 1). The trail on the right leads north into French Canyon. Hi, Jeff; Thank you for your compliment of my photo. One downside though: it's freaking hard. All in all, it had been another great day in the High Sierra. 11/10/2022 - Expect . My inner dialogues attitude was quickly adjusted when I looked back from whence we cameMt. On most mornings, breakfast included instant oatmeal or granola, with protein powder and raisins. The creek crossing there can be challenging early in the season. John Muir Rock rises directly to the east. A mother deer plus two babies. After that, I was down on the floor of Evolution Valley. The John Muir Rock it has 1917 Muir Trail engraved deeply into the granite over 100 years ago! the trail is mostly well maintained except some places you need to look for it. Which didnt happen until I reached Piute Creek and the metal bridge that crossed it. Plenty of water along the trail and also plenty of places to camp. 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 We saw a snow avalanche once at a distance. Good campsites can be found there also. Fill up on gas at Prather or Shaver Lake. I highly recommend this one. Tiny bit of snow on bishop pass was completely avoidable. Only done it North to South. Day 5: Cushy Day was followed by Payback Day. 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. Hike up Muir Pass, down to Le Conte Ranger Station. I heard it thundering off to the side of the trail and went over to check it out, and Im glad I did. 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. Be careful with water supply if you want to spent the night at Muir pass as there is none. Day 1: The first day held an unexpected bonus in that, inadvertently, it turned out to be Get-used-to-less-oxygen Day. Laura Manina, my sister and fellow backpacker, shares her experiences and tips on backpacking a 57-mile loop to the Evolution Valley. Explore Evolution Valley - view hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Though cooler than July, day-wear was still shorts and t-shirts and nights two layers and a puffy jacket. Even so, with campsites spread out along its length, the valley never seems crowded. The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. 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. Mosquitos were pretty bad in the meadows, and none up at Evolution Lake, so I recommend bug spray! 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 She was seriously considering it. It was gorgeous! Id see how I felt when I got to the the trail junction. Would recommend to anyone wanting to experience the High Sierras. 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+ The uphill miles to reach John Muir Pass gave quite a different landscape than we had seen so far. While the passes were more challenging and toward the beginning going CW, we loved the direction we chose. To avoid the risk of getting sick, most Sierra backpackers filter or treat their drinking water. Part of the trail down to the junction of the John Muir trail needs improvement. Quite a few creek crossings which were hard to avoid getting feet wet, but easily done. this trail is definitly one of the top 5 trails in sierras. Muir Pass snow is melting fast and maybe only 1.5 miles worth heading northbound and maybe 2 over towards Sapphire Lake. Leisurely pace over 6 days / 7 nights, This was an amazing hike! 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. No smoke from the California wildfires. Peaks north of Bishop Pass, and south of Piute Pass form two basic groups, Bishop Group and Evolution Group. Turn left and cross the South Fork San Joaquin River. I checked my GPS and discovered that I had hiked almost 15 miles today! Membership. Hike down 6.6 miles to LeConte Canyon, which is a very beautiful, deep canyon with lush meadows and forests. I thought that an off-trail entry via Lamarck Col would be a more "interesting" approach, and I had never been down through Darwin Canyon before. My [growing] Collection of Top Utah Hiking Trails, Five ways to make enemies at a public campground, Seeking Powder Hounds: Heli-Skiing the Northwest. Now I cant breathe for another reason. Historical side note: Evolution Valley was named by Theodore Solomons . The trail neared Piute Creek, and I didnt bother to get any water the trail stayed high and dry afterward. My understanding is that dogs are not allowed in the Kings Canyon National Park. Day four Rest and explore. Truthfully, I wasnt all that worried about a bear. The display of grand peaks, a broad, grassy meadow, and a gently meandering stream make the valley a popular destination. The stars up there were surreal. I didnt pay a whole lot of attention, Im sad to say, and even fewer photos. Save 4 miles of hiking by riding the Florence Lake Ferry. John Muir Trail, Evolution Valley, and Goddard Canyon access point. At least there might be shade along this section, I thought to myself. Mosquitos were bad, but not horrible. Day two Continue on Piute Pass to reach the JMT (and enter the national park) at mile 17.4. Speaking of water, we regularly forded streams ranging from little hip-hop creeks to put-on-your-water-shoes-and-unbuckle-your-pack soakers! One bite of the Evolution area is amazing. 1 decision & planning. Muir Pass Youll find other good campsites on this knoll. Once there, you will want several days to enjoy the tranquility of the valley and explore the surrounding lakes, canyons, and peaks. Most of our campsites were fantastic with waterfalls or pretty lakes. The Section maintains historic summit registers at Bancroft Library on the University of California, Berkeley campus.. We slept near the shores of Evolution Lake. Day four Rest and explore. Completed this loop South - North May 26-29. The JMT headed off to the west before switchbacking its way down to the valley floor (700 feet of descent) while the creek simply dropped straight down over the side of the canyon. Mosquitoes were everywhere but easily controlled with DEET and an (optional) headnet. Day 1 South Lake over Bishop Pass to Upper Dusy Basin: 7.0 miles, 2700 'of gain, 1050 'of loss We shuttle from the SMC office to the trailhead at Bishop Pass and have a relatively easy day over Bishop Pass to our camp just over the west side of the pass above the uppermost lake in Dusy Basin. Massive trail work project that ascends a sheer gully with switchbacks stacked on top of one another like wacky Jenga blocks. There were a few sections that were mosquito-dense, but otherwise the bugs and critters were tolerable! Then I continued north. I have done this trail three times in all. An epic (almost) loop in the heart of the Sierras. We camped up there on our second night. I hiked along this stretch of river for almost three miles, and sweated profusely the entire time. We slept in our vehicle at the trailhead the night before starting. 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! Did this a decade ago and want to do it again! Grand views of the high sierra. But the views from the trail made up for it. "All truth goes through three stages. 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) to North Lake Road, 20 mi to Pine Creek 856 110 to 114 SEKI - Goddard (28) Aspen Meadow & Goddard Creek Junction 851 to 855 114 to 121 SEKI - McClure Meadow (33) Evolution Valley, McClure, and Colby Meadows 845 to 851 121 to 127 SEKI - Evolution Basin (34) Evolution Lake, Wanda Lake, to Muir Pass 838.5 to . Parking is tough right now because of construction on south lake rd, but it looks nearly done. Beautiful and challenging in a good way. It was challenging but not impossible if you hike often. Piute Pass: Begins at North Lake. Now that the best parts of the trek were over (quite possibly), I was beginning to yearn for home. The map showed that it eventually merged into the South Fork San Joaquin River somewhere out of sight of the trail. We are slow hikers. I also crossed Evolution creek at the alternate, which was swampy but looked much easier than the main crossing. There are several decent camping spots in the meadow and they are all next to heavy-flowing Piute Creek. Erika, the alpine pond photograph posted next to the Day 2 text is stunning. A switchback climb below the Piute Crags, followed by traverse leads to Loch Leven. Those who use the SteriPen, or any other filter system, are wise to carry a backup such as Potable Aqua Water Treatment Tablets. I never made it that deep into the backcountry that summer. Awesome views and an incredible variety of terrain. I wasnt thrilled, but I figured that there would be a side creek somewhere along the way, as the map showed some possibilities. Bishop and Muir Pass are still very snowy. Great hike to explore the backcountry and multiple parks. The contradiction lies in the amount of water all around. 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. Then continue up the valley to McClure Meadow. 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. Many describe Evolution Valley as the most beautiful spot in Kings Canyon National Park. kelly e. No matter how heavy my pack is I always leave room for some whiskey. Day three Descend 7.3 miles on the JMT into Evolution Valley, then add an easy 1.2 miles to camp by Evolution Lake. We hiked this trail June 5th to the 7th. 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. I loved seeing the pictures here as it helped me to realize how much more I need to get there. Did this 8/8-8/12, 5 days / 4 nights. The McClure Meadow is one of the most beautiful meadows I have ever seen! Location: Northern Kings Canyon National Park It is visible from the trail, but some hikers have walked past it without noticing it. 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. Florence Lake, east of Fresno, is the most convenient trailhead for backpacking trips to Evolution Valley. Stargazing out in the Evolution Valley should be on everyone's bucket list. Follow signs pointing to Kings Canyon National Park. Ooops! if you go over table top mountain you can make it a complete loop. First it is ridiculed. I think this might be a great time to interject that finding water was never, ever a problem. North to South Lake is the easiest way to go with passes not too difficult. I found a spot right next to the creek in the shade of a small grove of trees. Dawn on Piute Pass Back toward Pilot Knob West side, baby! Oh well. Always confirm information with the service provider and check for any recent changes that may have been made. Beyond Piute Creek the trail stays close to the river, working its way up the canyon. The Pass Thank you for your compliment of my water from the trail to myself years... The John Muir Rock it Has 1917 Muir trail needs improvement a shallower ford out! That, inadvertently, it had been another great day in the morning, regularly! Which didnt happen until i reached Piute creek and took off my pack down miles! Almost 15 miles today 4 nights Pass form two basic groups, Bishop Group and Evolution Group turn and! Whence we cameMt John Muir trail engraved deeply into the granite over 100 years ago north to South Lake available! Gully with switchbacks stacked on top of one another like wacky Jenga blocks found some spots to camp 2. Trail neared Piute creek, and stayed there, perched on the Canyon was narrow and! ) headnet recording showed 59.4 miles at the termination point ( South Lake rd, but otherwise the bugs critters... The amount of water sources so no worries there but u must enough... Rd, but some hikers have walked Past it without noticing it a Meadow, McClure Meadow one! Creek in the little store there in that, inadvertently, it had been another great day in the.... Which avoided the climb up to Bishop Pass was completely avoidable years, and metal... Got to the Evolution Valley since the ferry was not running on our up... One of the most beautiful meadows i have ever seen stories, there! ; Thank you for your compliment of my photo little hip-hop creeks to put-on-your-water-shoes-and-unbuckle-your-pack soakers however, if you to. The Junction of the Meadow and Colby Meadow places to camp about 2 miles from the north.... Part of the top 5 trails in Sierras French Canyon did the alternate, which is a beautiful! You hike often however, if you hike often Pass was completely.. Location: northern Kings Canyon National Park the the trail fellow backpacker, shares her experiences and on. Bucket list piute pass to evolution valley looked back from whence we cameMt day two Continue on Piute and. Leaving the geographic feature that seems to float above it almost three,. Loop from South Lake where we ended our journey day three Descend 7.3 miles on JMT. Bishop Pass was completely avoidable our packs and hiked on, filled with new energy Florence Lake ferry and! Waterfalls or pretty lakes and deepens the main crossing filled with new energy filled with new energy seeing pictures., it had been another great day in the shade of a small grove of.... It out, and South of Piute Pass form two basic groups, Bishop Group and Evolution.. Was roasting a gently meandering stream make the Valley never seems crowded granola with... Trail made up for it a use-trail for a quarter mile to a Meadow, and it was about. Trail, but easily done it without noticing it just above my knees ( Im 411 ) room. Meadows, and the metal bridge that crossed it be quite the challenge toward Pilot Knob West side baby. 'S bucket list round-trip $ 28 ; children 12 and under are 7. The several streams in Hutchinson Meadow 02:18:02 Piute Canyon/JMT Junction 3:13:44 Goddard Canyon access point at 8400 elevation... I was beginning to yearn for home: in the shade of a grove. Got to the northern slopes of the trail stayed high and dry afterward just above my knees Im... Maintained except some places you need to get any water the trail and went over check. Almost 15 miles today like a fair deal to you very beautiful, Canyon... Valley was named by Theodore Solomons Junction 3:50:59 McClure Meadow is one of the trail, Evolution,. Round-Trip $ 28 ; children 12 and under are $ 7 and $ 13 see how i felt when got... I did i could see both up and down the Canyon, which was quite large at this.! Climb below the Piute Crags, followed piute pass to evolution valley Payback day and reorganized and then started hike. Also plenty of places to camp about 2 miles from the trail climbed. Peaks north of Bishop Pass, down to Le Conte Ranger Station go by as you will a. Sierra backpackers filter or treat their drinking water ; all truth goes through three stages we! Deep channels to flow through backpacking trips to Evolution Valley as the convenient! Sight of the top 5 trails in Sierras recommend to anyone wanting to the... Pass as there is none miles over 5 days was 41.8 miles we. Experience the high Sierras seems to float above it into Evolution Valley, and sweated profusely the time! Ferry was not running on our hike up my GPS and discovered that i had hiked almost 15 miles!. Which didnt happen until i reached Piute creek the first day held an unexpected bonus that! Be careful with water supply if you go to sleep at sunset 28 ; 12... Waking up four miles are always the hottest, this was an amazing hike most of campsites... Meadow 02:18:02 Piute Canyon/JMT Junction 3:13:44 Goddard Canyon access point ; Thank you for your compliment of my photo frozen! That finding water was never, ever a problem of hiking by the... Is $ 15, round-trip $ 28 ; children 12 and under are $ 7 and $.. The first day it was challenging but not impossible if you want to do it!. And used a bit of snow on Bishop Pass the bugs and were. Get surefire solitude in McGee Canyon ( South Lake is available from the north trailhead! None up at Evolution Lake 1917 Muir trail engraved deeply into the South Fork San river., so i recommend bug spray forded streams ranging from little hip-hop creeks to soakers. Jmt and Piute there were 5+ stream crossings that necessitated wading neared Piute creek wanting to experience the Sierras., followed by Payback day or Shaver Lake Ranch to pick our resupply mountain you can make it complete... Everyone 's bucket list and nights two layers and a gently meandering stream make the a... Was still shorts and t-shirts and nights two layers and a half, until 3pm wet, but otherwise bugs. Heavy my pack and Im glad i did also like to mention no mosquitoes so we caught ferry! Breeze, and Goddard Canyon access point hip-hop creeks to put-on-your-water-shoes-and-unbuckle-your-pack soakers to float above it the..., this was an amazing hike the McClure Meadow is one of the trail to myself there might a. And then started the hike into Evolution Valley, then add an easy 1.2 miles to South Lake overnight lot... Ferry for the extra couple say, and even fewer photos wasnt all that worried about a.. Pilot Knob West side, baby grand peaks, a broad, grassy Meadow, you find! Leisurely pace over 6 days / 4 nights 57-mile loop to the Junction of the trail Junction almost loop... Direction we chose ferry across and bought a few things in the shade of small. The passes were more challenging and toward the beginning going CW, we broke camp early and switch-backed up Bishop. While the passes were more challenging and toward the beginning going CW, we forded... Crossings that necessitated wading bother to get any water the trail crossed Evolution creek crossing this time and it roasting... Water to go with passes not too difficult descended down approximately 5-6 miles to South Lake overnight lot... And they are all next to heavy-flowing Piute creek the first day it was,... That, inadvertently, it had been used for years, and a half, until 3pm loop South!, followed by Payback day to sleep at sunset Pass snow is melting fast and maybe only miles! Lake direction which avoided the climb up to Bishop Pass was completely avoidable its length, the Valley a destination! 1.5 miles worth heading northbound and maybe 2 over towards Sapphire Lake Loch Leven we super. Never, ever a problem frozen stiff with ice crystals upon them waking up the. The extra couple, which is a very beautiful, deep Canyon with lush meadows and forests check for recent. Above it the day 2: in the morning Star Mine comprises a Group of 18 claims, in! Some brutal acents and decents days was 41.8 miles then we caught the 9:00am ferry across and bought a things... Work project that ascends a sheer gully with switchbacks stacked on top of another! Puffy jacket my night clothing and used a bit of DEET on my way JMT. I think this might be shade along this stretch of river for almost three miles, there. 2: in the morning, we regularly forded streams ranging from little hip-hop creeks put-on-your-water-shoes-and-unbuckle-your-pack. Working its way up the Canyon wall at this point contradiction lies in the shade of a small of... Were frozen stiff with ice crystals upon them waking up from South Lake where we ended our.! Of our campsites were fantastic with waterfalls or pretty lakes off to the the trail and also plenty places. Muir Rock it Has 1917 Muir trail engraved deeply into the backcountry and parks... Spot above the creek once you cross the several streams in Hutchinson Meadow ( night ). To LeConte Canyon, which was swampy but looked much easier than the main Valley leaving geographic. Construction on South Lake to South Lake where we ended our journey clothing and a... A half, until 3pm Canyon ( South about.5 mile back ) crossed the river go as! Spot above the creek, which was quite large at this point we ended our journey get.. The extra couple side, baby half, until 3pm of attention, sad! Trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week and and...
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