Is there some exception for Evolution Valley? 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. About two miles after leaving camp, we exited off the PCT/John Muir trail and started up to Piute Pass. 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. 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. We camped alone; in fact, we camped alone every night of the trip. Was it this heavy yesterday? Campsites: Good sites along Evolution Creek by Evolution Meadow, McClure Meadow and Colby Meadow. To avoid the risk of getting sick, most Sierra backpackers filter or treat their drinking water. Great hike to explore the backcountry and multiple parks. Starting at Lake Sabrina we could do a proper loop with just two 2 mile stretches on the road. The metal bridge over Piute Creek marks the border between Kings Canyon National Park and the John Muir Wilderness. Personally, I simply call it a crazy, beautiful valley with great views. There was still quite a bit of snow on the surrounding mountains and still ice in the lake. My sincere thanks to the fire fairies who set this up for us. 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. But, conditions are still challenging. 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 After 2.5 mile it crosses a bridge to the south side of the river where a good campsite is located. While there are no 14,000 ft peaks in these groups the peak are high and majestic. Some hike this route from the other direction, north to south. 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. Very scenic. Some of the best are right at the outlet with a view both down into Evolution Valley, and back up the Basin, though those were taken when we arrived, even at that early hour (mostly people staying there for several days it seemed). We hiked it in 7 days but could have done in 6. Fill up on gas at Prather or Shaver Lake. Thats what happens when you go to sleep at sunset! Reach a footbridge over Jeffrey pine-lined Piute Creek, and camp on designated pads nearby. This is a beautiful post. 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. When I walk through this area again, perhaps I will do the same so I can see it from another perspective. Lots of camping spots with water so you can make your day as long or short as you like. beautiful. The rest were lazy snoozers. The Morning Star Mine comprises a group of 18 claims, situated in Secs. I felt a whining session coming on, Pleeeeese dont make me leave. We finished the last bit of ascent up Piute Pass and took one last look to the west. Just as I was pondering what to do, a couple came down the trail! From there we pass through the giant cirque of Humphreys Basin, and into Hutchinson Meadow, and Piute Canyon. Mosquitos are out a bit especially in Evolution Valley and Piute Creek. Beyond Muir Trail Ranch, several lateral trails connect to the John Muir Trail. The map shown above is for illustrative purposes only. Mosquitoes burst forth in early and mid-summer, especially around the meadow areas near the Muir Trail Ranch and Evolution Valley. Finally it is accepted as self-evident." Schoepenhouer "Man will occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of the time he will pick himself up and continue on." Winston Churchill "When they think they know the answers, people are . The ferry was not running this early in the season. We were usually finished hiking each day between 2-5 PM giving us plenty of time to enjoy the area. Every effort is made to provide accurate and up to date information, but we cannot be responsible
Next came McClure Meadow and the Ranger Station. Beautiful alpine lakes, waterfalls, and my God the meadows. It ended the same way that it started: With Waterfalls! There was a strong metal bridge just downstream, and it was fun to cross. 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. Plenty of water along the trail and also plenty of places to camp. Very exciting. Usually we did it in 7 days. I hiked onward, rather than head back down. I drank a lot of water. We hiked through Evolution Meadow and decided to stay a few miles away near the McClure Meadow Ranger Station (closed due to Covid-19). But you could put together a much more worthwhile tour with more like 7 days. this is the one backpack trip I remember with my dad, friend and his dad.. in 1959.. Day 4: Evolution Valley to Piute Creek. "All truth goes through three stages. the mouth of Evolution Valley. Darwin/Bench. It is a hard one but worth it. 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 When we crossed the river it was only about knee deep and also like to mention NO mosquitoes so we were super lucky. Backpackers are really friendly and fun, so it was a good time. Ascending out of 5,400-foot Taboose Pass Trail Head in the Owens River Valley, the Goliath climbs steeply and starkly into a saw blade of 13,000- to 14,000-foot Central Sierra mountains. The forest and meadows of Evolution Valley had been very beautiful, as had the waterfalls along the way. 5 trip report day 12-16: Muir Trail Ranch to Onion Valley Trailhead. Id see how I felt when I got to the the trail junction. Moderate. The trail leads through Double and Blayney meadows. Following that, we returned to North Lake via Lamarck Col, a high pass just short of 13,000'. Awesome views and an incredible variety of terrain. I got my leg stuck in postholes multiple times where I had to sit down and dig it out with my hands. 2 trip report day 0-4: getting in & Yosemite National Park warm up. finished this in 5days avaraging 12miles a day. I loved seeing the pictures here as it helped me to realize how much more I need to get there. Emerson and Peak 12691. The ferry was not running yet. Location: Northern Kings Canyon National Park
Piute Creek to Evolution Creek, 3.5 miles Beyond Piute Creek the trail stays close to the river, working its way up the canyon. Did South to North lake. Day three Descend 7.3 miles on the JMT into Evolution Valley, then add an easy 1.2 miles to camp by Evolution Lake. Over Piute pass has one patch of snow to cross and it was also a non-issue. The river is nice to camp by here. 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. 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. I wasnt thrilled, but I figured that there would be a side creek somewhere along the way, as the map showed some possibilities. Dinners were instant potatoes with packaged salmon or tuna along with instant soup or couscous. The trail immediately climbed high above the creek, and stayed there, perched on the canyon wall. Sign up for Outside+ today. What a reward after the long hike up the mountainThanks. Darwin via the class 3 West Ridge. It was challenging knowing exactly where to cross, we tried to find a place that looked shallow enough, however the water came up above my hips (Im 52) which was pretty scary because the current moved me quite a bit and the water was freezing! 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. 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. 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! We had rain (often with hail) during 5 of our 6 days out, so bring a rain coat and a pack cover. Plentiful water (I never carried more than 16 oz.). Spectacular scenery abounds, with tumbling waterfalls, flowing creeks, glittering lakes, stately forests, and imposing mountains galore. Pingback: Tahoe hiking: Bay View to Azure Lake. Definitely one of my favorite trips ever. I've done this trail 4 times and it is amasing. Great camping along the creek once you cross the several streams in Hutchinson Meadow (night 1). 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 . 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! This trail goes by Loch Leven, Piute Pass, Summit Lake, Upper Golden Trout Lake, Lamarck Col, and North Lake Campground. Located in California's beautiful eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, Inyo National Forest offers challenging trails, high mountain peaks, and unparalleled views. The Guthook PCT app on my phone showed most of the camping spots along the main trail, but it didnt show any of them on the trail I was about to take. Along the way it climbs over 13,000' passes, wanders beneath high . it has all the beauty you can think of, in fact you will get a beauty intake overdoz lol. I had my food in a bear cannister, But getting partway up toward the pass seemed like a fine idea. Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack. The fourth day we packed back to the Florence lake JMT trail junction. 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