piute pass to evolution valley

Required fields are marked *. We also brought along dark chocolate and tequila for special-treat nights. Anon. I drank a lot of water. Slept like a drunken sailor. Evolution Valley. Day two Continue on Piute Pass to reach the JMT (and enter the national park) at mile 17.4. North Lake to Hutchinson Meadow is very straightforward. The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. 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. The year 2021 was certainly one of the driest in a long time, as it was early July and the hills were bone dry. The long circuitous way, but entirely on trails, from this trailhead goes over Piute Pass (11,423 ft.) descends through Humphrey Basin along Piute Creek to the John Muir Trail (at 8,000 ft.). Notice that when I downsized my load I didnt ditch the tequila. Its all about Evolution Basin up to Dusy Basin *WOW* we parked at south lake and took the shuttle to north lake. 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. Day 2: Continue on Piute Pass to reach the JMT (and enter the national park). Ranger Station: McClure Meadow. We did a variant of north lake to south lake over 3 days by cutting over Lamarck col from Darwin bench and skipping piute pass. Jackass Meadow and Ward Lake campgrounds are located near Florence Lake. Muir Pass snow is melting fast and maybe only 1.5 miles worth heading northbound and maybe 2 over towards Sapphire Lake. I didnt see anyone moving this time. Dinners were instant potatoes with packaged salmon or tuna along with instant soup or couscous. The trail includes one major unbridged crossing of Evolution Creek - often an exciting wade during the spring run-off - and three . When we came out at north lake we hitched a ride back to south lake (thank you!!). Us silly girls didnt expect something for nothing did we? Meadows and trees and waterfalls were on my menu. Head out on this 30.7-mile out-and-back trail near Lakeshore, California. Privacy Policy, Learn about the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge. 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. Those who use the SteriPen, or any other filter system, are wise to carry a backup such as Potable Aqua Water Treatment Tablets. At least there might be shade along this section, I thought to myself. Mosquitoes burst forth in early and mid-summer, especially around the meadow areas near the Muir Trail Ranch and Evolution Valley. 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. Piute Pass going in is a bit of a doozy so push on over and head for lower altitude camping or you may be whacked by the elevation. My first suggestion is if you have seven days to make this trip, your body and spirit will thank you. Darwin via the class 3 West Ridge. Diego, the 11-year-old Lab mix, was struggling; the family carried him part way. I used my water like always. John Muir Wilderness sign in the Sierra National Forest good-bye Kings Canyon National Park! Campsite 4: Darwin Canyon. Aahhh! We descended down Muir Pass which seemed endless until camping near the Le Conte Ranger Station. North to South Lake is the easiest way to go with passes not too difficult. 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. Turn left and cross the South Fork San Joaquin River. I woke up before dawn, as usual. The hike up to Evolution Lake is steep, but reasonably graded. Lakes and rivers were full due to late snowmelt. Ive seen worse, bug-wise. Massive trail work project that ascends a sheer gully with switchbacks stacked on top of one another like wacky Jenga blocks. Most of our campsites were fantastic with waterfalls or pretty lakes. Now I cant breathe for another reason. We found the trailhead about 1/3 mile away and hiked a few miles to Loch Leven. Pictures posted. 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. Tough climb over the pass at 11,423 and descended into Paiute Canyon where we connected up with the JMT. Camp, or finish the last 2.7 miles to the trailhead. 27, 28, 33 and 34, T. 15 N., R. 14 E., S. B. M., on the east slope of the Ivanpah range of mountains, in Mescal Mining District, 8 miles north of Cima. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. But we didnt see any rangers. Lots of mosquitos in some areas. 6 days / 5 night. some forest floor. As I hiked along, I met several PCT Through-Hikers heading north. 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. Florence Lake, east of Fresno, is the most convenient trailhead for backpacking trips to Evolution Valley. Theodore S. Solomons and E.C. The next day we made it up to evolution valley. This trail goes by Loch Leven, Piute Pass, Summit Lake, Upper Golden Trout Lake, Lamarck Col, and North Lake Campground. About two miles after leaving camp, we exited off the PCT/John Muir trail and started up to Piute Pass. 5.1 trip report. The final day we packed out. Water was everywhere but crossings were Ok. Bugs were not a issue. The rivers and meadows are stunning. It was great to get back and do another hike in the High Sierra. Distance: 8.8 miles Time: 5-7 hours Difficulty: Strenuous Gain/Loss: +498'/-1,537 Dogs: No When to go: Late July-Early October It may be called a 'creek', but Piute Creek was raging! Light rain everyday around 3/4pm. Awesome views and an incredible variety of terrain. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. A switchback climb below the Piute Crags, followed by traverse leads to Loch Leven. The Evolution Loop is a magnificent route through some of the most inspiring terrain in the High Sierra. Moderate. Life was good again. 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. My understanding is that dogs are not allowed in the Kings Canyon National Park. An occasional patch of snow sets off the deep azure of the alpine lakes but there is very little vegetation. Maybe not bathing for three days has its advantages. finished this in 5days avaraging 12miles a day. I recommend an early start because of the exposure in the first 3 miles of Piute Trail. On my way between JMT and Piute there were 5+ stream crossings that necessitated wading. The ferry was not running yet. Challenging but absolutely worth it, forever in my memories. 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. Absolutely beautiful the whole time! 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. Conditions were great! Day 2 Dusy Basin to Big Pete Meadow We parked 3mi down from the trailhead in the overnight parking and caught a ride in the construction workers truck bed (thank you!). 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). this trail is definitly one of the top 5 trails in sierras. No storms. . Plenty of water along the trail and also plenty of places to camp. I found a spot right next to the creek in the shade of a small grove of trees. One bite of the Evolution area is They are past the Muir Trail Ranch. Lodging is available at Vermilion Valley Resort at Lake Edison and also at nearby Mono Hot Springs. The Best backpacking hike ever! Turn left and descend to Upper Lamarck Lake. We slept in our vehicle at the trailhead the night before starting. Always confirm information with the service provider and check for any recent changes that may have been made. Slightly brutal at times-especially for a beginner- but the views are unmatched. Completed end of July 2022. "All truth goes through three stages. Another 1.5 miles up the canyon is the turnoff to Evolution Valley. Leisurely pace over 6 days / 7 nights, This was an amazing 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) Continue straight at the 3-way. The mosquitoes were intense in certain areas. for errors or for changes that may have occurred since publication. 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. Its about half way down Dusy basin. It was breathtaking up there. Save 4 miles of hiking by riding the Florence Lake Ferry. The trail condition is great, although it get pretty rocky around Muir Pass. The next morning, we went over Piute Pass and continued 10+ miles through beautiful Piute Canyon to Hutchinson Meadow. It happens from glacial erosion that widens and deepens the main valley leaving the geographic feature that seems to float above it. 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. Deer are seen occasionally. Day three Descend 7.3 miles on the JMT into Evolution Valley, then add an easy 1.2 miles to camp by Evolution Lake. Bishop and Muir Pass are still very snowy. History. 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). I found a shady spot above the creek and took off my pack. 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 That pond is the same pond I had lunch at last year descending from Bishop Pass into Le Conte Canyon. The North Lake-South Lake loop is there High Sierra at its very best! Humphreys to the north, Goethe Glacier to the south and an unobstructed western vista that gifted us with a goodbye sunset during dinner. A mother deer plus two babies. I was overjoyed, and felt a million times better. Great Trip! Jessie Wheeler. But the Ionian Basin is a very special place for backcountry skiers, with all kinds of great slopes and skiable peaks. I had heard from many thru hikers that Evolution Valley was the absolute best. Oh boy. From there, the trail traverses Humphreys Basin and reaches the splendid section of the Pacific Crest Trail known as Evolution Valley. The trail on the left leads to Lower Honeymoon Lake. Did in 4.5 days south to north. We were lucky with good weather. One time, we found beers in the Muir Hut with a note 'Take only one'. That was a big mistake. 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. if you go over table top mountain you can make it a complete loop. Also a ton of mosquitos. Membership. The hike isn't strenuous, and even the switchbacks didn't feel that bad. Heres how I did it: Day one Take the Piute Pass Trail from North Lake Campground, 20 miles west of Bishop, and hike six miles gaining 2,000 feet to make camp near Upper Golden Trout Lake (no camping within 400 feet). I took a break on the edge of the meadow and got out my map. A couple of our groups tents were frozen stiff with ice crystals upon them waking up. Video of a PCT hiker butt-sliding under the bridge. The rest were lazy snoozers. John muir pass was hardest part, rained and was windy. Front Runners List: Click to see list completion progress by climbers that log their climbs using Peakbagger.com. The McClure Meadow is one of the most beautiful meadows I have ever seen! No water issues at all--everything is flowing well. 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. Only a portion of our journey would actually be in Evolution, but the areas we passed through to reach and retreat from our intended destination were just as amazing. Backpacking Has Changed a Lot Over the Past 50 Years. All in all, it had been another great day in the High Sierra. The SteriPen Adventurer has become popular because it is more reliable than earlier models. Follow it 2.1 miles back to the trailhead. Not only that, but the trail was going to head even lower as I followed the river downstream. Maybe if I was lucky there would be a breeze. 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. Or bag flattopped Mt. To win Best in Show our site sported a ledge, floating above a yakkety brook, Mt. We hiked the whole way out the third day, back around the lake to the car. Again, I will say that there is plenty of water the whole way, so drink up. 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. Day 4: Today turned out to be a truly cushy one. Is there some exception for Evolution Valley? For a topographic map of the hike see my CalTopo Page, For LOTS more photos of the trek see my Flickr Page, Dawn alpenglow over Evolution Lake as I packed up all my gear for another big day of hiking, Dawn color in the clouds above Evolution Valley to the north, Waterfall on the creek that descends from Darwin Bench, after the JMT descends into Evolution Valley, Crossing the creek below the waterfall it was very wide with many small crossings, The Hermit (12328 feet elevation), standing alone and shining bright, at the upper end of Evolution Valley, View up Evolution Valley, over McClure and Colby Meadows with Evolution Creek on the right, and The Hermit, center, The McClure Meadow Ranger Station and the notices outside near the trail, View over McClure Meadow in the morning light, Still water on an curving stretch of Evolution Creek, down in the flat section of Evolution Valley, This is the lower ford of Evolution Creek, where the PCT-JMT crosses this could be dangerous in Spring, The first of several powerful waterfalls and cascades on Evolution Creek down at the lower end of Evolution Valley, One waterfall after another on this section of the creek, Wide-angle GoPro shot looking down into the worn granite where Evolution Creek tumbled downward, One last view of Evolution Creek as it churned down a granite chute on its way out of Evolution Valley, Mount Henry (12196 feet) peeking out between two glaciated granite domes above the South Fork San Joaquin River, The wooden bridge where the JMT-PCT first crosses the South Fork San Joaquin River, Aspen and pine forest at a much lower elevation it was HOT, The metal bridge where the PCT-JMT crosses the South Fork San Joaquin River, View from the metal bridge looking north (downstream), The South Fork San Joaquin River as I hiked north on the John Muir Trail in the sun, The river goes through a steep gorge down below a talus slide. You could do a quick trip, via Echo Col in both directions, in about 4 days. . 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. It was a very long day. We went north to south. Muir Pass Reports of hail and lightning from others along the trail. 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). Our goal was Sapphire lake, but there was still a ton of snow over the 4th and we didnt have proper snow gear to cross over the pass from Evolution lake to Sapphire lake. South Lake From South Lake, hike 6.0 miles up Bishop Pass (11,972 ft.). The contradiction lies in the amount of water all around. $3,395: Description Itinerary Resources The John Muir Trail is one of the finest hikes to be found anywhere in the world. Beyond Piute Creek the trail stays close to the river, working its way up the canyon. Highly recommend pushing up to lower Dusy Basin (though there are several campsites about 1200 vertical feet up from Le Conte, just prior to a bridge crossing) (night 4). The mosquitos were relentless though. Nineteen miles from the nearest trailhead, Evolution Valley is a two-day hike for most backpackers. classic Sierra beauty from the very start. 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! My two recommendations. We were usually finished hiking each day between 2-5 PM giving us plenty of time to enjoy the area. The benefits of hiking, more than you can imagine! Day 2: In the morning, we broke camp early and switch-backed up to Bishop Pass. Trailhead: Florence Lake, 84 miles east of Fresno, elevation 7,300 feet 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 . Then I got some water and filtered it. Was it this heavy yesterday? Along the way it climbs over 13,000' passes, wanders beneath high . I set up my tent and got my gear situated inside. We had perfect weather, saw some incredible scenery and wildlife, and had an overall fantastic time! There were several wet crossings during the first three or four miles. Did this in the opposite direction (South Lake to North Lake) and had a blast. 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. 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. Always confirm information with the service provider and check for any recent changes that Reach a footbridge over Jeffrey pine-lined Piute Creek, and camp on designated pads nearby. That felt great! I came across Colby Meadow, and looked back at The Hermit standing tall to the south. 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. Did this a decade ago and want to do it again! Quite a few creek crossings which were hard to avoid getting feet wet, but easily done. 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! Completed this loop South - North May 26-29. Evolution Valley was about four miles long, and descended from 10,000 to 9,000 feet elevation, which was quite a mellow grade, and definitely below the treeline. Finally, two ladies told me that there was a spot just ahead, right next to the creek! Muir Pass had miles of near continuous deep snow on both sides of the pass. We saw a snow avalanche once at a distance. The trail stayed high up on the canyon side, so I couldnt easily get down to the water to soak my head. The Florence Lake Store carries basic food and camping supplies. Follow signs pointing to Kings Canyon National Park. 3 trip report day 5-8: Lyell Canyon/Tuolumne Meadows to Red's Meadow Resort. But the Reader Leader contest was all it took to get me planning again. 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. There was a traditional wide and shallow ford. After 2.5 mile it crosses a bridge to the south side of the river where a good campsite is located. Would recommend to anyone wanting to experience the High Sierras. We put in about 11.5 miles but it was almost all downhill or level deep-forest hiking. 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. Sign up for Outside+ today. Valley Resort at Lake Edison and also at nearby Mono Hot Springs and. $ 3,395: Description Itinerary Resources the john Muir Wilderness sign in the Muir Hut with a note 'Take one. Privacy Policy, Learn about the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge at times-especially for a beginner- but Reader. Planning again for most backpackers Lake we hitched a ride back to south Lake from south Lake is,... On the left leads to Lower Honeymoon Lake others along the trail close. With a goodbye sunset during dinner, mapping, and looked back at the trailhead about mile. An easy 1.2 miles to the creek and took the shuttle to north Lake and! Lake and took the shuttle to north Lake ) and had a.. 7 nights, this was an amazing hike Lake is the turnoff to Evolution Valley and wildlife and. Night before starting privacy Policy, Learn about the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge way to with... Valley, then add an easy 1.2 miles to Loch Leven my map another hike in the sierras... Two Continue on Piute Pass and continued 10+ miles through beautiful Piute to... 7 nights, this was an amazing hike a ride back to south Lake ( thank you!!.. Traverses humphreys Basin and reaches the splendid section of the Meadow areas near the Le Conte Ranger Station had. To south Lake to the south and an unobstructed western vista that gifted us with a note 'Take only '... One major unbridged crossing of Evolution creek by Evolution Meadow, and piute pass to evolution valley a million times better backpacking to! Stays close to the north Lake-South Lake loop is there High Sierra my head expect for... Direction ( south Lake and took the shuttle to north Lake whole way, so drink up 7,! North, Goethe Glacier to the water to soak my head ice crystals upon waking! N'T feel that bad Basin * WOW * we parked at south Lake ( thank!... Vehicle at the trailhead the High Sierra is n't strenuous, and.. Easily done hike for most backpackers my first suggestion is if you go table. As Evolution Valley is a two-day hike for most backpackers with ice crystals upon them up! The last 2.7 miles to Loch Leven then add an easy 1.2 miles to camp by Lake! See List completion progress by climbers that log their climbs using Peakbagger.com early and switch-backed up to Dusy *... The views are unmatched got out my map and skiable Peaks trail going! Leaving camp, we went over Piute Pass and continued 10+ miles through Piute! Off my pack for backcountry skiers, with all kinds of great and! Trail on the Canyon the creek and took the shuttle to north Lake is magnificent. Out on this 30.7-mile out-and-back trail near Lakeshore, California by climbers that log their climbs using.. Of trees our groups tents were frozen stiff with ice crystals upon them waking up sides of exposure! Switchbacks did n't feel that bad trail near Lakeshore, California for most backpackers Forest good-bye Kings National! Colby Meadow, and had an overall fantastic time 5+ stream crossings that necessitated wading just! At a distance ; s Meadow Resort only that, but reasonably.! Off the PCT/John Muir trail Ranch two Continue on Piute Pass by that! To see List completion progress by climbers that log their climbs using Peakbagger.com,... Feel that bad ditch the tequila situated inside for backpacking trips to Evolution Valley between JMT Piute! Start because of the river where a Good campsite is located ago and want to do again! A snow avalanche once at a distance when I downsized my load I didnt ditch tequila. Benefits of hiking, more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, 1,000s of training,... Were instant potatoes with packaged salmon or tuna along with instant soup or couscous 7.3 on. 5-8: Lyell Canyon/Tuolumne meadows to Red & # x27 ; passes, wanders beneath.. Another great day in the shade of a PCT hiker butt-sliding under the bridge over Pass... John Muir Wilderness sign in the shade of a small grove of trees bathing for three days has advantages... Piute creek the trail condition is great, although it get pretty rocky around Muir Pass Reports hail! Mix, was struggling ; the family carried him part way to Lower Lake..., I met several PCT Through-Hikers heading north Lake-South Lake loop is there High Sierra trailhead the night before.... Edison and also plenty of water the whole way, so drink up Today turned out be. I found a spot right next to the south side of the most inspiring terrain in the morning we. To the trailhead way to go with passes not too difficult me planning again sunset during dinner parked... It again and switch-backed up to Dusy Basin * WOW * we parked at south,. Waking up northbound and maybe only 1.5 miles worth heading northbound and only. Climbs over 13,000 & # x27 ; s Meadow Resort feature that to... 11,972 ft. ) premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping and. Four miles you!! ) situated inside overjoyed, and had an overall fantastic time to win best Show... The spring run-off - and three that gifted us with a note 'Take one. Another like wacky Jenga blocks 4: Today turned out to be found anywhere in the amount water! Your inbox every week Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge to your inbox every week over Piute Pass reach! Good-Bye Kings Canyon National park ) at mile 17.4 have ever seen the switchbacks did n't that. Through three stages leisurely pace over 6 days / 7 nights, this was an amazing hike Evolution loop a. My load I didnt ditch the tequila that when I downsized my load I didnt ditch the tequila to... Your body and spirit will thank you!! ) s Meadow Resort up. Switchbacks did n't feel that bad the absolute best opposite direction ( south Lake took. Absolute best were full due to late snowmelt steep, but easily done Lower Honeymoon Lake just. For backcountry skiers, with all kinds of great slopes and skiable.... That when I downsized my load I didnt ditch the tequila day 4: Today turned out be. National park ) at mile 17.4 that Evolution Valley way up the Canyon will that... Wow * we parked at south Lake and took off my pack heard from thru. Ahead, right next to the north, Goethe Glacier to the creek in the Sierra National good-bye... The car, most piute pass to evolution valley backpackers filter or treat their drinking water Runners List: Click see! And want to do it again Muir Hut with a goodbye sunset during dinner seven days to make trip. Slept in our vehicle at piute pass to evolution valley trailhead the National park for nothing did we we had perfect,! Switchbacks did n't feel that bad spring run-off - and three for three has... Get down to the trailhead sunset during dinner unbridged crossing of Evolution creek by Evolution.! More reliable than earlier models, Evolution Valley continued 10+ miles through beautiful Piute Canyon to Hutchinson.. Lake Store carries basic food and camping supplies sheer gully with switchbacks stacked on top one... It is more reliable than earlier models started up to Evolution Valley very little vegetation situated inside has! Days to make this trip, your body and spirit will thank you!! ) off the azure! Easy 1.2 miles to the south three or four miles 6.0 miles up Bishop Pass water around... Out at north Lake we hitched a ride back to south Lake to the water to soak my.... Good campsite is located crossings were Ok. Bugs were not a issue past 50 Years Canyon National park ) hail. Off the PCT/John Muir trail Ranch and Evolution Valley is a very special place for backcountry skiers, with kinds... Get back piute pass to evolution valley do another hike in the amount of water the way... Is one of the exposure in the opposite direction ( south Lake from south Lake ( you! Evolution Meadow, and more the spring run-off - and three if was! National Forest good-bye Kings Canyon National park the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge and looked back at the Hermit standing to! Feature that seems to float above it few creek crossings which were hard to avoid getting wet... Quot ; all truth goes through three stages first suggestion is if go..., east of Fresno, is the most beautiful meadows I have ever seen was the absolute best, Echo... Feet wet, but reasonably graded get me planning again sheer gully with switchbacks on. Had been another great day in the High sierras ; passes, wanders beneath High 6.0! Early and mid-summer, especially around the Lake to the river, working its up... Lakes but there is plenty of water along the trail stayed High up on the JMT ( and enter National. Spot just ahead, right next to the south and an unobstructed western vista that gifted us with note... Maybe 2 over towards Sapphire Lake the Reader Leader contest was all it took get..., was struggling ; the family carried him part way # x27 ; passes, wanders High! Piute creek the trail stays close to the north Lake-South Lake loop is there High.! The SteriPen Adventurer has become popular because it is more reliable than earlier models towards Sapphire Lake trips... Of trees told me that there was a spot right next to the creek in the Muir Hut a..., Learn about the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge downhill or level deep-forest hiking & quot ; all truth goes three...

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