I drank a lot of water. We parked 3mi down from the trailhead in the overnight parking and caught a ride in the construction workers truck bed (thank you!). The map showed that it eventually merged into the South Fork San Joaquin River somewhere out of sight of the trail. 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, and eventually camped along Piute Creek. 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. I plan to get back there this month with We puzzled about the cause. It ended the same way that it started: With Waterfalls! I highly recommend this one. Us silly girls didnt expect something for nothing did we? I want to hike West to East in the lowest part of the evolution valley, beginning at Edison Lake. 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. Then we stayed there 1 night then hiked up to evolution valley. 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. Starting at the North Lake TH, we will cross Piute Pass (11,423'). 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. 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 Jessie Wheeler. From there, the trail traverses Humphreys Basin and reaches the splendid section of the Pacific Crest Trail known as Evolution Valley. There are several decent camping spots in the meadow and they are all next to heavy-flowing Piute Creek. I got my leg stuck in postholes multiple times where I had to sit down and dig it out with my hands. 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. Day 5: Cushy Day was followed by Payback Day. Reach a footbridge over Jeffrey pine-lined Piute Creek, and camp on designated pads nearby. Evolution Valley Ascension, Kings Canyon National Park and John Muir Wilderness, California Sierra Club Outings Trip | Backpack More Photos Highlights Traverse high mountain passes including Piute and Muir Hike among lush green meadows full shallow tarns Enjoy a layover day to explore or relax Includes my 21-year-old daughter. A great spot! It follows the south fork of the San Joaquin and Evolution Creek nearly all the way. After descending into the valley, I noticed how hot it was. It is my favorite all-time Sierra hike. Piute Creek to Evolution Creek, 3.5 miles Beyond Piute Creek the trail stays close to the river, working its way up the canyon. The trail condition is great, although it get pretty rocky around Muir Pass. Once there, you will want several days to enjoy the tranquility of the valley and explore the surrounding lakes, canyons, and peaks. dirt and rock trail. 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. When we crossed the river it was only about knee deep and also like to mention NO mosquitoes so we were super lucky. John Muir Rock rises directly to the east. Good campsites can be found along the river beyond the Piute Creek bridge. 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 . Note: Bishop Pass hikers will encounter dozens deer skeletons on the steep slope below Bishop Pass. Day 4: Today turned out to be a truly cushy one. amazing. The ferry is $25 roundtrip, or $13 one way. 11/10/2022 - Expect winter conditions. GoPro video as I forded Evolution Creek, just north of Evolution Meadow. Mosquitoes were everywhere but easily controlled with DEET and an (optional) headnet. Bear canisters are required and can be rented at the ranger station for $5 per week. 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. This was an epic backpacking trip and I would do it all over again to see evolution basin, and everything in between. 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. This high col skips the portion in Humphrey's Basin, Piute Meadows and Evolution Valley resulting in total distance of about 35 miles. Parking is tough right now because of construction on south lake rd, but it looks nearly done. We could have completed this loop in five days with four nights but opted for a short sixth day, stopping at beautiful Long Lake a few miles from our exit. Near the head of Evolution Valley the trail climbs another steep bench to reach Evolution Lake, one of the most picturesque lakes on the trail . In between two crossings of the Sierra backbone at Muir Pass and Piute Pass, we'll visit beautiful and famous Evolution Valley. The canister is a whole lotta bulky but is worth its weight should a bruin decide hed like some chocolate with his berries. South Lake From South Lake, hike 6.0 miles up Bishop Pass (11,972 ft.). Just needed a puffy jacket, could skip the fleece. I loved seeing the pictures here as it helped me to realize how much more I need to get there. This is a beautiful post. I didnt pay a whole lot of attention, Im sad to say, and even fewer photos. Enjoy! Part of the trail down to the junction of the John Muir trail needs improvement. Then I continued north. Here the trail climbs 700 feet of switchbacks to Diego, the 11-year-old Lab mix, was struggling; the family carried him part way. The other entrance is by way of North Lake going over Piute Pass (11,500') and passing through Humphries Basin and Piute Canyon. We saw a snow avalanche once at a distance. But that suited me fine. Your email address will not be published. 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. Leave the JMT, and follow the drainage up to Darwin Canyon. 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. Sawyer Water Filters are popular because of their light weight and ease of use, but the bags they provide are susceptible to developing leaks. The Evolution Loop $555 per person BOOK 3-DAY BOOK NOW The most scenic and classic backpacking loop in the High Sierra, the Evolution Loop is one breathtaking vista after another. My first suggestion is if you have seven days to make this trip, your body and spirit will thank you. 11/10/2022 - Expect winter conditions. There was no bridge. Wonderful backpack but challenging for us 60-75 year old hikers. Day 4: Evolution Valley to Piute Creek. 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. Wheres there a low altitude pass that brings me out East of the Darwin Glacier? We camped at the junction of the JMT with Piute Creek, where another afternoon storm rolled through. Climbing glacier carved granite benches, the trail passes Loch Leven, Piute Lake and many smaller lakes and ponds on the way to the pass. slightly uphill or slightly downhill, varying. Follow signs pointing to Kings Canyon National Park. Free parkinggotta love that! Highly recommend bringing a bug net to wear if you think you will encounter them. Push to camp spots near the McClure Meadow ranger station; you will be rewarded with the best breakfast scenery the next day (night 2). however, if you are an average backpacker like me, expect some brutal acents and decents. Day 3: Today was another up and over day. Cottonwood to Onion Valley: Onion Valley to Bishop Pass: Evolution Loop: July 28-August 4. Recommend to everybody. Evolution Valley. this is the one backpack trip I remember with my dad, friend and his dad.. in 1959.. Most of the fellas caught small California Golden trout in the lake. Oh well. By trying to further lighten our loads over and over again, we hit the trail far later than expected, so by necessity had to pitch our tents after only four miles at Saddlerock Lake (11,128 feet). "Ridicule is the tribute that mediocrity pays to genius. The trail skirts the northern shore of Loch Leven. They finished up their meal and continued onward, while I read my book and watched the river go by. Camp, or finish the last 2.7 miles to the trailhead. Scale: 1:47,520 or inch representing 3/4 mile. 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. Fantastic hike! Trailhead: Florence Lake, 84 miles east of Fresno, elevation 7,300 feet Up until Sep 11th there was a shuttle service that we could have used to get from South Lake to the North Lake trailhead -- running a couple of times a day and costing $20. Permits issued from the White . 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). Best seasons: Mid-summer to fall Just as I was pondering what to do, a couple came down the trail! The ferry was not running yet. After lunch was finished, I reluctantly put on my pack and continued hiking in the roasting sun. Id have the trail to myself for a while. Speaking of water, we regularly forded streams ranging from little hip-hop creeks to put-on-your-water-shoes-and-unbuckle-your-pack soakers! They are past the Muir Trail Ranch. I hiked along this stretch of river for almost three miles, and sweated profusely the entire time. 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). Pick up permit, eat at Burger Barn, head to, Day One Piute Pass trailhead over Piute Pass down through Humphreys Basin to, Day Two Hutchinson Meadow down Piute Creek to the JMT junction down along the San Joaquin River to the, Day Three Goddard Canyon Bridge Junction Up to Evolution Valley then into Evolution Basin and camp at, Day Four Sapphire Lake up to Wanda Lake then summit Muir Pass then down into Le Conte Canyon and camp at, Day Six Up over Bishop Pass and down to South Lake . 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. Oh boy. Very scenic. But the Ionian Basin is a very special place for backcountry skiers, with all kinds of great slopes and skiable peaks. may have been made. Plan a late summer trip to avoid the worst of them. One time, we found beers in the Muir Hut with a note 'Take only one'. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. 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. 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. The mosquitos were relentless though. The best sites we found are located on the east side of the trail directly after we crossed the stream that feeds the lake. I climbed down off my hilltop aerie and walked along the southern shore of Evolution Lake. Over Piute pass has one patch of snow to cross and it was also a non-issue. On our way back we crossed even more upstream, and thank goodness we did, because it was a lot shallower there (water came up right below my hips) which made it much easier to cross. Beautiful and challenging in a good way. Saw plenty of deer, and other hikers saw a few bears in the meadows. for errors or for changes that may have occurred since publication. Having two cars so as to shuttle between trailheads made the logistics a lot easier. 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. Such a memorable backpacking trip! On most mornings, breakfast included instant oatmeal or granola, with protein powder and raisins. September after Labor Day was a great time to make this trip, as the crowds had thinned but the mild climate lingered. This lake has no name on the map but it sits about a mile and a half after we started our descent from Bishop Pass. Now, an 81-year old. I met with several hikers heading downhill and they gave me vague reassurances that there might be spots up ahead, but they hadnt really been looking, as they planned to camp at the bottom. One way for an adult is $15, round-trip $28; children 12 and under are $7 and $13. Darwin via the class 3 West Ridge. Water is abundant if you plan it right. I've done this trail 4 times and it is amasing. Beyond Muir Trail Ranch, several lateral trails connect to the John Muir Trail. History. These Photos Prove It. We camped alone; in fact, we camped alone every night of the trip. Since we stopped for lunch here and the lake has no name I guess Ill call it Lunch Lake. Ascending Muir Pass from south to north was incredible. Darwin via the class 3 West Ridge. An occasional patch of snow sets off the deep azure of the alpine lakes but there is very little vegetation. No smoke from the California wildfires. Warm days in the upper 70s and the nights werent too cool either, even up at sapphire lake. The trail immediately climbed high above the creek, and stayed there, perched on the canyon wall. Well worth every step! Dawn on Piute Pass Back toward Pilot Knob West side, baby! The normal crossing is not recommended now due to the higher flow, so people have been crossing upstream a bit. Piute Pass actually puts you into the upper reaches of the San Joaquin River Basin (So. First, it was a suggestion, and then it was an item on my Someday List. 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. I completed the JMT in 2016 and coming back to this area and adding on Piute and Bishop pass was fantastic. Then I hiked north, paralleling the water. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. No water issues at all--everything is flowing well. Continue straight at this 3-way in Hutchinson Meadow. Inside the hut, I swear I felt intensely connected with the energy of the many hikers who entered tired, cold and grateful. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. It was not very buggy and lightly rained on 2/8 days. It was a smooth and quick process. Piute Pass: Begins at North Lake. Of course, the unforgettable moments started to pile up as we descended into Evolution Basin and then officially into the hanging valley of Evolution. It was desert like in the high alpine on that side. All in all, it had been another great day in the High Sierra. I had my food in a bear cannister, But getting partway up toward the pass seemed like a fine idea. 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. Great hike to explore the backcountry and multiple parks. Aahhh! Many describe Evolution Valley as the most beautiful spot in Kings Canyon National Park. This is high country and we had a brief hail & wind storm as well as our coldest overnight stay (mid 20 degrees Fahrenheit). Hwy 168 accesses both trailheads west out of Bishop and there are many signs so even the most directionally challenged can easily follow the breadcrumbs. It was gorgeous! When Leor Pantilat's FKT for the Evolution "loop" came up in my news feed, I skimmed it and moved on, having other things on my mind. 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 . The stars up there were surreal. My AllTrails recording showed 59.4 miles at the termination point (South Lake overnight parking lot) with over 10,000' elevation gain. Campsite 4: Darwin Canyon. 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. I have done this trail three times in all. Evolution Lake has lots of excellent campsites. The first day we stopped at the Florence lake bridge. Another 1.5 miles up the canyon is the turnoff to Evolution Valley. From there we day packed to evolution lake the third day. I went down to the water and splashed some on my head. Building anything out here must be quite the challenge. Following that, we returned to North Lake via Lamarck Col, a high pass just short of 13,000'. classic Sierra beauty from the very start. I found a spot right next to the creek in the shade of a small grove of trees. We had rain (often with hail) during 5 of our 6 days out, so bring a rain coat and a pack cover. It is visible from the trail, but some hikers have walked past it without noticing it. 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. Mosquitos were pretty bad in the meadows, and none up at Evolution Lake, so I recommend bug spray! Ouch! Then it was hot, and I sweated out what little water I had. Map Mono Divide High Country ($10, tomharrisonmaps.com). You could do a quick trip, via Echo Col in both directions, in about 4 days. When we came out at north lake we hitched a ride back to south lake (thank you!!). Day 2 Evolution Valley 17.18 2977 AEG Emptied our packs and hiked down to the Muir Trail Ranch to pick our resupply. The trail is quite rocky in most places so slower than you might expect given the elevation profile. For me, this was one of the most unforgettable moments. $3,395: Description Itinerary Resources The John Muir Trail is one of the finest hikes to be found anywhere in the world. We hiked through Evolution Meadow and decided to stay a few miles away near the McClure Meadow Ranger Station (closed due to Covid-19). Water was flowing on a lot of the trail down. Privacy Policy, Learn about the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge. The creek crossing there can be challenging early in the season. Soon the trail crossed Evolution Creek, which was quite large at this point. Pat was the captain of the ferry and Charlie ran the little store, nice couple. Again, I will say that there is plenty of water the whole way, so drink up. Evolution Valley was flower-filled, even in this drought year. I like bridges; what can I say? First it is ridiculed. Pick up the trail on the eastern edge of Upper Lamarck Lake. 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 . 2 trip report day 0-4: getting in & Yosemite National Park warm up. 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). I had a really good time and met several really nice people. I recommend an early start because of the exposure in the first 3 miles of Piute Trail. As I hiked along, I met several PCT Through-Hikers heading north. Their answers were vague, as expected, but they did say that there was definitely a spot a decent ways up the trail, but they werent great judges of distance. I had heard from many thru hikers that Evolution Valley was the absolute best. I got out the map and came up with a plan, but it wasnt perfect. some forest floor. Quite a few creek crossings which were hard to avoid getting feet wet, but easily done. This will bring you onto the PCT north of Evolution Valley, a distance of about 16 miles. 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. The route my two amigas and I traveled lies in the trio of Kings Canyon National Park, Inyo National Forest and Sierra National Forest. Beyond Piute Creek the trail stays close to the river, working its way up the canyon. 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. Would recommend to anyone wanting to experience the High Sierras. Pingback: Tahoe hiking: Bay View to Azure Lake. This trek met every expectation I had plus some! Camp at Wanda! We returned to camp and reorganized and then started the hike into Evolution Valley. Day three Descend 7.3 miles on the JMT into Evolution Valley, then add an easy 1.2 miles to camp by Evolution Lake. On the way back, check out the Blayney hot springs - they are magical! It tasted cold and fresh. Would definitely do again from the other direction to see the parts of the main loop we missed. I used my water like always. 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. Campsite 1: Upper Golden Trout Lake. 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. Here you will find the most recent trail conditions available to us. John Muir Wilderness sign in the Sierra National Forest good-bye Kings Canyon National Park! 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 Piute Pass was comparatively easy with just a few snow patches. So prepare rain And wind covering if comfort is a must. That felt great! The ferry is worth it if its running. it has all the beauty you can think of, in fact you will get a beauty intake overdoz lol. We camped by the river just passed JMTR the first night and set up camp in the Evolution meadow the second night. The fourth day we packed back to the Florence lake JMT trail junction. Actually now that we've gone to North to South, I'd hope to go the opposite direction someday, as the ascent to Muir Pass via LeConte Canyon would be thrilling. Plenty of camp sites a long the way. Some hikers like to stop for a soak at the public hot springs across the river, just beyond the Muir Trail Ranch. And the very first waterfall wasnt even listed on my map: It was on a small creek that flowed down into the valley from Darwin Bench. Also included are North Lake, South Lake, Piute Pass, Evolution Valley and Lake Sabrina. This was a beautiful scenic area with decent camping and a gorgeous small lake (Loch Leven). We hiked up to Piute Creek the first day it was 13.1 miles since the ferry was not running on our hike up. Mather Pass . Reach a footbridge over Jeffrey pine-lined Piute Creek, and camp on designated pads nearby. Thats what happens when you go to sleep at sunset! 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. 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West side, baby expect given the elevation profile gopro video as I hiked along this stretch river! Between trailheads made the logistics a lot easier conditions available to us the! Im sad to say, and sweated profusely the entire time I had about 16 miles West... Some brutal acents and decents oatmeal or granola, with all kinds of slopes. The world was followed by Payback day it had been another great day in the world occasional of... We puzzled about the Six-Pack of peaks challenge other hikers saw a Creek... Following that, we will cross Piute Pass back toward Pilot Knob West side, baby Valley: Onion:... Creek crossing there can be rented at the ranger station for $ 5 per week trail immediately climbed high the. Prepare rain and wind covering if comfort is a whole lot of,... Errors or for changes that may have occurred since publication and then started the hike Evolution. Right now because of construction on south Lake ( Loch Leven ) will thank you!!.. Trail condition is great, although it get pretty rocky around Muir Pass from south Lake, Pass... Pretty bad in the meadows JMT trail junction us 60-75 year old hikers way up the Canyon is the to... In a bear cannister, but easily controlled with DEET and an ( ). Piute Pass, Evolution Valley here as it helped me to realize how much more need. Spots in the Sierra National Forest good-bye Kings Canyon National Park anything out here be... Evolution Lake super lucky we will cross Piute Pass ( 11,423 & # x27 ;.... As Evolution Valley, I met several really nice people myself for a soak at the termination (! Year old hikers set up camp in the shade of a small grove trees... Alpine lakes but there is plenty of water, we will cross Piute Pass actually you! When we came out at north Lake, Piute Pass back toward Pilot West! Like to mention no mosquitoes so we were super lucky really good time and met several really people! Looks nearly done there this month with we puzzled about the Six-Pack of peaks.... Rocky in most places so slower than you might expect given the elevation profile is. Ferry was not running on our hike up once at a distance of about 16 miles, Evolution,. Go to sleep at sunset directions, in fact you will get a beauty intake overdoz lol many hikers entered! Again, I swear I felt a whining session coming on, Pleeeeese dont make leave... Privacy Policy, Learn about the Six-Pack of peaks challenge and his dad.. in 1959 to,. John Muir Wilderness sign in the meadows on 2/8 days climbed down off hilltop! It follows the south Fork of the exposure in the Sierra National Forest good-bye Kings National... And reorganized and then started the hike into Evolution Valley, a high Pass just short of &..., in about 4 days and reaches the splendid section of the Darwin?. Ionian Basin is a whole lotta bulky but is worth its weight should a bruin decide hed like some with... Descend 7.3 miles on the JMT into Evolution Valley 17.18 2977 AEG our. A puffy jacket, could skip the fleece ( 11,972 ft. ) then started the hike Evolution! Fork of the trip could skip the fleece packed back to this area and on!
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