Mendel, which is part of the Evolution range. We are here: Evolution Basin Total Mileage: ~57 miles Total Elevation Loss/Gain: ~9,500 feet (a few hundred feet more gain than loss) Length: 6 days Trailhead: We started at North Lake at Piute Trailhead (~9,400 feet) Mountain Passes: Piute, Muir and Bishop Shortly after passing Colby Meadow and reaching McClure Meadow, we were served the best views of The Hermit, a distinctly steep monolith, and Mt. 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. Though those days have passed, and the trails have seen the bottom of many boots, I still walked away humbled, awed and truly grateful to have spent a handful of my days in the region of the Sierra called Evolution Valley. 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. Plenty of camp sites a long the way. Did this in the opposite direction (South Lake to North Lake) and had a blast. Thousands upon thousands of happy people enjoying the wilderness. Also included are North Lake, South Lake, Piute Pass, Evolution Valley and Lake Sabrina. Rattlesnakes are always possible; but with the popularity of the trail, rattlesnakes are rarely seen. Did it South Lake to North Lake so the slog at Muir Pass was real and all trails GPS offline helped me navigate through snow/now visible trail, Did it in equiv of 4 days. I've done this trail 4 times and it is amasing. We hiked through Evolution Meadow and decided to stay a few miles away near the McClure Meadow Ranger Station (closed due to Covid-19). P. i. psammophilus is known from the Salinas Valley and may be a synonym of P. i. neglectus (Best 1993; Williams et al. I loved seeing the pictures here as it helped me to realize how much more I need to get there. That felt great! Multiple Ascents Grid: Click for a grid showing all of Chris Land Saw plenty of deer, and other hikers saw a few bears in the meadows. Backpackers are really friendly and fun, so it was a good time. Perfect! They finished up their meal and continued onward, while I read my book and watched the river go by. Following the PCT southward another 4 miles will bring you to Evolution Meadow. For trail conditions and more details about this hike, check out my YouTube Video I made from this backpacking trip on my channel: Kikis Adventures. Bugs werent that bad. I got out the map and came up with a plan, but it wasnt perfect. Head out on this 30.7-mile out-and-back trail near Lakeshore, California. 11/10/2022 - Expect winter conditions. But you could put together a much more worthwhile tour with more like 7 days. I sat down on a boulder near my gear and got out some snack. 4 days 3 nights 2 passes had a great time. 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). Darwin via the class 3 West Ridge. When I walk through this area again, perhaps I will do the same so I can see it from another perspective. From there, the trail traverses Humphreys Basin and reaches the splendid section of the Pacific Crest Trail known as Evolution Valley. Piute Creek to Evolution Creek, 3.5 miles Beyond Piute Creek the trail stays close to the river, working its way up the canyon. Finally, two ladies told me that there was a spot just ahead, right next to the creek! The trail on the left leads to Lower Honeymoon Lake. Hundreds of feet of granite on one side, and beautiful open meadow on the other. The Tyee Lakes part was not the most beautiful part and was pretty strenuous, but made transportation much easier. Piute Pass actually puts you into the upper reaches of the San Joaquin River Basin (So. 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. I only had about a liter left of the three Id started with that morning. I have done this trail three times in all. About two miles after leaving camp, we exited off the PCT/John Muir trail and started up to Piute Pass. Some hikers like to stop for a soak at the public hot springs across the river, just beyond the Muir Trail Ranch. The benefits of hiking, more than you can imagine! Mosquitoes burst forth in early and mid-summer, especially around the meadow areas near the Muir Trail Ranch and Evolution Valley. After 2.5 mile it crosses a bridge to the south side of the river where a good campsite is located. Wonderful backpack but challenging for us 60-75 year old hikers. Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack. 2 trip report day 0-4: getting in & Yosemite National Park warm up. Again, I will say that there is plenty of water the whole way, so drink up. Your email address will not be published. Great Trip! Id have the trail to myself for a while. 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. It was desert like in the high alpine on that side. 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. Tehipite Valley Trail: Begins at Wishon Reservoir. Apparently, similar although smaller incidents have occurred at other high mountain passes in the region. dirt and rock trail. The trail even flattened out to make my way easier. Others seemed to have no issues on the regular crossing. A boat-taxi across the lake is available from the trailhead in the summer. On our way back down we hike about 13 miles and set up camp for the last night. $3,395: Description Itinerary Resources The John Muir Trail is one of the finest hikes to be found anywhere in the world. I didnt see anyone moving this time. "All truth goes through three stages. It all worked out in the end, however. 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 1993 . We slept in our vehicle at the trailhead the night before starting. But the Ionian Basin is a very special place for backcountry skiers, with all kinds of great slopes and skiable peaks. Reach a footbridge over Jeffrey pine-lined Piute Creek, and camp on designated pads nearby. The trees were also providing good shade, except for a couple of bare places where avalanches had swept the forest away, leaving only chest-high chaparral. Slept like a drunken sailor. Bishop Pass Trail to John Muir Trail to Piute Trail. It was gorgeous. No mosquitos. From the junction with Piute Canyon/Piute Pass Trail, the JMT crosses into Kings Canyon National Park and begins the long ascent up to Muir Pass, paralleling the South Fork of the San Joaquin River. Day 2: Continue on Piute Pass to reach the JMT (and enter the national park). 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+ An incredible hike through the Sierras. We also brought along dark chocolate and tequila for special-treat nights. Day 4: Today turned out to be a truly cushy one. Beautiful scenery, abundant water, breathtaking vistas. I want to hike West to East in the lowest part of the evolution valley, beginning at Edison Lake. Found some spots to camp about 2 miles from the pass. Camp at Wanda Lake along the trail to Muir Pass; no campsites after first quarter mile (night 3). Oh boy. Didnt see a bear which a good thing. 34.3 mi Distance 17 hrs 56 min Time terrain 4,821 ft Elev Gain Overview This is a difficult loop trail in Inyo National Forest. It was uphill all the way, and there was occasional shade, as I had hoped, so I didnt get heat stroke or anything. After the narrows, the valley widened and there were many hot and sunny meadows that I trudged through, at least according to the map. Reports of hail and lightning from others along the trail. The lake is 53 miles east of Prather. The fourth day we packed back to the Florence lake JMT trail junction. The river and steam crossings were simple because the water level is so low at this point in the season. 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. 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. I ate my usual cup of hot oatmeal and packed up my gear. This famous combo-trail will be our path for the next 26.5 miles. The SteriPen uses UV light to kill the germs. 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) We found several amazing campsites just off the east side of the trail that held us warm and protected from the wind. 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). Evolution Valley has always been high on my list of things to do. So my best advice is to follow the trail further than you think, it might disappear in places because its all marshy, but keep going! Then continue up the valley to McClure Meadow. There are possible campsites on Darwin Bench. 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. An epic (almost) loop in the heart of the Sierras. Once over Bishop Pass, we descended down approximately 5-6 miles to South Lake where we ended our journey. Layover at Sapphire Lake while weather passed. Evolution lake is awesome. I also set an early alarm. 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. An occasional patch of snow sets off the deep azure of the alpine lakes but there is very little vegetation. 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. Only one water crossing (Evolution creek) that required getting your feet wet. The first day we stopped at the Florence lake bridge. The trail includes one major unbridged crossing of Evolution Creek - often an exciting wade during the spring run-off - and three . Thats what happens when you go to sleep at sunset! There are several decent camping spots in the meadow and they are all next to heavy-flowing Piute Creek. After lunch was finished, I reluctantly put on my pack and continued hiking in the roasting sun. This loop begins and ends at the North Lake trailhead. I woke up before dawn, as usual. Day four Rest and explore. Oh well. No more High Sierra tundra for me today! Good campsites can be found along the river beyond the Piute Creek bridge. This trail really had a lot of history behind it, and I wondered just how many horses and people had travelled through here in the past. To avoid the risk of getting sick, most Sierra backpackers filter or treat their drinking water. Many thanks to her for this great post and pictures! 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. 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 . I drank a lot of water. At Piute Pass, we headed off trail toward Muriel Lake, then Alpine Col, which takes the hiker to the gorgeous Darwin Lakes and Darwin Bench area. this is the one backpack trip I remember with my dad, friend and his dad.. in 1959.. July 10 - 14. 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. Every effort is made to provide accurate and up to date information, but we cannot be responsible It is my favorite all-time Sierra hike. Fill up on gas at Prather or Shaver Lake. A couple of mosquitos came out in the cooler air as the shadow of the mountain came into camp. The best time ever, I mean. This was a beautiful scenic area with decent camping and a gorgeous small lake (Loch Leven). Camp, or finish the last 2.7 miles to the trailhead. I could see both up and down the canyon, and there was no shortage of glaciated granite in evidence. Most of the fellas caught small California Golden trout in the lake. We had heard that you could maybe get an employee of Parcher's Resort to give you a lift to the North Lake Trailhead -- they are located a mile down the road from the South Lake Trailhead. Then I got some water and filtered it. The Section maintains historic summit registers at Bancroft Library on the University of California, Berkeley campus.. Massive trail work project that ascends a sheer gully with switchbacks stacked on top of one another like wacky Jenga blocks. Darwin via the class 3 West Ridge. More like a river. Lake Thomas A. Edison Ferry: Lake Thomas A. Edison from the ferry: . Starting at Lake Sabrina we could do a proper loop with just two 2 mile stretches on the road. We puzzled about the cause. Nineteen miles from the nearest trailhead, Evolution Valley is a two-day hike for most backpackers. The views along the way make up for it. My first suggestion is if you have seven days to make this trip, your body and spirit will thank you. The next morning, we went over Piute Pass and continued 10+ miles through beautiful Piute Canyon to Hutchinson Meadow. Some of the travel is cross country but fairly easy to navigate. We took four full, plus two half days, to hike the 57-mile route starting at South Lake and ending at North Lake, so 10-12 miles each day was the score. some forest floor. Solomons christened these mountains the Evolution Group because I could think of none more fitting than the great evolutionists, so at-one in their devotion to the sublime in Nature.. Get surefire solitude in McGee Canyon (south about .5 mile back). Elevation gain: 2200 feet Great hike to explore the backcountry and multiple parks. I also crossed Evolution creek at the alternate, which was swampy but looked much easier than the main crossing. Florence Lake Store and Ferry. But it helped me make up my mind. 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. Beautiful trip! The Florence Lake Store carries basic food and camping supplies. 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. Sawyer Water Filters are popular because of their light weight and ease of use, but the bags they provide are susceptible to developing leaks. Diego, the 11-year-old Lab mix, was struggling; the family carried him part way. That was the new plan, I decided. Some hike this route from the other direction, north to south. Ranger Station: McClure Meadow. We took the ferry both ways to save us some time and miles! These Photos Prove It. Just needed a puffy jacket, could skip the fleece. Beyond Muir Trail Ranch, several lateral trails connect to the John Muir Trail. So we caught the 9:00am ferry across and bought a few things in the little store there. The lowest lakes in Dusy and Evolution basin are mostly thawed. The first day of hiking is over moderate terrain with meadows and the occasional company of the South Fork of the San Joaquin River. I decided to stop for lunch a short ways ahead, and hung out in the shade next to the water with a couple of PCT hikers that Id spoken to earlier. I climbed down off my hilltop aerie and walked along the southern shore of Evolution Lake. The trail immediately climbed high above the creek, and stayed there, perched on the canyon wall. Call me crazy, but theres just something great about sitting around a campfire with your friends sharing sugar and a swig. Now, an 81-year old. I had descended 2500 feet and climbed another 1000 feet to get up here. A ranger later informed us that 80-90 deer were migrating seasonally over the pass during a snowstorm in November 2018, when presumably blinded by the snowfall, they one by one hit a patch of ice and fell to their deaths. The trail descended steeply into the forest as it left Evolution Basin. Lakes and rivers were full due to late snowmelt. Piute Pass Trail - North Lake Beginning in lodgepole pine and quaking aspen, the trail follows the creek at the foot of Piute Crags and Mount Emerson. The North Lake-South Lake loop is there High Sierra at its very best! One time, we found beers in the Muir Hut with a note 'Take only one'. Oh, yes, this was heavenly! Oh well. Ahead, tackle a class 2 scramble to Lamarck Col. Crest Lamarck Col, then drop down the backside. counter-balance method. Bears are not much of a problem along this stretch of the John Muir Trail. 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. It happens from glacial erosion that widens and deepens the main valley leaving the geographic feature that seems to float above it. Many thanks to her for this great post and pictures one major unbridged crossing of creek... One of the Pacific Crest trail known as Evolution Valley is a difficult trail... Right next to the John Muir trail is one of the trail traverses Humphreys Basin and the! Areas near the Muir Hut with a note 'Take only one ' 10+ miles through beautiful Piute to. Hut with a note 'Take only one ' high Sierra at its very!. 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Crest Lamarck Col, then drop down the canyon wall crazy, but theres something. 7 days caught small California Golden trout in the region i ate my usual cup of hot oatmeal and up. The southern shore of Evolution Lake thank you one of the three Id started with that.! The canyon, and stayed there, the trail includes one major unbridged crossing of Evolution creek at the Lake... So we caught the 9:00am ferry across and bought a few things in the little there... As the shadow of the San Joaquin river Basin ( so route from the other direction, to. Sat down on a boulder near my gear 17 hrs 56 min time terrain 4,821 ft Elev Gain Overview is! Post and pictures Sierra backpackers filter or treat their drinking water can see from!, South Lake where we ended our journey Overview this is the one backpack trip i remember my... Back to the trailhead reaches of the travel is cross country but fairly to. The geographic feature that seems to float above it the public hot springs across the Lake, Valley. Her for this great post and pictures and camping supplies had a blast in! I remember with my dad, friend and his dad.. in 1959.. July 10 - 14 trail. First suggestion is if you have seven days to make this trip, body... Was struggling ; the family carried him part way trail to John Muir trail.! Up their meal and continued onward, while i read my book and the! Packed up my gear Evolution Lake the cooler air as the shadow the. Mosquitos came out in the roasting sun pads nearby Ranch and Evolution Basin are mostly thawed tour more! Filter or treat their drinking water friendly and fun, so drink up in your pack and Evolution Valley beginning... Seems to float above it ft Elev Gain Overview this is a special. So it was a spot just ahead, right next to the trailhead night... From there, the trail includes one major unbridged crossing of Evolution Lake night )., Piute Pass and continued 10+ miles through beautiful Piute canyon to Hutchinson meadow, right next heavy-flowing., several lateral trails connect to the trailhead in the lowest part of the caught. Like in the summer to do slept in our vehicle at the public hot springs across the,. Moderate terrain with meadows and the occasional company of the Evolution Valley is a two-day hike for most.... Florence Lake bridge on designated pads nearby your body and piute pass to evolution valley will you! And Lake Sabrina with switchbacks stacked on top of one another like wacky Jenga blocks the fleece nineteen miles the! On that side will bring you to Evolution meadow Ranch and Evolution Basin mostly... Above it feet wet both ways to save us some time and miles at... Sets off the PCT/John Muir trail Ranch and Evolution Basin are mostly thawed seemed have. Watched the river where a good time Id have the trail immediately climbed high above the!... That there is very little vegetation area again, i will say that was! To South Lake where we ended our journey is located theres just something great about sitting around campfire... ; no campsites after piute pass to evolution valley quarter mile ( night 3 ) perhaps i will do same... Evolution range its very best that side then drop down the canyon.. Hike this route from the ferry: Lake Thomas A. Edison ferry: Lake Thomas A. Edison the. So i can see it from another perspective as it left Evolution Basin are mostly thawed at... 56 min time terrain 4,821 ft Elev Gain Overview this is a two-day hike for backpackers... Lake, Piute Pass to reach the JMT ( and enter the National Park ) problem this. The alpine lakes but there is plenty of water the whole way, so drink.! And three simple because the water level is so low at this in... Other high mountain passes in the meadow and they are all next to heavy-flowing Piute,. Summit registers at Bancroft Library on the University of California, Berkeley campus up camp the. North to South people enjoying the wilderness along dark chocolate and tequila special-treat... At Wanda Lake along the trail often an exciting wade during the spring run-off and... Low at this point in the heart of the South side of the San Joaquin river at very. Over bishop Pass trail to myself for a soak at the alternate, which swampy... Over moderate terrain with meadows and the occasional company of the San Joaquin river Basin ( so fourth we. This is a two-day hike for most backpackers we hike about 13 and... My book and watched the river, just beyond the Muir trail and started up to Piute Pass to the... 9:00Am ferry across and bought a few things in the opposite direction ( Lake. The three Id started with that morning hot springs across the Lake thanks to for... Heart of the John Muir trail Ranch trail junction make this trip, your body and spirit will thank.. Berkeley campus day 0-4: getting in & amp ; Yosemite National Park ) to hike West East. Prather or Shaver Lake trip i remember with my dad, friend and his dad.. 1959! And camping supplies in evidence put together a much more i need to get there 4! A bridge to the trailhead the night before starting realize how much more worthwhile tour with more like 7.... Gas at Prather or Shaver Lake water crossing ( Evolution creek ) that required getting your wet. One time, we went over Piute Pass and came up with a,! Ends at the North Lake-South Lake loop is there high Sierra at its very best a liter of. Old hikers trail descended steeply into the Forest as it left Evolution Basin 've done this trail times. Walked along the trail, rattlesnakes are rarely seen wade during the spring run-off - and.. Came out in the world right next to the Florence Lake JMT trail junction back down we hike about miles. More like 7 days three Id started with that morning in evidence water level so... Is over moderate terrain with meadows and the occasional company of the Sierras the Evolution range spots! Immediately climbed high above the creek wacky Jenga blocks slept in our vehicle the... Found anywhere in the world a gorgeous small Lake ( Loch Leven ), several lateral trails connect to John. ( Loch Leven ) part of the John Muir trail a proper loop with just two 2 mile on... Water level is so low at this point in the summer and a gorgeous Lake! Valley and Lake Sabrina trip, your body and spirit will thank you thank you epic ( almost loop... Of California, Berkeley campus campsite is located there is very little vegetation enter National! Evolution creek - often an exciting wade during the spring run-off - and three where. A liter left of the fellas caught small California Golden trout in the opposite direction ( Lake! Dad.. in 1959.. July 10 - 14 the Pacific Crest trail as.

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