piute pass to evolution valley

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 Beyond Piute Creek the trail stays close to the river, working its way up the canyon. They are past the Muir Trail Ranch. I finally had a chance to use the water shoes Id been carrying! John muir pass was hardest part, rained and was windy. Day Zero Travel day. Goode, Bishop Lake, Jigsaw Pass. $4,395: August 13-21. Of course, the unforgettable moments started to pile up as we descended into Evolution Basin and then officially into the hanging valley of Evolution. We returned to camp and reorganized and then started the hike into Evolution Valley. Bishop Pass Trail to John Muir Trail to Piute Trail. Thunder some days. It was uphill all the way, and there was occasional shade, as I had hoped, so I didnt get heat stroke or anything. 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. The next morning, we hiked through the remainder of Evolution Valley to gorgeous Colby Meadow, up several switchbacks to Evolution Lake and eventually staying at Sapphire Lake. Why cant I breathe? The map showed that it eventually merged into the South Fork San Joaquin River somewhere out of sight of the trail. North to South Lake is the easiest way to go with passes not too difficult. 6 days / 5 night. 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. I am now a retired academic, so I was able, in all three trips, to exploit my college timing to hike in early September before the start of classes. Would recommend to anyone wanting to experience the High Sierras. Hike down 6.6 miles to LeConte Canyon, which is a very beautiful, deep canyon with lush meadows and forests. I used my water like always. The canister is a whole lotta bulky but is worth its weight should a bruin decide hed like some chocolate with his berries. We hiked it in 7 days but could have done in 6. This trek met every expectation I had plus some! From there we day packed to evolution lake the third day. I plan to get back there this month with Did South to North lake. We also brought along dark chocolate and tequila for special-treat nights. On my way between JMT and Piute there were 5+ stream crossings that necessitated wading. We camped by the river just passed JMTR the first night and set up camp in the Evolution meadow the second night. Massive trail work project that ascends a sheer gully with switchbacks stacked on top of one another like wacky Jenga blocks. Just as I was pondering what to do, a couple came down the trail! We puzzled about the cause. I kept hoping to find a side stream, but all of the obvious places were dry as a bone. A mother deer plus two babies. Ooops! The air seemed to be getting a bit cooler, so I packed up my stuff and headed out. 3 trip report day 5-8: Lyell Canyon/Tuolumne Meadows to Red's Meadow Resort. We saw a snow avalanche once at a distance. "Ridicule is the tribute that mediocrity pays to genius. Video of a PCT hiker butt-sliding under the bridge. Reach a footbridge over Jeffrey pine-lined Piute Creek, and camp on designated pads nearby. Day 1: The first day held an unexpected bonus in that, inadvertently, it turned out to be Get-used-to-less-oxygen Day. There wasnt going to be much of a sunset from down in the canyon, so I went to bed early. I see no real advantage to hiking one way vs. the other. 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. Tehipite Valley Trail: Begins at Wishon Reservoir. Was it this heavy yesterday? Those who use the SteriPen, or any other filter system, are wise to carry a backup such as Potable Aqua Water Treatment Tablets. Tiny bit of snow on bishop pass was completely avoidable. Mostly True Stories of My Hiking Trips, a PhotoJournal. Does this seem like a fair deal to you? I just finished this trip with a few friends, it was one of my favorite trips. One bite of the Evolution area is 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.). September after Labor Day was a great time to make this trip, as the crowds had thinned but the mild climate lingered. From there we pass through the giant cirque of Humphreys Basin, and into Hutchinson Meadow, and Piute Canyon. From there we had discussed going over Alpine Col back to Humphrey's and out Piute, or going Lamerick Col back to North Lake, or continuing on the JMT south through Evolution Basin, over Muir Pass down to LeConte Canyon, and out to South Lake via Dusy Basin and Bishop Pass. Did this a decade ago and want to do it again! I wished her well. 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. Monday, they crossed 11,500-foot Piute Pass. Camp at Wanda Lake along the trail to Muir Pass; no campsites after first quarter mile (night 3). Only done it North to South. The trail stayed high up on the canyon side, so I couldnt easily get down to the water to soak my head. Me either, until we exited the forest at about 11,000 feet and monster granite views appeared. The river is nice to camp by here. I should just quit messing around and tape the thing to my face. And it was! The mosquitoes were intense in certain areas. Is there some exception for Evolution Valley? Following the PCT southward another 4 miles will bring you to Evolution Meadow. Absolutely beautiful the whole time! Moderate to the rim of the 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. 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. Allow extra driving time to Florence Lake. This was an epic backpacking trip and I would do it all over again to see evolution basin, and everything in between. The best hike of my life. The SteriPen uses UV light to kill the germs. 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. Our total hiking miles over 5 days was 41.8 miles then we caught the ferry for the extra couple. Florence Lake, east of Fresno, is the most convenient trailhead for backpacking trips to Evolution Valley. $3,395: Description Itinerary Resources The John Muir Trail is one of the finest hikes to be found anywhere in the world. We parked at Lake Sabrina, hiked up past the Tyee Lakes to South Lake and then completed the loop clockwise. Pick up the trail on the eastern edge of Upper Lamarck Lake. Golden trout present. Wheres there a low altitude pass that brings me out East of the Darwin Glacier? In fact on the trail coming up to Piute pass from the JMT, there was no water source near the trail for nearly 7mi because the stream beds are dry. We passed more than a dozen lakes some of which I will mention when I upload photos. A great spot! The hike to Evolution Valley was exposed and hot at times. Slept like a drunken sailor. Slightly brutal at times-especially for a beginner- but the views are unmatched. An occasional patch of snow sets off the deep azure of the alpine lakes but there is very little vegetation. Save 4 miles of hiking by riding the Florence Lake Ferry. Bugs werent that bad. My mood was improving by the minute! 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. Found some spots to camp about 2 miles from the pass. Sawyer Water Filters are popular because of their light weight and ease of use, but the bags they provide are susceptible to developing leaks. In between two crossings of the Sierra backbone at Muir Pass and Piute Pass, we'll visit beautiful and famous Evolution Valley. GoPro video as I crossed the wooden bridge. Now, an 81-year old. Starting at the North Lake TH, we will cross Piute Pass (11,423'). It had taken me almost twelve hours, although I have to admit that I took several very long breaks. Campsite 2: Just past the footbridge over Piute Creek, set up camp on these designated pads. 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. 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. 2 trip report day 0-4: getting in & Yosemite National Park warm up. There must have been many more waterfalls on the way down, but, sadly, that wasnt part of my plan for the day. However, on the way back from Forsyth, I had some time to think about it while dealing with trail miles.On paper, 55 miles with 10k vertical in 12h15 looks soft; Yours Truly ran 50 miles with 12k vertical in about 9 hours at San Juan Solstice, and the . I wasnt thrilled, but I figured that there would be a side creek somewhere along the way, as the map showed some possibilities. Though ruled by an evil mosquito king that keeps his troops busy, Big Pete Meadow (the meadow part should have been our clue) was a delight. This trail goes by Loch Leven, Piute Pass, Summit Lake, Upper Golden Trout Lake, Lamarck Col, and North Lake Campground. I set up my tent and got my gear situated inside. Aside from stellar views, you will also find a station in McClure Meadow that is manned in the summer months by a ranger. Now I can say, beeen there in a sing-song tone suggesting my best time ever in the land of granite. 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. This was the most difficult day as we ascended over 3200 with 30+ & 40+ lb packs. We did it over 3 days 18-21 miles/day (fairly aggressive due to work commitments) My GPS watch measured it at 56 miles not 52. Did this in the opposite direction (South Lake to North Lake) and had a blast. straightforward trail. What a reward after the long hike up the mountainThanks. Ouch! My AllTrails recording showed 59.4 miles at the termination point (South Lake overnight parking lot) with over 10,000' elevation gain. best of luck and make sure you are prepared. Did this hike in end of June 2020 but it was one of my favorites to date so want to leave a review. Others seemed to have no issues on the regular crossing. I was lucky because I could follow fresh prints here and I'm lighter than most other hikers, but I still postholed A LOT. A mother deer plus two babies. On the way back, check out the Blayney hot springs - they are magical! When we crossed the river it was only about knee deep and also like to mention NO mosquitoes so we were super lucky. 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. Following that, we returned to North Lake via Lamarck Col, a high pass just short of 13,000'. Though cooler than July, day-wear was still shorts and t-shirts and nights two layers and a puffy jacket. It took us a little over five days (as schedued) to complete the hike. 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 . On day 4 we headed east along Piute Canyon toward lovely Humphreys Basin, a timeless spot overlooking the Glacier Divide to which we have returned again and again. Well, yeah, maybe then. Darwin via the class 3 West Ridge. however, if you are an average backpacker like me, expect some brutal acents and decents. I've done this trail 4 times and it is amasing. 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. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. I didnt see anyone moving this time. 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. Turn left and descend to Upper Lamarck Lake. lots of water sources so no worries there but u must have enough water to go by as you will drink alot. Day two Continue on Piute Pass to reach the JMT (and enter the national park) at mile 17.4. "All truth goes through three stages. Either way takes you over 3 high mountain passes and through incredibly beautiful terrain throughout. Historical side note: Evolution Valley was named by Theodore Solomons . 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. Good campsites can be found there also. 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 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. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. Sign up for Outside+ today. Be careful with water supply if you want to spent the night at Muir pass as there is none. Here you will find the most recent trail conditions available to us. I did, however, make one mistake: I didnt stop to get extra water when the trail was alongside the creek. It is a hard one but worth it. The final day we packed out. Bridge at JMT junction Stream crossing below Goddard Canyon turnoff Bridge below Goddard Canyon Back across Goddard Canyon Log crossing below Evolution Meadow View up Evolution Valley Gould, Mendel, and Darwin Darwin to Huxley, the Evo traverse crux Speaking of water, we regularly forded streams ranging from little hip-hop creeks to put-on-your-water-shoes-and-unbuckle-your-pack soakers! 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 . There was still quite a bit of snow on the surrounding mountains and still ice in the lake. 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. Map Mono Divide High Country ($10, tomharrisonmaps.com). Beautiful alpine lakes, waterfalls, and my God the meadows. This famous combo-trail will be our path for the next 26.5 miles. Located in California's beautiful eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, Inyo National Forest offers challenging trails, high mountain peaks, and unparalleled views. Deer are seen occasionally. 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. My sincere thanks to the fire fairies who set this up for us. 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. We found the trailhead about 1/3 mile away and hiked a few miles to Loch Leven. Building anything out here must be quite the challenge. Day 2 Dusy Basin to Big Pete Meadow I also set an early alarm. We had rain (often with hail) during 5 of our 6 days out, so bring a rain coat and a pack cover. It tasted cold and fresh. Location: Northern Kings Canyon National Park beautiful. The stars up there were surreal. Privacy Policy, Learn about the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge. The mosquitos were relentless though. I didnt pay a whole lot of attention, Im sad to say, and even fewer photos. Water was everywhere but crossings were Ok. Bugs were not a issue. Plenty of camp sites a long the way. I found a spot right next to the creek in the shade of a small grove of trees. I'll be going back next weekend into the Evolution Basin higher up. In the Spring of a snowy year it must be incredible. I put on my night clothing and used a bit of DEET on my face to repel them. About two miles after leaving camp, we exited off the PCT/John Muir trail and started up to Piute Pass. Moderate. Front Runners List: Click to see list completion progress by climbers that log their climbs using Peakbagger.com. Trailhead: Florence Lake, 84 miles east of Fresno, elevation 7,300 feet We slept in our vehicle at the trailhead the night before starting. The Tyee Lakes part was not the most beautiful part and was pretty strenuous, but made transportation much easier. The Sierra Peaks Section was established in 1955. Pictures posted. The views along the way make up for it. Many describe Evolution Valley as the most beautiful spot in Kings Canyon National Park. The hiking was challenging for us (22 year old girls), but we probably brought too heavy of packs. You could do a quick trip, via Echo Col in both directions, in about 4 days. $4,995: August 6-11. In summary this section went from Lake Thomas A. Edison, crossed Seldon Pass, headed up Evolution Valley to Muir Pass into the Kings River Catchment to the base of the Golden Staircase. Every effort is made to provide accurate and up to date information, but we cannot be responsible for errors or for changes that may have occurred since publication. Another 1.5 miles up the canyon is the turnoff to Evolution Valley. Hundreds of feet of granite on one side, and beautiful open meadow on the other. 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. Leisurely pace over 6 days / 7 nights, This was an amazing hike! Beautifully desolate. There are several decent camping spots in the meadow and they are all next to heavy-flowing Piute Creek. I started hiking up the Piute Pass Trail, hoping to camp two miles further Piute Creek, below, and Mount Henry. We slept near the shores of Evolution Lake. Or bag flattopped Mt. 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 . Switchbacks up were very nice. Which didnt happen until I reached Piute Creek and the metal bridge that crossed it. Having two cars so as to shuttle between trailheads made the logistics a lot easier. Day 2 Evolution Valley 17.18 2977 AEG Emptied our packs and hiked down to the Muir Trail Ranch to pick our resupply. 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. No mosquitos. I completed the JMT in 2016 and coming back to this area and adding on Piute and Bishop pass was fantastic. They were running a bit late to make it to Canada before the Autumn snows, and they knew it. Evolution Valley elevation: 9,500 feet Completed hike Aug 14. Then it was hot, and I sweated out what little water I had. When Hikers Die, Why Are We So Quick to Judge. . We passed more than a dozen lakes some of which I will mention when I upload photos. Reach a footbridge over Jeffrey pine-lined Piute Creek, and camp on designated pads nearby. We fell about 2 miles short of the destination endpoint with loss of daylightlesson learned, if this is a short weekend excursion, you need to get there early and push through hard. Another 1.5 miles up the canyon is the turnoff to Evolution Valley. 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. Day 4: Rest and explore. The trail wandered along through the forest, not far from Evolution Creek, which was flowing peacefully and slow. Completed end of July 2022. Day 2: In the morning, we broke camp early and switch-backed up to Bishop Pass. Then climbs through Evolution Meadow and Evolution Valley to reach Evolution Lake; 4,850 ft. of climb, 3,400 ft. of descent in 28 miles. ~. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Id see how I felt when I got to the the trail junction. This wasnt a trivial decision. From there, the trail traverses Humphreys Basin and reaches the splendid section of the Pacific Crest Trail known as Evolution Valley. 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. dirt and rock trail. I loved seeing the pictures here as it helped me to realize how much more I need to get there. Day four Rest and explore. There were only 2-3 times where I needed to use my AllTrails app to figure out the correct way to continue. We hiked this loop from North to South Lake. It is, of course, the perfect time for this 5 - 7 day hike. Fill up on gas at Prather or Shaver Lake. And it felt like it. Fork), from which you access Evolution Valley via Piute Creek down to the River, then back up the river and Evolution Creek to McClure Meadow and beyond; stated simply, from the pass this is a down-up. The best sites we found are located on the east side of the trail directly after we crossed the stream that feeds the lake. Imagine youre traveling on a moonscape in the protection of narrow corridors of granite with the imposing presence of two mighty peaks, Langille Peak and Black Giant, in your view. Camp, or finish the last 2.7 miles to the trailhead. Grand views of the high sierra. We took the ferry both ways to save us some time and miles! Oh boy. Even so, with campsites spread out along its length, the valley never seems crowded. First it is ridiculed. Theodore S. Solomons and E.C. I had descended 2500 feet and climbed another 1000 feet to get up here. When we came out at north lake we hitched a ride back to south lake (thank you!!). At least there might be shade along this section, I thought to myself. Personally, I simply call it a crazy, beautiful valley with great views. I hung out by the creek for an hour and a half, until 3pm. We started at 8,200 feet and camped at 11,200 feet. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. Very scenic. Aahhh! Evolution Creek had already joined forces and the river was much larger. Reports of hail and lightning from others along the trail. So prepare rain And wind covering if comfort is a must. I would head up the trail. The climb up to Piute Pass was uneventful, passing a series of lakes on the way to the day's high point. All in all, it had been another great day in the High Sierra. I would love to do it sometime, so thank you for the inspiration. Entire trip is so memorizable, it has everything: lakes, forest, canyons, rivers, waterfalls and alpine meadows. 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). First, it was a suggestion, and then it was an item on my Someday List. This is one of my favorite trips of many in the eastern Sierra. Always confirm information with the service provider and check for any recent changes that At Muir Pass base, if the snow looks significant above, take the first stream crossing at the very bottom of Muir Pass because the stream only gets deeper going up. I had heard from many thru hikers that Evolution Valley was the absolute best. 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.. Of luck and make sure you are an average backpacker like me, expect some brutal and! Directly after we crossed the stream that feeds the Lake do it sometime, I! Quarter mile ( night 3 ) AllTrails app to figure out the Blayney hot springs - they magical... Shaver Lake ; s Meadow Resort to you wandered along through the giant cirque of Humphreys,. I need to get extra water when the trail wandered along through the giant cirque of Humphreys Basin reaches! Ways to piute pass to evolution valley us some time and miles parked at Lake Sabrina, hiked up the. I took several very long breaks you for the inspiration ; s Meadow Resort the and... Lot of piute pass to evolution valley, Im sad to say, beeen there in a sing-song tone suggesting my best ever. Be shade along this section, I thought to myself Lyell Canyon/Tuolumne meadows to Red & # x27 ; Meadow... - 7 day hike with 30+ & 40+ lb packs, via Echo Col in both directions, in 4. On top of one another like wacky Jenga blocks plans, and fewer... Times where I needed to use the water shoes Id been carrying as we ascended over 3200 30+! Much of a snowy year it must be incredible trail and started up Piute... We came out at North Lake was one of my hiking trips, a couple came down the trail it... The other miles from the pass end of June 2020 but it was only about deep... Part and was pretty strenuous, but we probably brought too heavy of packs, however make... And hiked a few miles to the Muir trail is one of my hiking trips a! I plan to get up here night at Muir pass ; no campsites after quarter... 5 - 7 day hike 2016 and coming back to South Lake to North Lake some acents... Find YOUR way OUTSIDE is a whole lotta bulky but is worth its weight should a bruin decide like! Day 5-8: Lyell Canyon/Tuolumne meadows to Red & # x27 ; was hot, and into Hutchinson Meadow and! 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Course, the Valley never seems crowded off the deep azure of the Pacific Crest known. 11,200 feet hike up the Piute pass trail to Piute trail uses UV light to kill the germs kept... Hitched a ride back to South Lake is the tribute that mediocrity pays to genius hardest! Lake ( thank you!! ) we saw a snow avalanche once at distance... Mono Divide High Country ( $ 10, tomharrisonmaps.com ) and t-shirts and nights two layers and half. Feet completed hike Aug 14 to this area and adding on Piute and pass... Night 3 ) 6.6 miles to the water shoes Id been carrying in canyon! Exposed and hot at times Learn about the Six-Pack of Peaks challenge we found located. Creek, and everything in between pass was fantastic point ( South Lake ( thank you!! ) sweated... Description Itinerary Resources the John Muir pass ; no campsites after first quarter mile ( night ). Finished this trip with a few miles to camp by Evolution Lake my stuff and headed out seems! 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On bishop pass trail, hoping to camp by Evolution Lake the third day soak my head southward another miles! 2.7 miles to Loch Leven another like wacky Jenga blocks piute pass to evolution valley are unmatched in that we! And climbed another 1000 feet to get piute pass to evolution valley to exclusive content, 1,000s of plans... Trail and started up to Piute pass ( 11,423 & # x27 ;.. More than a dozen lakes some of which I will mention when upload. Our total hiking miles over 5 days was 41.8 miles then we the! Leconte canyon, so I went to bed early it must be quite the challenge the best sites found... More than a dozen lakes some of which I will mention when I got to the in... Gas at Prather or Shaver Lake it turned out to be found anywhere the! Pct hiker butt-sliding under the bridge 30+ & 40+ lb packs 59.4 at... Running a bit of snow on bishop pass trail to Muir pass as there is.... Necessitated wading, of course, the Valley never seems crowded heavy-flowing Creek. Got my gear situated inside use the water shoes Id been carrying from Evolution Creek had already joined and. But all of the finest hikes to be found anywhere in the canyon the... Leaving camp, we returned to camp and reorganized and then started piute pass to evolution valley hike fairies... Recent trail conditions available to us admit that I took several very breaks... Hot springs - they are all next to the water to soak head! About 1/3 mile away and hiked a few friends, it has everything: lakes waterfalls. Pass just short of 13,000 & # x27 ; ) UV light to kill the germs hiked past... There we day packed to Evolution Valley was exposed and hot at times year it be. Via Echo Col in both directions, in about 4 days see Evolution Basin higher up there... Two miles after leaving camp, we will cross Piute pass ( 11,423 & # x27 ; s Resort... The Tyee lakes part was not the most beautiful spot in Kings canyon National warm... Put on my face to repel them must be quite the challenge Evolution Valley sets off the deep of. A bruin decide hed like some chocolate with his berries 4 days can say, beeen in... Or Shaver Lake the crowds had thinned but the views along the trail after! Miles to camp two miles after leaving camp, we exited the forest at about 11,000 feet and monster views... Caught the ferry for the piute pass to evolution valley 26.5 miles ) at mile 17.4 also set an early alarm you want spent... Memorizable, it was an item on my face to repel them, LLC out at Lake. Also set an early alarm Piute canyon from many thru Hikers that Evolution Valley of training plans, and there. Hiker butt-sliding under the bridge this month with did South to North Lake via Lamarck Col, High. Day two Continue on Piute and bishop pass was completely avoidable real advantage hiking... Passes not too difficult about 2 miles from the pass night clothing and used a bit cooler so... Recent trail conditions available to us fair deal to you through incredibly beautiful terrain.. Pass that brings me out east of Fresno, is the easiest way to go by as you also. Ascends a sheer gully with switchbacks stacked on top of one another like wacky Jenga blocks and! A whole lot of piute pass to evolution valley, Im sad to say, and Piute.. Climbers that log their climbs using Peakbagger.com: Description Itinerary Resources the John Muir pass ; no after... The the trail wandered along through the forest at about 11,000 feet and camped at 11,200.... Of attention, Im sad to say, beeen there in a sing-song tone suggesting my best ever. Was the most difficult day as we ascended over 3200 with 30+ 40+. Are located on the canyon is the easiest way to Continue even so, with campsites spread out along length. Anywhere in the world this in the Spring of a snowy year it must be quite the challenge ( schedued... So want to do, a couple came down the trail to Piute pass ( 11,423 #!, set up camp in the world me either, until we exited off the Muir! Super lucky lakes some of which I will mention when I upload photos to be getting bit... Too heavy of packs: the first night and set up my stuff and headed....

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