piute pass to evolution valley

Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack. I recommend taking the ferry to avoid the lake hike; the view doesn't much change, and there's a lot of clutter around the lake campsites that take away from it. 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. No rain. Also a ton of mosquitos. The trail condition is great, although it get pretty rocky around Muir Pass. 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. Me either, until we exited the forest at about 11,000 feet and monster granite views appeared. But it helped me make up my mind. Thousands upon thousands of happy people enjoying the wilderness. The Guthook PCT app on my phone showed most of the camping spots along the main trail, but it didnt show any of them on the trail I was about to take. The North Lake-South Lake loop is there High Sierra at its very best! 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. Dirt roads which connect to the Muir Trail Ranch overlap the trail in places. 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. Since we stopped for lunch here and the lake has no name I guess Ill call it Lunch 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. The hike to Evolution Valley was exposed and hot at times. It was a very long day. Did this a decade ago and want to do it again! Great hike to explore the backcountry and multiple parks. I found a spot right next to the creek in the shade of a small grove of trees. The canister is a whole lotta bulky but is worth its weight should a bruin decide hed like some chocolate with his berries. I hiked along this stretch of river for almost three miles, and sweated profusely the entire time. About two miles after leaving camp, we exited off the PCT/John Muir trail and started up to Piute Pass. We parked at Lake Sabrina, hiked up past the Tyee Lakes to South Lake and then completed the loop clockwise. Man, people pay big money to dine with this kind of view and here we were, having only paid the price of sore backsides. This is an excellent report on a great hiking trip. 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. The Bishop Group is accessible from the South Lake Trailhead, either to Treasure Lakes, or Bishop Pass. No more High Sierra tundra for me today! 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. Completed end of July 2022. The ferry is worth it if its running. There's no reason to hurry -- it's such awesome, varied country. I finally had a chance to use the water shoes Id been carrying! 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). Deer are seen occasionally. 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). Then got up and hiked to the ferry to see if it was running and what do you know it was! They are past the Muir Trail Ranch. 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. Would recommend to anyone wanting to experience the High Sierras. It follows the south fork of the San Joaquin and Evolution Creek nearly all the way. Id see how I felt when I got to the the trail junction. The best hike of my life. omg. Entire trip is so memorizable, it has everything: lakes, forest, canyons, rivers, waterfalls and alpine meadows. 1993 . 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. 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. This is one of my favorite trips of many in the eastern Sierra. 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. As I hiked along, I met several PCT Through-Hikers heading north. 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. Read more + Piute Creek to Evolution Creek, 3.5 miles Beyond Piute Creek the trail stays close to the river, working its way up the canyon. We passed more than a dozen lakes some of which I will mention when I upload photos. I was down at 8400 feet elevation, with little to no breeze, and it was roasting! No water issues at all--everything is flowing well. Maybe not bathing for three days has its advantages. On most mornings, breakfast included instant oatmeal or granola, with protein powder and raisins. This was a beautiful scenic area with decent camping and a gorgeous small lake (Loch Leven). 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. Those who use the SteriPen, or any other filter system, are wise to carry a backup such as Potable Aqua Water Treatment Tablets. Evolution Lake has lots of excellent campsites. Oh well. This wasnt a trivial decision. 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. A free permit is required which you can reserve ahead of time or pick up after 8:00 a.m. at the White Mountain Ranger Station in Bishop, California. Note: Bishop Pass hikers will encounter dozens deer skeletons on the steep slope below Bishop Pass. Hours may vary with the seasons, so check out their website or call (760) 873-2500. We did it over 4d/3n (south lake to le conte, le conte to sapphire lake, sapphire lake to the junction with Piute pass trail, and then out to north lake on the last day). Campsite 4: Darwin Canyon. I was lucky because I could follow fresh prints here and I'm lighter than most other hikers, but I still postholed A LOT. I was definitely overheating, and simply wanted to take a long rest. Slept like a drunken sailor. It was also one of the last areas explored by early park pioneers. A couple of mosquitos came out in the cooler air as the shadow of the mountain came into camp. 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. 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 may have been made. For our route we car-shuttled, leaving one car at the North Lake parking lot and another at South Lake for our start. Erika, the alpine pond photograph posted next to the Day 2 text is stunning. It all worked out in the end, however. 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 . Finally, two ladies told me that there was a spot just ahead, right next to the creek! The total distance to Evolution Lake is about 10 miles. 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. 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! The metal bridge over Piute Creek marks the border between Kings Canyon National Park and the John Muir Wilderness. $4,395: August 13-21. 5.1 trip report. Ooops! I loved seeing the pictures here as it helped me to realize how much more I need to get there. That was about 8 miles, we had wanted to camp at the meadow but was beat so made camp a couple miles sooner. Hundreds of feet of granite on one side, and beautiful open meadow on the other. My [growing] Collection of Top Utah Hiking Trails, Five ways to make enemies at a public campground, Seeking Powder Hounds: Heli-Skiing the Northwest. Oh boy. Day 4: Rest and explore. 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. Ouch! Only one water crossing (Evolution creek) that required getting your feet wet. Day four Rest and explore. Video of a PCT hiker butt-sliding under the bridge. Maybe if I was lucky there would be a breeze. Crest Piute Pass, then drop down toward Summit Lake. 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 . Maybe if I waited a bit the sun would be at a lower angle as I headed north, so that the trees would have longer shadows for me to rest in. All in all, it had been another great day in the High Sierra. This is a popular trailhead for approaching the Palisades. She was seriously considering it. 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. There are several decent camping spots in the meadow and they are all next to heavy-flowing Piute Creek. 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. 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. The SteriPen Adventurer has become popular because it is more reliable than earlier models. 4 days 3 nights 2 passes had a great time. We did 7 nights, 8 days with our first and last days being half days. I climbed down off my hilltop aerie and walked along the southern shore of Evolution Lake. There was still quite a bit of snow on the surrounding mountains and still ice in the lake. Located in California's beautiful eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, Inyo National Forest offers challenging trails, high mountain peaks, and unparalleled views. 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. It was only 1:30pm, and I had a decision to make: Was I going to camp near here (where the large, aggressive bear might be prowling) or was I going to continue hiking on the Piute Pass Trail, uphill for miles in this roasting heat? This is a beautiful post. I see no real advantage to hiking one way vs. the other. Piute Creek You then head south on the JMT, along the river until you reach the junction with the Goddard Canyon Trail. Hi, Jeff; Thank you for your compliment of my photo. Conditions are continuously changing and wilderness hikers need to plan for inclement weather. Evolution Creek had already joined forces and the river was much larger. Day 4: Today turned out to be a truly cushy one. P. i. psammophilus is known from the Salinas Valley and may be a synonym of P. i. neglectus (Best 1993; Williams et al. Historical side note: Evolution Valley was named by Theodore Solomons . But the Reader Leader contest was all it took to get me planning again. I woke up before dawn, as usual. 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. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. September after Labor Day was a great time to make this trip, as the crowds had thinned but the mild climate lingered. Very nice hike, lots of scenery. In the Spring of a snowy year it must be incredible. I hung out by the creek for an hour and a half, until 3pm. This famous combo-trail will be our path for the next 26.5 miles. North Lake to Hutchinson Meadow is very straightforward. Cottonwood to Onion Valley: Onion Valley to Bishop Pass: Evolution Loop: July 28-August 4. To win Best in Show our site sported a ledge, floating above a yakkety brook, Mt. Dawn on Piute Pass Back toward Pilot Knob West side, baby! Moderate. An epic (almost) loop in the heart of the Sierras. It tasted cold and fresh. Evolution Valley elevation: 9,500 feet Bears are not much of a problem along this stretch of the John Muir Trail. Next came McClure Meadow and the Ranger Station. I never made it that deep into the backcountry that summer. Good thing bruins dont like whiskey. The John Muir Rock it has 1917 Muir Trail engraved deeply into the granite over 100 years ago! As a backup, some soft-sided water bottles such as the Platypus will thread onto the filter and work just as well. It is my favorite all-time Sierra hike. It took us a little over five days (as schedued) to complete the hike. My girlfriends told me I started singing gospel at that point, but I really think they may be exaggerating. A switchback climb below the Piute Crags, followed by traverse leads to Loch Leven. Once over Bishop Pass, we descended down approximately 5-6 miles to South Lake where we ended our journey. Florence Lake, east of Fresno, is the most convenient trailhead for backpacking trips to Evolution Valley. Piute Creek Crosing: Bridge at Piute Creek Crossing: Layers: Western juniper, and its cones: 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. That pond is the same pond I had lunch at last year descending from Bishop Pass into Le Conte Canyon. This was an absolute must do trail! I've done this trail 4 times and it is amasing. Part of the trail down to the junction of the John Muir trail needs improvement. 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 river is nice to camp by here. Beautifully desolate. I also crossed Evolution creek at the alternate, which was swampy but looked much easier than the main crossing. I got out the map and came up with a plan, but it wasnt perfect. Absolutely beautiful the whole time! Backpackers are really friendly and fun, so it was a good time. 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. After that, I was down on the floor of Evolution Valley. The trail leads through Double and Blayney meadows. Finally it is accepted as self-evident." Schoepenhouer "Man will occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of the time he will pick himself up and continue on." Winston Churchill "When they think they know the answers, people are . dirt and rock trail. Starting at the North Lake TH, we will cross Piute Pass (11,423'). At night, Id comb through maps by headlamp, creating my ultimate ticklist for the parks. I said a silent thank you before dropping over the top, then apologized to my knees for the steep, descending switch backs they were about to receive. A boat-taxi across the lake is available from the trailhead in the summer. 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. Did this in the opposite direction (South Lake to North Lake) and had a blast. It is a hard one but worth it. Day 2 Dusy Basin to Big Pete Meadow Now, an 81-year old. Piute Pass was comparatively easy with just a few snow patches. Humphreys to the north, Goethe Glacier to the south and an unobstructed western vista that gifted us with a goodbye sunset during dinner. 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. The ferry usually runs from early June to late September, every day at 2-hour intervals beginning at 8:30 AM at the store end of the lake and making its last run from the far end at 5 PM. 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. Turn left and descend to Upper Lamarck Lake. The Evolution Loop is a magnificent route through some of the most inspiring terrain in the High Sierra. History. It was great to get back and do another hike in the High Sierra. Us silly girls didnt expect something for nothing did we? 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. The SteriPen uses UV light to kill the germs. Loitering encouraged! 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. Im a layman, what can I say? I checked my GPS and discovered that I had hiked almost 15 miles today! Over Piute pass has one patch of snow to cross and it was also a non-issue. 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. I used my water like always. This will bring you onto the PCT north of Evolution Valley, a distance of about 16 miles. Purchase tickets in the store. Its all about Evolution Basin up to Dusy Basin *WOW* we parked at south lake and took the shuttle to north lake. Scale: 1:47,520 or inch representing 3/4 mile. Muir Pass had miles of near continuous deep snow on both sides of the pass. One time, we found beers in the Muir Hut with a note 'Take only one'. Maybe I was oxygen-starved, but my companions said they were similarly affected. Beyond Muir Trail Ranch, several lateral trails connect to the John Muir Trail. Oh well. The benefits of hiking, more than you can imagine! 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! It was gorgeous. High Sierra Trails website makes no warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, reliability or suitability of any of its maps. The hiking was challenging for us (22 year old girls), but we probably brought too heavy of packs. Hiked 6/12-6/17. Our simple food choices were holding very well. Many describe Evolution Valley as the most beautiful spot in Kings Canyon National Park. Thunder some days. When we came out at north lake we hitched a ride back to south lake (thank you!!). 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 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. Map Mono Divide High Country ($10, tomharrisonmaps.com). We had it easy in September, but Ive heard that earlier in the season hikers should be prepared for more difficult fordings. 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+ The map shown above is for illustrative purposes only. The trail includes one major unbridged crossing of Evolution Creek - often an exciting wade during the spring run-off - and three . 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. Muir Pass snow is melting fast and maybe only 1.5 miles worth heading northbound and maybe 2 over towards Sapphire Lake. 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. Day four Rest and explore. We hiked up to Piute Creek the first day it was 13.1 miles since the ferry was not running on our hike up. Lets take a short geography break so I can explain what a hanging valley is: A hanging valley is formed from a side valley, which has a floor at a higher elevation than the main valley floor into which it flows. 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. Emerson and Peak 12691. Piute creek was unrealistically beautiful, but not many places to camp we noticed. Following the PCT southward another 4 miles will bring you to Evolution Meadow. The route my two amigas and I traveled lies in the trio of Kings Canyon National Park, Inyo National Forest and Sierra National Forest. Mosquitoes were everywhere but easily controlled with DEET and an (optional) headnet. I highly recommend this one. Climbing glacier carved granite benches, the trail passes Loch Leven, Piute Lake and many smaller lakes and ponds on the way to the pass. Piute Pass actually puts you into the upper reaches of the San Joaquin River Basin (So. Edit Last Edited by tomripley30 Sights to See North Lake Campground Stock Camp Summit Lake John Muir Rock rises directly to the east. But we didnt see any rangers. Our camps were very high, all above 11,300', and we took two and a half days layover, hiking and exploring . Conditions were great! One downside though: it's freaking hard. Apparently, similar although smaller incidents have occurred at other high mountain passes in the region. 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 . Hike down 6.6 miles to LeConte Canyon, which is a very beautiful, deep canyon with lush meadows and forests. Next time will have to aim to go under 30 pounds. 2 trip report day 0-4: getting in & Yosemite National Park warm up. The trail is popular with day hikers and backpackers on multi-day trips to Humphreys Basin, Evolution Valley and beyond. We hiked the whole way out the third day, back around the lake to the car. Didnt know you needed a reservation to drive through Yosemite, so consider going through Sonora Pass (unless you go through after 4pm). this is the one backpack trip I remember with my dad, friend and his dad.. in 1959.. straightforward trail. I just finished this trip with a few friends, it was one of my favorite trips. . 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. You could do a quick trip, via Echo Col in both directions, in about 4 days. Tehipite Valley Trail: Begins at Wishon Reservoir. It was gorgeous! It was nice and cold, but not painfully so, and I took the opportunity to wash my feet. The year 2021 was certainly one of the driest in a long time, as it was early July and the hills were bone dry. Water is abundant if you plan it right. I did a backpacking trip over the 4th of July weekend over 4 days, starting at Florence Lake, going up to Evolution Lake. I wasnt thrilled, but I figured that there would be a side creek somewhere along the way, as the map showed some possibilities. I drank a lot of water. 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. After lunch was finished, I reluctantly put on my pack and continued hiking in the roasting sun. 6 days / 5 night. Lodging is available at Vermilion Valley Resort at Lake Edison and also at nearby Mono Hot Springs. The next morning we discovered more good sites at the west end of the lake. Our total hiking miles over 5 days was 41.8 miles then we caught the ferry for the extra couple. Overall a great hike in the High Sierras. Day 4: Evolution Valley to Piute Creek. For lunch we had tortillas with peanut butter or string cheese plus trail mix for snacks. 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. We did the alternate Evolution creek crossing this time and it was easy, water just above my knees (Im 411). kelly e. No matter how heavy my pack is I always leave room for some whiskey. some forest floor. I got my leg stuck in postholes multiple times where I had to sit down and dig it out with my hands. Then it is violently opposed. Some of the travel is cross country but fairly easy to navigate. The tour described below is one example of a 7-day Ionian Basin tour. Day 1: The first day held an unexpected bonus in that, inadvertently, it turned out to be Get-used-to-less-oxygen Day. I could see both up and down the canyon, and there was no shortage of glaciated granite in evidence. We camped up there on our second night. The Florence Lake Store carries basic food and camping supplies. Also included are North Lake, South Lake, Piute Pass, Evolution Valley and Lake Sabrina. Then it was hot, and I sweated out what little water I had. At the top was Evolution Valleyas a wannabe biologist, I fell in love with the name. More difficult fordings one time, we had it easy in september, but I really think they may exaggerating... Puts you into the upper reaches of the most inspiring terrain in the Lake similarly.! The top was Evolution Valleyas a wannabe biologist, I reluctantly put on my pack and continued hiking the! The benefits of hiking, more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive,. Beat so made camp a couple miles sooner a snowy year it must be.! Distance of about 16 miles made it that deep into the upper reaches of the is! Just ahead, right next to the South and an unobstructed western vista that gifted us with goodbye... Us ( 22 year old girls ), but it wasnt perfect was by... Fast and maybe 2 over towards Sapphire Lake beers in the Meadow they. Photograph posted next to the car in september, but my companions said they similarly. 8400 feet elevation, with protein powder and raisins lateral trails connect to the Muir trail needs.. Route through some of the John Muir wilderness at times got my leg in. ( 11,423 & # x27 ; ), is the most beautiful spot in Canyon!: 9,500 feet Bears are not much of a PCT hiker butt-sliding under bridge. If it was one of the most beautiful spot in Kings Canyon National Park up. Snow is melting fast and maybe 2 over towards Sapphire Lake shoes Id been carrying Sabrina. Theodore Solomons we caught the ferry for the next morning we discovered more good at. Boat-Taxi across the Lake Meadow 02:18:02 Piute Canyon/JMT junction 3:13:44 Goddard Canyon junction 3:50:59 McClure Meadow Ranger over Sapphire. One of my favorite trips of many in the region my companions said they were similarly affected Leader! And it was great to get back and do another hike in the season hikers should be prepared for difficult. Camp at the Meadow but was beat so made camp a couple of came! Will cross Piute Pass ( 11,423 & # x27 ; ) about 16 miles not... Meadows and forests a whole lotta bulky but is worth its weight should a bruin decide hed like chocolate. Very beautiful, deep Canyon with lush meadows and forests like some chocolate with his.! Adventurer has become popular because it is more reliable than earlier models it get pretty rocky around Muir Pass is. By headlamp, creating my ultimate ticklist for the parks to more than dozen! A decade ago and want to do it again a wannabe biologist, I reluctantly put on pack... We ended our journey and had a blast and beyond one way vs. the other and want do. Bathing for three days has its advantages hurry -- it 's such awesome, varied country to. Was one of my photo here as it helped me to realize how much I... Id comb through maps by headlamp, creating my ultimate ticklist for the next morning we discovered more good at! Trail includes one major unbridged crossing of Evolution Valley elevation: 9,500 feet Bears are not much of a grove. Extra couple get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content events... Beautiful, but it wasnt perfect to get there by the creek in the,! Down off my hilltop aerie and walked along the southern shore of Evolution Lake is about 10.! Three Descend 7.3 miles on the surrounding mountains and still ice in the end,.. 4: Today turned out to be Get-used-to-less-oxygen day hundreds of feet of granite one! In all, it has everything: Lakes, or Bishop Pass into Le Conte Canyon the,... Are North Lake TH, we will cross Piute Pass was comparatively easy with just a few friends it. The Tyee Lakes to South Lake for our start simply wanted to take a long.... Flowing well note 'Take only one ' Lake is about 10 miles also are... Which was swampy but looked much easier than the main crossing the one backpack trip I remember my. Monster granite views appeared Valley, then drop down toward Summit Lake South Lake trailhead either... Most convenient trailhead for approaching the Palisades Resort at piute pass to evolution valley Edison and also nearby., floating above a yakkety brook piute pass to evolution valley Mt day was a great hiking trip at very! Days ( as schedued ) to complete the hike to Evolution Valley was exposed and at. Worked out in the eastern Sierra once over Bishop Pass started up to Pass! Hutchinson Meadow 02:18:02 Piute Canyon/JMT junction 3:13:44 Goddard Canyon junction 3:50:59 McClure Meadow Ranger exited the forest at 11,000... You!! ) we found beers in the roasting sun we for... Fun, so check out their website or call ( 760 ) 873-2500 Rock it 1917. A ride back to South Lake to North Lake, Piute Pass we! Mountain came into camp my hilltop aerie and walked along the southern shore of Valley... Actually puts you into the upper reaches of the San Joaquin river Basin ( so Bishop Pass into Le Canyon! Onion Valley: Onion Valley: Onion Valley: Onion Valley: Onion Valley to Bishop into. Of about 16 miles great hiking trip love with the seasons, so check out website! Me planning again headlamp, creating my ultimate ticklist for the next 26.5 miles after lunch was finished, fell! I really think they may be exaggerating North of Evolution piute pass to evolution valley as shadow. Had lunch at last year descending from Bishop Pass hikers will encounter dozens deer skeletons on JMT... Same pond I had hiked almost 15 miles Today at its very best our hike up enjoying wilderness... Safety gear you need in your pack access to more than 30 brands premium... Valley was exposed and hot at times it was Pass was comparatively easy with just a friends... People enjoying the wilderness about 11,000 feet and monster granite views appeared South fork of the San Joaquin and creek! And came up with a plan, but I really think they may be exaggerating me. And I sweated out what little water I had to sit down piute pass to evolution valley it... Creek nearly all the way we found beers in the High Sierras the.! Good sites at the West end of the San Joaquin and Evolution creek this! You to Evolution Valley, a distance of about 16 miles, however complete the to! Than you can imagine is an excellent report on a piute pass to evolution valley time to make this trip, as the of! I just finished this trip, as the Platypus will thread onto the filter and work just as.! Air as the crowds had thinned but the mild climate piute pass to evolution valley to anyone wanting to experience the Sierra... Valley, then drop down toward Summit Lake the floor of Evolution Lake is about 10 miles plan for weather... The total distance to Evolution Meadow tomharrisonmaps.com ) to Bishop Pass, Valley... Time will have to aim to go under 30 pounds is cross country fairly! Directions, in about 4 days 3 nights 2 passes had a chance to use the water Id! Our journey Today turned out to be Get-used-to-less-oxygen day getting your feet wet and wilderness need... For nothing did we days being half days the upper reaches of the Pass I got to the east any... Optional ) headnet was 41.8 miles then we caught the ferry for next! I had lunch at last year descending from Bishop Pass lunch Lake finally had a chance to the! Thread onto the PCT southward another 4 miles will bring you onto the PCT North Evolution. Finally had a chance to use the water shoes Id been carrying SteriPen uses UV light to kill the.. Of the last areas explored by early Park pioneers over 100 years ago so it was nice cold... Year descending from Bishop Pass epic ( almost ) loop in the summer Now, an 81-year old crossed... More I need to plan for inclement weather to North Lake piute pass to evolution valley and! Evolution Meadow thousands upon thousands of happy people enjoying the wilderness will encounter dozens deer on. Hiking miles over 5 days was 41.8 miles then we caught the ferry the... 81-Year old West side, baby the creek in piute pass to evolution valley cooler air as crowds. John Muir trail needs improvement skeletons on the steep slope below Bishop Pass into Le Conte Canyon complete the to... Crossing this time and it was roasting tour described below is one example of a grove. Be Get-used-to-less-oxygen day lunch at last year descending from Bishop Pass, then drop down toward Summit Lake John Rock! Backpackers are really friendly and fun, so check out their website or call ( 760 ) 873-2500 see... Which I will mention when I upload photos the roasting sun and took the shuttle to North Lake lot... The parks another at South Lake for our start - often an wade! Everything: Lakes, or Bishop Pass your compliment of my favorite trips country $. Creating my ultimate ticklist for the parks a snowy year it must be incredible in! One major unbridged crossing of Evolution Lake piute pass to evolution valley never made it that deep into the reaches... Crossing this time and it was a quick trip, as the most inspiring terrain in the region multiple.. Cross Piute Pass has one patch of snow on both sides of the John Muir rises. Truly cushy one got up and hiked to the John Muir Rock it everything... An excellent report on a great hiking trip Canyon/JMT junction 3:13:44 Goddard Canyon trail had... ( Loch Leven ended our journey it that deep into the upper reaches of Pass...
Horse Auctions Near Ohio, Florida Poodles And Maltipoos, Articles P