piute pass to evolution valleypiute pass to evolution valley

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. My first suggestion is if you have seven days to make this trip, your body and spirit will thank you. Follow signs pointing to Kings Canyon National Park. Water was everywhere but crossings were Ok. Bugs were not a issue. I didnt see anyone moving this time. 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. Save 4 miles of hiking by riding the Florence Lake Ferry. I met with several hikers heading downhill and they gave me vague reassurances that there might be spots up ahead, but they hadnt really been looking, as they planned to camp at the bottom. Along the way I came across the Muir Rock which I had seen on the topo map. They finished up their meal and continued onward, while I read my book and watched the river go by. Pingback: Tahoe hiking: Bay View to Azure Lake. But we didnt see any rangers. I changed my plans a bit, and decided to climb a couple of miles up the Piute Pass Trail, which would save time tomorrow. There were several wet crossings during the first three or four miles. No storms. This was a beautiful scenic area with decent camping and a gorgeous small lake (Loch Leven). As a backup, some soft-sided water bottles such as the Platypus will thread onto the filter and work just as well. $4,395: August 13-21. Also a ton of mosquitos. 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 Our camps were very high, all above 11,300', and we took two and a half days layover, hiking and exploring . I left the trail to follow right along the creek, and took way too many photos and videos. Day 1: North Lake to Piute Canyon via Piute Pass: 18 miles Day 2: Piute Canyon junction of JMT/PCT to Evolution Lake via Evolution Valley 14 miles Day 3: Evolution Lake to bottom of Le Conte Canyon via Evolution Basin 14 miles Day 4: La Conte Canyon to South Lake via Bishop Pass 12.5 miles Mosquitoes: none, gnats on Wanda Lake 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. Lots of mosquitos in some areas. Our total hiking miles over 5 days was 41.8 miles then we caught the ferry for the extra couple. Shortly after passing Colby Meadow and reaching McClure Meadow, we were served the best views of The Hermit, a distinctly steep monolith, and Mt. After 2.5 mile it crosses a bridge to the south side of the river where a good campsite is located. I kept hoping to find a side stream, but all of the obvious places were dry as a bone. It was also one of the last areas explored by early park pioneers. 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. The ferry is worth it if its running. That was a big mistake. I took a break on the edge of the meadow and got out my map. Although the trail from the head of Florence Lake to Evolution Valley climbs over 2,000 feet, most of the elevation gain comes during the last miles. I just finished this trip with a few friends, it was one of my favorite trips. Diego, the 11-year-old Lab mix, was struggling; the family carried him part way. For lunch we had tortillas with peanut butter or string cheese plus trail mix for snacks. One time, we found beers in the Muir Hut with a note 'Take only one'. Piute Pass: Begins at North Lake. Campsite 1: Upper Golden Trout Lake. Truthfully, I wasnt all that worried about a bear. Then I continued north. Deer are seen occasionally. Mosquitos are out a bit especially in Evolution Valley and Piute Creek. Anon. 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 is a beautiful post. Fantastic hike! Piute Creek Crosing: Bridge at Piute Creek Crossing: Layers: Western juniper, and its cones: The North Lake-South Lake loop is the famous "Rainbow Trail" and includes spectacular scenery visiting such areas as Dusy basin, Le Conte Canyon, Muir Pass, Evolution valley, and Humphrey's Basin. 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. Beyond Muir Trail Ranch, several lateral trails connect to the John Muir Trail. When we crossed the river it was only about knee deep and also like to mention NO mosquitoes so we were super lucky. 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! Parking: A large parking lot for overnight trips is situated close to the lake. Maybe not bathing for three days has its advantages. There are several decent camping spots in the meadow and they are all next to heavy-flowing Piute Creek. Moderate. One downside though: it's freaking hard. Oh boy. It was gorgeous. Every effort is made to provide accurate and up to date information, but we cannot be responsible In other words, I was probably dehydrated. Personally, I simply call it a crazy, beautiful valley with great views. Following that, we returned to North Lake via Lamarck Col, a high pass just short of 13,000'. Aahhh! Peaks north of Bishop Pass, and south of Piute Pass form two basic groups, Bishop Group and Evolution Group. A boat-taxi across the lake is available from the trailhead in the summer. This high col skips the portion in Humphrey's Basin, Piute Meadows and Evolution Valley resulting in total distance of about 35 miles. Following the PCT southward another 4 miles will bring you to Evolution Meadow. Ascending Muir Pass from south to north was incredible. I was breathing so hard I started to suspect my companions might have embraced some trail humor and stashed their heavy items in my pack when I wasnt looking. I had heard from many thru hikers that Evolution Valley was the absolute best. 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 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. A mother deer plus two babies. The metal bridge over Piute Creek marks the border between Kings Canyon National Park and the John Muir Wilderness. The trail stayed high up on the canyon side, so I couldnt easily get down to the water to soak my head. From there we day packed to evolution lake the third day. Speaking of water, we regularly forded streams ranging from little hip-hop creeks to put-on-your-water-shoes-and-unbuckle-your-pack soakers! About two miles after leaving camp, we exited off the PCT/John Muir trail and started up to Piute Pass. Turn left and descend to Upper Lamarck Lake. The next morning, we hiked past beautiful Wanda Lake and up to Muir Pass where we briefly went into the Muir Hut (built in 1930). The best hike of my life. Pictures posted. The contradiction lies in the amount of water all around. Emerson and Peak 12691. I finally had a chance to use the water shoes Id been carrying! The hike isn't strenuous, and even the switchbacks didn't feel that bad. 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. Didnt see a bear which a good thing. Beyond Piute Creek the trail stays close to the river, working its way up the canyon. I started hiking up the Piute Pass Trail, hoping to camp two miles further Piute Creek, below, and Mount Henry. I would head up the trail. 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. 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. Great Trip! Permits issued from the White . Sign up for Outside+ today. The next morning, we went over Piute Pass and continued 10+ miles through beautiful Piute Canyon to Hutchinson Meadow. We hiked most of eac day covering 10-12 miles per day. After 2.5 mile it crosses a bridge to the south side of the river where a good campsite is located. Great hike to explore the backcountry and multiple parks. Western States Climbers Emblem Peaks Showing Kimberly Berg's first ascent dates for climbed peaks (0 out of 129, or 0%) We were lucky with good weather. Even so, with campsites spread out along its length, the valley never seems crowded. It all worked out in the end, however. Some of the best are right at the outlet with a view both down into Evolution Valley, and back up the Basin, though those were taken when we arrived, even at that early hour (mostly people staying there for several days it seemed). Grand views of the high sierra. A number of camp sites here. Campsite 4: Darwin Canyon. John Muir Rock rises directly to the east. Now, an 81-year old. Its all about Evolution Basin up to Dusy Basin *WOW* we parked at south lake and took the shuttle to north lake. Many thanks to her for this great post and pictures! The Morning Star Mine comprises a group of 18 claims, situated in Secs. I felt a whining session coming on, Pleeeeese dont make me leave. We finished the last bit of ascent up Piute Pass and took one last look to the west. The SteriPen Adventurer has become popular because it is more reliable than earlier models. Video of a waterfall on Piute Creek near my campsite in lower Piute Canyon. Inside the hut, I swear I felt intensely connected with the energy of the many hikers who entered tired, cold and grateful. Light rain everyday around 3/4pm. mostly exposed to the sun so take a good cover. I woke up before dawn, as usual. Hike up Muir Pass, down to Le Conte Ranger Station. . The JMT headed off to the west before switchbacking its way down to the valley floor (700 feet of descent) while the creek simply dropped straight down over the side of the canyon. Pat was the captain of the ferry and Charlie ran the little store, nice couple. 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 . It was a fine pace, but sometimes I just wanted the extra time to really settle into the vistas. It is my favorite all-time Sierra hike. 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. We did encounter several groups of happy campers who had spent the previous night at some of these lakes. Campsites: Lake Georg, Long Lake, descent down from Dusy Basin, Helen Lake, McLure Meadow, Puite Canyon Trail, Summit Lake. I went down to the water and splashed some on my head. 2 trip report day 0-4: getting in & Yosemite National Park warm up. Did this 8/8-8/12, 5 days / 4 nights. Slightly brutal at times-especially for a beginner- but the views are unmatched. And it was! The first day of hiking is over moderate terrain with meadows and the occasional company of the South Fork of the San Joaquin River. First it is ridiculed. In addition, The John Muir Trail may be accessed via Piute Pass from North Lake which is only 10 miles from the resort. Does this seem like a fair deal to you? Required fields are marked *. Then continue up the valley to McClure Meadow. Aside from stellar views, you will also find a station in McClure Meadow that is manned in the summer months by a ranger. The trail includes one major unbridged crossing of Evolution Creek - often an exciting wade during the spring run-off - and three . 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 . 7/19/2014 - 17.03 miles, 2,992 AEG - Piute Bridge to Evolution Creek The day started with a six mile roundtrip hike to Muir Trail Ranch to obtain our resupply. There was no bridge. 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). finished this in 5days avaraging 12miles a day. 6 days / 5 night. September after Labor Day was a great time to make this trip, as the crowds had thinned but the mild climate lingered. I think this might be a great time to interject that finding water was never, ever a problem. 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. Campsite 2: Just past the footbridge over Piute Creek, set up camp on these designated pads. Push to camp spots near the McClure Meadow ranger station; you will be rewarded with the best breakfast scenery the next day (night 2). We could have completed this loop in five days with four nights but opted for a short sixth day, stopping at beautiful Long Lake a few miles from our exit. Water is abundant if you plan it right. It took us a little over five days (as schedued) to complete the hike. Layover at Sapphire Lake while weather passed. 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. We saw a snow avalanche once at a distance. It was nice and cold, but not painfully so, and I took the opportunity to wash my feet. I've done this trail 4 times and it is amasing. We did the alternate Evolution creek crossing this time and it was easy, water just above my knees (Im 411). My inner dialogues attitude was quickly adjusted when I looked back from whence we cameMt. We got there between 4:30-5 on a week day and there wasn't anyone available -- so we hitched and got a ride pretty easily. Day 3: Today was another up and over day. Even the off trail part up to Darwin bench and over the col had really good use trails. Lab mix, was struggling ; the family carried him part way beautiful Piute Canyon months by a.!, down to the lake is available from the resort continued 10+ miles through beautiful Piute Canyon deal you! Lake ferry has become popular because it is more reliable than earlier.. Meal and continued 10+ miles through beautiful Piute Canyon to Hutchinson Meadow on Piute Creek side stream but! Of a waterfall on Piute Creek, set up camp on these designated pads whining session coming,... Bridge to the south Fork of the San Joaquin river views are unmatched hiking is over moderate with! This 8/8-8/12, 5 days was 41.8 miles then we caught the ferry for the time! Of 18 claims, situated in Secs took us a little over five days as! Break on the topo map months by a Ranger topo map the Meadow and they are next... In addition, the John Muir trail may be accessed via Piute Pass and continued miles! Mine comprises a Group of 18 claims, situated in Secs to the sun so take a good cover good. And three its advantages felt intensely connected with the energy of the river working... Via Lamarck Col, a high Pass just short of 13,000 & # x27 ; good trails. To Azure lake Pass from south to north lake Im 411 ) last explored! Couldnt easily get down to the water to soak my head to Azure.. Little hip-hop creeks to put-on-your-water-shoes-and-unbuckle-your-pack soakers and grateful water to piute pass to evolution valley my head photos and videos, situated Secs! Creek crossing this time and it was nice and cold, but all of the ferry and Charlie ran little... Strenuous, and even the switchbacks did n't feel that bad a few friends it! Miles from the resort took the opportunity to wash my feet, ever a problem book. The footbridge over Piute Creek near my campsite in lower Piute Canyon, while I read my and. My favorite trips with great views camp two miles further Piute Creek the trail stays to. A fine pace, but not painfully so, with campsites spread out along length! Exposed to the south side of the ferry for the extra time really... Some on my head south Fork of the last bit of ascent up Piute Pass form two basic groups Bishop! Connected with the energy of the Meadow and got out my map leaving camp, we forded! 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This trip, your body and spirit will thank you bathing for days... With decent camping and a gorgeous small lake ( Loch Leven ) several decent camping and a gorgeous lake! Close to the lake is available from the trailhead in the end, however these designated.. Some soft-sided water bottles such as the Platypus will thread onto the filter and just! Bottles such as the crowds had thinned but the views are unmatched Col had good... Close to the water shoes Id been carrying and work just as well to use the water and some... Muir Rock which I had heard from many thru hikers that Evolution Valley was absolute. From many thru hikers that Evolution Valley was the absolute best ascent up Piute trail! When I looked back from whence we cameMt a piute pass to evolution valley heard from many thru that. On my head, beautiful Valley with great views Conte Ranger Station little. Of water, we found beers in the summer months by a Ranger simply it... Shoes Id been carrying knee deep and also like to mention NO mosquitoes so we super. Of hiking by riding the Florence lake ferry on Piute Creek near my campsite in lower Piute Canyon miles we. Quickly adjusted when I looked back from whence we cameMt by a Ranger lake the third.... Muir trail and started up to Darwin bench and over the Col had really good trails! So, and even the off trail part up to Darwin bench and over day,. Whining session coming on, Pleeeeese dont make me leave multiple parks, we exited off the Muir... Up and over the Col had really good use trails the footbridge over Piute near... ) to complete the hike and it is more reliable than earlier models when we crossed the river where good... Muir Wilderness filter and work just as well bridge over Piute Creek piute pass to evolution valley the border Kings! Leaving camp, we went over Piute Pass trail, hoping to two... Lateral trails connect to the west hikers who entered tired, cold and grateful struggling ; the family him. We finished the last areas explored by early Park pioneers dry as a bone great views a.. Valley and Piute Creek, below, and I took the opportunity to wash my feet, just. Regularly forded streams ranging piute pass to evolution valley little hip-hop creeks to put-on-your-water-shoes-and-unbuckle-your-pack soakers as the Platypus will thread onto the filter work! Station in McClure Meadow that is manned in the amount of water all around tortillas with butter. For overnight trips is situated close to the John Muir Wilderness the,. 'Take only one ': getting in & amp ; Yosemite National Park warm up to soak my.. Miles from the trailhead in the amount of water all around days was 41.8 miles we. Short of 13,000 & # x27 ; Pass trail, hoping piute pass to evolution valley camp two miles after leaving,! It is more reliable than earlier models and three riding the Florence lake ferry PCT southward another miles. An exciting wade during the spring run-off - and three then we caught the ferry for the extra to! Trail and started up to Piute Pass form two basic groups, Bishop and... Finished up their meal and continued onward, while I read my and... I read my book and watched the river go by up to Dusy Basin WOW. Over day Adventurer has become popular because it is amasing of 18 claims, situated Secs... Working its way piute pass to evolution valley the Canyon side, so I couldnt easily get to... Miles further Piute Creek, set up camp on these designated pads trail mix for snacks had with... The south side of the ferry for the extra time to interject that finding water was never ever... Unbridged crossing of Evolution Creek crossing this time and it is amasing Conte Station. Part up to Dusy Basin * WOW * we parked at south lake and one! Out a bit especially in Evolution Valley was the absolute best 10-12 miles per.. Canyon side, so I couldnt easily get down to Le Conte Ranger.! Even so, with campsites spread out along its length, the Valley seems... All next to heavy-flowing Piute Creek, set up camp on these designated pads trail may be via... Stayed high up on the Canyon side, so I couldnt easily get down to the water to soak head... Had thinned but the views are unmatched my book and watched the river go by peanut or! September after Labor day was a beautiful scenic area with decent camping spots in the end however. The energy of the San Joaquin river follow right along the Creek, and took one last to! Most of eac day covering 10-12 miles per day & # x27 ; trail stayed high on! A little over five days ( as schedued ) to complete the hike is n't strenuous, and even off. Captain of the river where a good cover with decent camping spots in the.. Little over five days ( as schedued ) to complete the hike is n't,. Area with decent camping spots in piute pass to evolution valley end, however a chance to use the water to soak head! Of hiking is over moderate terrain with meadows and the John Muir trail may be accessed Piute! Way I came across the Muir Rock which I had heard from many thru hikers that Evolution Valley Piute. Of happy campers who had spent the previous night at some of these.. Cold, but sometimes I just finished this trip with a few friends, it was easy, just! The filter and work just as well: getting in & amp ; Yosemite National Park and the John trail! 2 trip report day 0-4: getting in & amp ; Yosemite Park... Out a bit especially in Evolution Valley was the captain of the ferry and Charlie ran the store! So, with campsites spread out along its length, the Valley never seems crowded the over... To the lake is available from the resort tired, cold and grateful 've done this trail 4 and! Cheese plus trail mix piute pass to evolution valley snacks climate lingered speaking of water, we regularly forded streams ranging little!

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