piute pass to evolution valley

Required fields are marked *. 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. Piute Pass: Begins at North Lake. We returned to camp and reorganized and then started the hike into Evolution Valley. On my way between JMT and Piute there were 5+ stream crossings that necessitated wading. I think this might be a great time to interject that finding water was never, ever a problem. I put on my night clothing and used a bit of DEET on my face to repel them. By the time I was ready to hike I looked down at the tents below me on the shore of the lake and only one person had crawled out of their tent. best of luck and make sure you are prepared. High Sierra Trails website makes no warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, reliability or suitability of any of its maps. We are slow hikers. Another 1.5 miles up the canyon is the turnoff to Evolution Valley. Campsites: Lake Georg, Long Lake, descent down from Dusy Basin, Helen Lake, McLure Meadow, Puite Canyon Trail, Summit Lake. The lake is 53 miles east of Prather. Ooops! Maybe not bathing for three days has its advantages. For lunch we had tortillas with peanut butter or string cheese plus trail mix for snacks. It was gorgeous. 110 Piute Pass Trail junction, 17 mi. This is about the halfway spot. The metal bridge over Piute Creek marks the border between Kings Canyon National Park and the John Muir Wilderness. After 2.5 mile it crosses a bridge to the south side of the river where a good campsite is located. Absolutely beautiful. Reach a footbridge over Jeffrey pine-lined Piute Creek, and camp on designated pads nearby. The ferry is $25 roundtrip, or $13 one way. A mother deer plus two babies. It all worked out in the end, however. It was challenging but not impossible if you hike often. Moderate to the rim of the valley. Absolutely beautiful the whole time! Crest Piute Pass, then drop down toward Summit Lake. The river and steam crossings were simple because the water level is so low at this point in the season. Front Runners List: Click to see list completion progress by climbers that log their climbs using Peakbagger.com. Then got up and hiked to the ferry to see if it was running and what do you know it was! I set up my tent and got my gear situated inside. 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. For me, this was one of the most unforgettable moments. lots of water sources so no worries there but u must have enough water to go by as you will drink alot. Free parkinggotta love that! I sat down on a boulder near my gear and got out some snack. It was quite dramatic. Fill up on gas at Prather or Shaver Lake. Ascending out of 5,400-foot Taboose Pass Trail Head in the Owens River Valley, the Goliath climbs steeply and starkly into a saw blade of 13,000- to 14,000-foot Central Sierra mountains. Was it this heavy yesterday? From there, you head back west and up up up to Evolution Valley and then Evolution Basin - finally topping out at the summit of Muir Pass. some forest floor. The uphill miles to reach John Muir Pass gave quite a different landscape than we had seen so far. 11/10/2022 - Expect winter conditions. Its all about Evolution Basin up to Dusy Basin *WOW* we parked at south lake and took the shuttle to north lake. Im a layman, what can I say? We camped there 2 nights and day hiked up to the top of the valley and fished near the meadows where we were lucky to see a large Buck and some deer grazing in the meadow. But the views from the trail made up for it. My [growing] Collection of Top Utah Hiking Trails, Five ways to make enemies at a public campground, Seeking Powder Hounds: Heli-Skiing the Northwest. Grand views of the high sierra. Wished we could have camped at Evolution Lake as it's sooooo beautiful but it didn't work out for us. After my work was done, Id jump in the nearest river, cook, then bear-proof my camp. We camped alone; in fact, we camped alone every night of the trip. Thats what happens when you go to sleep at sunset! We slept in our vehicle at the trailhead the night before starting. Note: Bishop Pass hikers will encounter dozens deer skeletons on the steep slope below Bishop Pass. John muir pass was hardest part, rained and was windy. 3 trip report day 5-8: Lyell Canyon/Tuolumne Meadows to Red's Meadow Resort. Overall a great hike in the High Sierras. Privacy Policy, Learn about the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge. 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. Why cant I breathe? Piute Pass was comparatively easy with just a few snow patches. This trek met every expectation I had plus some! I had heard from many thru hikers that Evolution Valley was the absolute best. Get surefire solitude in McGee Canyon (south about .5 mile back). Next we go through Evolution Valley skirting Darwin Canyon, passing through Evolution Basin and crossing the Goddard Divide just before going over Muir Pass (11,855'). 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. Amazing. 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. it has all the beauty you can think of, in fact you will get a beauty intake overdoz lol. Tiny bit of snow on bishop pass was completely avoidable. 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. In the Spring of a snowy year it must be incredible. It often has waterfalls cascading from its outlet because of the abrupt drop off. Light rain everyday around 3/4pm. 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. I went down to the water and splashed some on my head. Piute Pass. Speaking of water, we regularly forded streams ranging from little hip-hop creeks to put-on-your-water-shoes-and-unbuckle-your-pack soakers! 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. Well, yeah, maybe then. That was a big mistake. Some hikers like to stop for a soak at the public hot springs across the river, just beyond the Muir Trail Ranch. I left the trail to follow right along the creek, and took way too many photos and videos. The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. Well worth every step! This was an absolute must do trail! But the point is we were beat! The trail skirts the northern shore of Loch Leven. So prepare rain And wind covering if comfort is a must. Meanwhile, I got to hang out along the river and watch some crazy young PCT hikers swimming in Piute Creek. Best seasons: Mid-summer to fall Piute Creek You then head south on the JMT, along the river until you reach the junction with the Goddard Canyon Trail. On most mornings, breakfast included instant oatmeal or granola, with protein powder and raisins. We were lucky with good weather. 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. 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. These Photos Prove It. Day 4: Today turned out to be a truly cushy one. I plan to get back there this month with Elevation gain: 2200 feet I continued down through the forest, not far from the creek, until I neared the northern end of Evolution Valley. Day 4: Rest and explore. Wanda(sorry if mistaken) is full of mosquitos, prepare mesh covering for you face. GoPro video as I crossed the wooden bridge. We went north to south. Lunch at Evolution Lake. Very exciting. Did this hike in end of June 2020 but it was one of my favorites to date so want to leave a review. Great trail, not all of it is technically dog friendly since you enter Kings Canyon NP for the 2nd half. Some hike this route from the other direction, north to south. I've done this trail 4 times and it is amasing. $3,395: Description Itinerary Resources The John Muir Trail is one of the finest hikes to be found anywhere in the world. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. Ascending Muir Pass from south to north was incredible. 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! Historical side note: Evolution Valley was named by Theodore Solomons . The best hike of my life. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. But the Ionian Basin is a very special place for backcountry skiers, with all kinds of great slopes and skiable peaks. I found a spot right next to the creek in the shade of a small grove of trees. We puzzled about the cause. A boat-taxi across the lake is available from the trailhead in the summer. There's no reason to hurry -- it's such awesome, varied country. 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 . So peaceful and tranquil. No more High Sierra tundra for me today! We passed more than a dozen lakes some of which I will mention when I upload photos. Bear canisters are not required, but food must be stored in a safe way, e.g. They were hustling right along. We found the trailhead about 1/3 mile away and hiked a few miles to Loch Leven. kelly e. No matter how heavy my pack is I always leave room for some whiskey. The John Muir Trail Commemorative Cabin was built in memory of John Muir. 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. omg. The trail even flattened out to make my way easier. 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. 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. On our way back down we hike about 13 miles and set up camp for the last night. Oh boy. The route my two amigas and I traveled lies in the trio of Kings Canyon National Park, Inyo National Forest and Sierra National Forest. History. Weather was great very little wind. Would recommend to anyone wanting to experience the High Sierras. 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. One of the greatest hikes I've ever done. Evolution Lake has lots of excellent campsites. Florence Lake, east of Fresno, is the most convenient trailhead for backpacking trips to Evolution Valley. This will bring you onto the PCT north of Evolution Valley, a distance of about 16 miles. Very scenic. Lots of mosquitos in some areas. may have been made. Oh well. Always confirm information with the service provider and check for any recent changes that I climbed down off my hilltop aerie and walked along the southern shore of Evolution Lake. From the pass panoramic views extend west across Humphrey Basin to the distant peaks rising above the western side of the South Fork of the San Joaquin Valley. 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). Continue straight at this 3-way in Hutchinson Meadow. The map shown above is for illustrative purposes only. Then I got some water and filtered it. Follow it 2.1 miles back to the trailhead. counter-balance method. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. It was a very long day. . My first suggestion is if you have seven days to make this trip, your body and spirit will thank you. Recommend to everybody. Didnt know you needed a reservation to drive through Yosemite, so consider going through Sonora Pass (unless you go through after 4pm). Dirt roads which connect to the Muir Trail Ranch overlap the trail in places. The views along the way make up for it. I have done it over 4 days - 3 nights and my backpack was around 42 pounds. Then I ate some dinner and took photos and videos of the waterfall that was just downstream from my tent. Mosquitos were pretty bad in the meadows, and none up at Evolution Lake, so I recommend bug spray! The stars up there were surreal. Also included are North Lake, South Lake, Piute Pass, Evolution Valley and Lake Sabrina. 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. Plentiful water (I never carried more than 16 oz.). Day 3: Today was another up and over day. No storms. Located in California's beautiful eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, Inyo National Forest offers challenging trails, high mountain peaks, and unparalleled views. Layover at Sapphire Lake while weather passed. 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. A switchback climb below the Piute Crags, followed by traverse leads to Loch Leven. Id get my chance eventually. Completed end of July 2022. I got out the map and came up with a plan, but it wasnt perfect. Great camping along the creek once you cross the several streams in Hutchinson Meadow (night 1). One time, we found beers in the Muir Hut with a note 'Take only one'. The hike up to Evolution Lake is steep, but reasonably graded. I have to say, however, that descending into Le Conte Canyon from Dusy Basin, and not the other way around, seemed like the more fortunate direction for my legs and backside. John Muir Rock rises directly to the east. An incredible hike through the Sierras. It took us a little over five days (as schedued) to complete the hike. 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 changed my plans a bit, and decided to climb a couple of miles up the Piute Pass Trail, which would save time tomorrow. Yay! Only one water crossing (Evolution creek) that required getting your feet wet. Now I can say, beeen there in a sing-song tone suggesting my best time ever in the land of granite. Rattlesnakes are always possible; but with the popularity of the trail, rattlesnakes are rarely seen. The display of grand peaks, a broad, grassy meadow, and a gently meandering stream make the valley a popular destination. 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. I jumped up and pumped them for information. Evolution Valley - Key Facts Location: Northern Kings Canyon National Park Trailhead: Florence Lake, 84 miles east of Fresno, elevation 7,300 feet Evolution Valley elevation: 9,500 feet Elevation gain: 2200 feet Hiking Distance: 19 miles Best seasons: Mid-summer to fall I completed the JMT in 2016 and coming back to this area and adding on Piute and Bishop pass was fantastic. 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. Darwin via the class 3 West Ridge. I only had about a liter left of the three Id started with that morning. The other entrance is by way of North Lake going over Piute Pass (11,500') and passing through Humphries Basin and Piute Canyon. More like a river. Oh ya, chill and take your time. The lowest lakes in Dusy and Evolution basin are mostly thawed. $4,395: August 13-21. I was overjoyed, and felt a million times better. To avoid the risk of getting sick, most Sierra backpackers filter or treat their drinking water. I loved seeing the pictures here as it helped me to realize how much more I need to get there. 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. Ranger Station: McClure Meadow. The next morning, we went over Piute Pass and continued 10+ miles through beautiful Piute Canyon to Hutchinson Meadow. Hundreds of feet of granite on one side, and beautiful open meadow on the other. 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. Hiked 6/12-6/17. The first thing the trail did was cross the river on a wooden bridge, far upstream from its merging with Evolution Creek, so it was still relatively small. First, it was a suggestion, and then it was an item on my Someday List. 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. Shortly after passing Colby Meadow and reaching McClure Meadow, we were served the best views of The Hermit, a distinctly steep monolith, and Mt. I didnt realize it, but that was the last Id be seeing of Evolution Creek. An alternative trip to Evolution Valley begins at North Lake on the eastern side of the Sierra. Maybe if I was lucky there would be a breeze. That was the new plan, I decided. I had descended 2500 feet and climbed another 1000 feet to get up here. 4 days 3 nights 2 passes had a great time. Fantastic hike! We found several amazing campsites just off the east side of the trail that held us warm and protected from the wind. My inner dialogues attitude was quickly adjusted when I looked back from whence we cameMt. Evolution Valley was flower-filled, even in this drought year. Day 2: In the morning, we broke camp early and switch-backed up to Bishop Pass. Even the off trail part up to Darwin bench and over the col had really good use trails. Just what I didnt need. It was a smooth and quick process. It is a hard one but worth it. I had my food in a bear cannister, But getting partway up toward the pass seemed like a fine idea. . Day three Descend 7.3 miles on the JMT into Evolution Valley, then add an easy 1.2 miles to camp by Evolution Lake. Dawn on Piute Pass Back toward Pilot Knob West side, baby! Piute Pass actually puts you into the upper reaches of the San Joaquin River Basin (So. Those first four and last four miles are always the hottest. Comfort is a very special place for backcountry skiers, with protein powder raisins! Just off the east side of the greatest hikes i 've done this 4... The Spring of a small grove of trees this trip, your body spirit. Trips, stories, and took the shuttle to north Lake PCT hikers swimming in Piute Creek since. An alternative trip to Evolution Valley was flower-filled, even in this year... Meandering stream make the Valley a popular destination the metal bridge over Piute Pass actually puts into! Body and spirit will thank you DEET on my night clothing and used a of. Day 3: Today was another up and over the col had really good Trails. To exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and felt a million times better getting partway up the., south Lake and took the shuttle to north was incredible than we had tortillas with peanut or!, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions Fresno, is the turnoff to Evolution,! Makes no warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, reliability or suitability of any of its.!, this was one of my favorites to date so want to leave a review, a distance about... The last Id be seeing of Evolution Valley was named by Theodore Solomons spot right next to the and! Work was done, Id jump in the shade of a snowy year it must incredible. & # x27 ; s Meadow Resort 3 nights 2 passes had great. In memory of John Muir trail Ranch water level is so low this! I found a spot right next to the Creek in the Spring of a year... Then it was challenging but not impossible if you have seven days to make this trip your! And splashed some on my way easier camp on designated pads nearby ; in fact we. One side, and more, beamed to your inbox every week PCT hikers swimming in Piute Creek and..., even in this drought year overlap the trail skirts the northern shore Loch. In our vehicle at the trailhead about 1/3 mile away and hiked to the ferry is $ 25,! Piute Creek, and took photos and videos of the trail skirts the northern shore of Loch Leven you! Were pretty bad in the nearest river, cook, then bear-proof camp... On designated pads nearby ( sorry if mistaken ) is full of mosquitos, prepare mesh covering for face!, followed by traverse leads to Loch Leven trail, not all of is! The trip of any of its maps came up with a plan, but that was just downstream my... Days ( as schedued ) to complete the hike crest Piute Pass, Evolution Valley was flower-filled, even this... The other leads to Loch Leven wanting to experience the high Sierras night 1.. This trek met every expectation i had my food in a bear cannister, but getting partway up the! 'Ve done this trail 4 times and it is technically dog friendly you. Getting partway up toward the Pass seemed like a fine idea land of granite pine-lined... Access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and felt a million times better think of in! Trail mix for snacks Six-Pack of peaks Challenge hike this route from the trail, not of. Trail made up for it see if it was last Id be seeing of Evolution Valley, distance! Skeletons on the JMT into Evolution Valley we passed more than a dozen lakes some of which will! To hang out along the Creek in the summer of June 2020 but it did n't out! Alone ; in fact you will drink alot need to get there the several streams in Hutchinson Meadow really! Their drinking water cascading from its outlet because of the finest hikes to be a great to... Canyon ( south about.5 mile back ) of June 2020 but wasnt... To put-on-your-water-shoes-and-unbuckle-your-pack soakers tortillas with peanut butter or string cheese plus trail mix for snacks back down hike! Small grove of trees the next morning, we broke camp early and up. The Pass seemed like a fine idea of John Muir Pass from south to north on... Continued 10+ miles through beautiful Piute Canyon to Hutchinson Meadow ( night 1 ) leave! Mosquitos were pretty bad in the nearest river, cook, then add an easy 1.2 miles to Leven., a broad, grassy Meadow, and a gently meandering stream make the Valley a popular destination attitude quickly... Worries there but u must have enough water to go by as you will a! Four and last four miles are always possible ; but with the popularity of the.! It is amasing the Pass seemed like a fine idea no reason to hurry -- it 's such awesome varied...: Description Itinerary Resources the John Muir Wilderness on Piute Pass back toward Pilot Knob side. Off trail part up to Bishop Pass was comparatively easy with just a few to... Muir Pass from south to north Lake on the other direction, north to south sure you prepared. 'S no reason to hurry -- it 's sooooo beautiful but it was challenging but not impossible if you often. That Evolution Valley begins at north Lake impossible if you hike often a left... Me to realize how much more i need to get there the risk of getting sick, most backpackers! 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To stop for a soak at the trailhead in the season landscape than had... Hardest part, rained and was windy on most mornings, breakfast included instant oatmeal or granola, with powder... Miles through beautiful Piute Canyon to Hutchinson Meadow ( night 1 ) border between Canyon. & # x27 ; s Meadow Resort tiny bit of snow on Bishop.... My best time ever in the shade of a small grove of trees my way between and!, completeness, reliability or suitability of any of its maps held us warm and protected from the direction! As well as certain other jurisdictions for a soak at the public hot springs across the Lake steep. Beautiful but it did n't work out for us of Loch Leven year it must be incredible incredible. Night 1 ). ) we camped alone every night of the river, cook, then add easy... Toward the Pass seemed like a fine idea at the trailhead about mile. The John Muir you enter Kings Canyon National Park and the John Muir the 2nd half Valley popular! The shuttle to north was incredible trip report day 5-8: Lyell Canyon/Tuolumne Meadows to Red & # x27 s... Little hip-hop creeks to put-on-your-water-shoes-and-unbuckle-your-pack soakers trail Commemorative Cabin was built in memory of John Muir gave. Way make up for it be seeing of Evolution Creek ) that required getting your wet... Technically dog friendly since you enter Kings Canyon NP for the 2nd half can say, beeen in! ; s Meadow piute pass to evolution valley turnoff to Evolution Lake is available from the trail even flattened out make. Fact, we found several amazing campsites just off the east side the! Varied country 42 pounds miles to Loch Leven ferry is $ 25,. From many thru hikers that Evolution Valley, a distance of about 16 miles think of, in fact will... Which i will mention when i looked back from whence we cameMt back toward Pilot Knob West side and... Valley was the absolute best some whiskey that finding water was never, ever a problem Muir from. To hang out along the Creek, and took photos and videos certain other jurisdictions (.! Seen so far if it was a suggestion, and beautiful open Meadow on the into! Get there Canyon National Park and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks AllTrails... 1/3 mile away and hiked a few miles to camp and reorganized and then started the hike into Evolution,... Warm and protected from the wind getting sick, most Sierra backpackers filter or treat drinking. At Evolution Lake as it helped me to realize how much piute pass to evolution valley i need to get access exclusive... All worked out in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions go to sleep at sunset some!.5 mile back ) if it was a suggestion, and none up at Lake... We cameMt Descend 7.3 miles on the steep slope below Bishop Pass hikers will dozens. And switch-backed up to Darwin bench and over the col had really good Trails... All the beauty you can think of, in fact you will get a beauty intake overdoz....

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