3 trip report day 5-8: Lyell Canyon/Tuolumne Meadows to Red's Meadow Resort. The SteriPen uses UV light to kill the germs. counter-balance method. Does this seem like a fair deal to you? The trail even flattened out to make my way easier. The river and steam crossings were simple because the water level is so low at this point in the season. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Every effort is made to provide accurate and up to date information, but we cannot be responsible
Multiple Ascents Grid: Click for a grid showing all of Chris Land Diego, the 11-year-old Lab mix, was struggling; the family carried him part way. The mosquitos were relentless though. No storms. 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. I continued down through the forest, not far from the creek, until I neared the northern end of Evolution Valley. After that, I was down on the floor of Evolution Valley. The ferry is $25 roundtrip, or $13 one way. 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. 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. This loop begins and ends at the North Lake trailhead. I started hiking up the Piute Pass Trail, hoping to camp two miles further Piute Creek, below, and Mount Henry. 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 . At least there might be shade along this section, I thought to myself. Only one water crossing (Evolution creek) that required getting your feet wet. This site had been used for years, and there were several flat spots. This great hike to scenic Piute Pass ascends beneath the multi-hued Piute Crags to a beautiful lakes basin tucked beneath Mt. Just as I was pondering what to do, a couple came down the trail! Driving times may vary based on conditions. Mosquitoes were everywhere but easily controlled with DEET and an (optional) headnet. I also crossed Evolution creek at the alternate, which was swampy but looked much easier than the main crossing. $4,395: August 13-21. 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). Completed hike Aug 14. I put on my night clothing and used a bit of DEET on my face to repel them. 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. 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. Day four Rest and explore. There was no bridge. Reports of hail and lightning from others along the trail. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. For lunch we had tortillas with peanut butter or string cheese plus trail mix for snacks. Then I got some water and filtered it. It is visible from the trail, but some hikers have walked past it without noticing it. Started at North Lake Trailhead and ended at South Lake. Day 2 Evolution Valley 17.18 2977 AEG Emptied our packs and hiked down to the Muir Trail Ranch to pick our resupply. It often has waterfalls cascading from its outlet because of the abrupt drop off. 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. The fourth day we packed back to the Florence lake JMT trail junction. Follow signs pointing to Kings Canyon National Park. I climbed down off my hilltop aerie and walked along the southern shore of Evolution Lake. Well, yeah, maybe then. Our camps were very high, all above 11,300', and we took two and a half days layover, hiking and exploring . Climbing glacier carved granite benches, the trail passes Loch Leven, Piute Lake and many smaller lakes and ponds on the way to the pass. Bishop Pass Trail to John Muir Trail to Piute Trail. The first day we stopped at the Florence lake bridge. The next morning, we continued on the Piute Trail and crossed the bridge onto the John Muir Trail (JMT) where we were paralleling a fast-moving San Joaquin River located within the Kings Canyon National Park. 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. No smoke from the California wildfires. Amazing. 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. It was gorgeous! 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. One of the greatest hikes I've ever done. however, if you are an average backpacker like me, expect some brutal acents and decents. Great camping along the creek once you cross the several streams in Hutchinson Meadow (night 1). Setup camp and to our delight very few mosquitoes at 8500 feet. Water was everywhere but crossings were Ok. Bugs were not a issue. John Muir Rock rises directly to the east. We slept in our vehicle at the trailhead the night before starting. I see no real advantage to hiking one way vs. the other. The best sites we found are located on the east side of the trail directly after we crossed the stream that feeds the lake. What a sight! This is one of my favorite trips of many in the eastern Sierra. Trailhead to Piute Lake Distance from Trailhead: 7.0 miles (round trip) North Lake to Hutchinson Meadow is very straightforward. The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. There was a strong metal bridge just downstream, and it was fun to cross. That was the new plan, I decided. It was not very buggy and lightly rained on 2/8 days. some forest floor. No more High Sierra tundra for me today! While there are no 14,000 ft peaks in these groups the peak are high and majestic. A great spot! There must have been many more waterfalls on the way down, but, sadly, that wasnt part of my plan for the day. I have done this trail three times in all. The mosquitoes were intense in certain areas. Following the PCT southward another 4 miles will bring you to Evolution Meadow. Pat was the captain of the ferry and Charlie ran the little store, nice couple. We also brought along dark chocolate and tequila for special-treat nights. Evolution Valley elevation: 9,500 feet
Camp, or finish the last 2.7 miles to the trailhead. Glaciers clung to the northern slopes of the mountains, feeding small waterfalls. Our simple food choices were holding very well. We hiked it in 7 days but could have done in 6. Beautiful alpine lakes, waterfalls, and my God the meadows. It had taken me almost twelve hours, although I have to admit that I took several very long breaks. The hike to Evolution Valley was exposed and hot at times. 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. 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. Spend up to 3 days there, then out via Evolution Valley, Darwin Basin & Lamarck Col. Julia, Megan and I were to spend 9 days accomplishing this; Trekker9, Slabwalker and JP however had work commitments and would squeeze it into 7 days - leaving us after 5-6 days and taking 2 days to exit over Lamarck. 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. Meadows and trees and waterfalls were on my menu. What a reward after the long hike up the mountainThanks. Apparently, similar although smaller incidents have occurred at other high mountain passes in the region. My AllTrails recording showed 59.4 miles at the termination point (South Lake overnight parking lot) with over 10,000' elevation gain. We found several amazing campsites just off the east side of the trail that held us warm and protected from the wind. This was an epic backpacking trip and I would do it all over again to see evolution basin, and everything in between. Wonderful backpack but challenging for us 60-75 year old hikers. Hiked 6/12-6/17. Its about half way down Dusy basin. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Then it was hot, and I sweated out what little water I had. Would recommend to anyone wanting to experience the High Sierras. From there, the trail traverses Humphreys Basin and reaches the splendid section of the Pacific Crest Trail known as Evolution Valley. 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'). At night, Id comb through maps by headlamp, creating my ultimate ticklist for the parks. One way for an adult is $15, round-trip $28; children 12 and under are $7 and $13. Good thing bruins dont like whiskey. Most of our campsites were fantastic with waterfalls or pretty lakes. Ahead, tackle a class 2 scramble to Lamarck Col. Crest Lamarck Col, then drop down the backside. 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. Id have the trail to myself for a while. As I hiked along, I met several PCT Through-Hikers heading north. Hours may vary with the seasons, so check out their website or call (760) 873-2500. 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. Along the way I came across the Muir Rock which I had seen on the topo map. It took us a little over five days (as schedued) to complete the hike. Turn left and cross the South Fork San Joaquin River. I completed the JMT in 2016 and coming back to this area and adding on Piute and Bishop pass was fantastic. Definitely a moderate hike, but doable in 4 days. My understanding is that dogs are not allowed in the Kings Canyon National Park. Beyond Muir Trail Ranch, several lateral trails connect to the John Muir Trail. Absolutely beautiful. 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). We found the trailhead about 1/3 mile away and hiked a few miles to Loch Leven. The Morning Star Mine comprises a group of 18 claims, situated in Secs. The North Lake-South Lake loop is there High Sierra at its very best! Evolution Valley has always been high on my list of things to do. 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. In between two crossings of the Sierra backbone at Muir Pass and Piute Pass, we'll visit beautiful and famous Evolution Valley. There's no reason to hurry -- it's such awesome, varied country. Having two cars so as to shuttle between trailheads made the logistics a lot easier. That was a big mistake. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. Permits issued from the White . 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. Rattlesnakes are always possible; but with the popularity of the trail, rattlesnakes are rarely seen. I sucked the last of my water from the hose and hiked on, filled with new energy. The trail in 4 days Piute Pass trail to myself for a while had tortillas with peanut butter or cheese... Trailhead to Piute Lake Distance from trailhead: 7.0 miles ( round trip ) North Lake trailhead it often waterfalls. Basin, and everything in between trademark of AllTrails, LLC trips, stories, and Henry! Held us warm and protected from the hose and hiked down to Florence! 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