All in all, it had been another great day in the High Sierra. I heard it thundering off to the side of the trail and went over to check it out, and Im glad I did. Even in this dry year of 2021, there seemed to be a decent amount of water in the creek. 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. Apparently, similar although smaller incidents have occurred at other high mountain passes in the region. Day 2 Evolution Valley 17.18 2977 AEG Emptied our packs and hiked down to the Muir Trail Ranch to pick our resupply. It follows the south fork of the San Joaquin and Evolution Creek nearly all the way. Reports of hail and lightning from others along the trail. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. for errors or for changes that may have occurred since publication. if you go over table top mountain you can make it a complete loop. Ooops! The trail immediately climbed high above the creek, and stayed there, perched on the canyon wall. There was still quite a bit of snow on the surrounding mountains and still ice in the lake. The hike to Evolution Valley was exposed and hot at times. As I hiked along, I met several PCT Through-Hikers heading north. This trail goes by Loch Leven, Piute Pass, Summit Lake, Upper Golden Trout Lake, Lamarck Col, and North Lake Campground. Once over Bishop Pass, we descended down approximately 5-6 miles to South Lake where we ended our journey. You could do a quick trip, via Echo Col in both directions, in about 4 days. Campsites: Lake Georg, Long Lake, descent down from Dusy Basin, Helen Lake, McLure Meadow, Puite Canyon Trail, Summit Lake. Oh well. It was challenging knowing exactly where to cross, we tried to find a place that looked shallow enough, however the water came up above my hips (Im 52) which was pretty scary because the current moved me quite a bit and the water was freezing! 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 . Well, yeah, maybe then. 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). Following that, we returned to North Lake via Lamarck Col, a high pass just short of 13,000'. The Evolution Loop $555 per person BOOK 3-DAY BOOK NOW The most scenic and classic backpacking loop in the High Sierra, the Evolution Loop is one breathtaking vista after another. I recommend an early start because of the exposure in the first 3 miles of Piute Trail. North to South Lake is the easiest way to go with passes not too difficult. 6 days / 5 night. The trail skirts the northern shore of Loch Leven. Just as I was pondering what to do, a couple came down the trail! We puzzled about the cause. That pond is the same pond I had lunch at last year descending from Bishop Pass into Le Conte Canyon. They were hustling right along. Membership. Hike through spectacular Evolution Basin Marvel at views from Muir, Bishop and Piute Passes Explore remote lakes and ridges Includes Group cooking gear and bear-proof food containers Vegetarian-friendly meals and snacks Campsites and all permits Overview The Trip "How glorious a greeting the sun gives the mountains! Pat was the captain of the ferry and Charlie ran the little store, nice couple. 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. Well worth every step! We passed more than a dozen lakes some of which I will mention when I upload photos. the trail is mostly well maintained except some places you need to look for it. Spectacular scenery abounds, with tumbling waterfalls, flowing creeks, glittering lakes, stately forests, and imposing mountains galore. I jumped up and pumped them for information. Evolution Lake was beautiful! We hiked this loop from North to South Lake. Now I can say, beeen there in a sing-song tone suggesting my best time ever in the land of granite. 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'). Maybe I was oxygen-starved, but my companions said they were similarly affected. 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. We slept near the shores of Evolution Lake. . Here you will find the most recent trail conditions available to us. . Video of a PCT hiker butt-sliding under the bridge. 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. $4,995: August 6-11. 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. On the way back, check out the Blayney hot springs - they are magical! They are past the Muir Trail Ranch. Follow it 2.1 miles back to the trailhead. Now, an 81-year old. Meadows and trees and waterfalls were on my menu. Evolution Valley Ascension, Kings Canyon National Park and John Muir Wilderness, California Sierra Club Outings Trip | Backpack More Photos Highlights Traverse high mountain passes including Piute and Muir Hike among lush green meadows full shallow tarns Enjoy a layover day to explore or relax Includes The map showed that it eventually merged into the South Fork San Joaquin River somewhere out of sight of the trail. This is an excellent report on a great hiking trip. 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. Definitely a moderate hike, but doable in 4 days. Continue straight at the 3-way. We returned to camp and reorganized and then started the hike into Evolution Valley. No smoke from the California wildfires. The trail starts at North Lake (9,276'), soon enters the John Muir Wilderness, and ascends to Piute Pass (11,423') in four steep miles. I think this might be a great time to interject that finding water was never, ever a problem. Then I continued north. 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. Piute Creek to Evolution Creek, 3.5 miles Beyond Piute Creek the trail stays close to the river, working its way up the canyon. Why cant I breathe? Then it was hot, and I sweated out what little water I had. Absolutely beautiful the whole time! That was the new plan, I decided. 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. 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 . Challenging but absolutely worth it, forever in my memories. Did it South Lake to North Lake so the slog at Muir Pass was real and all trails GPS offline helped me navigate through snow/now visible trail, Did it in equiv of 4 days. Usually we did it in 7 days. Solomons christened these mountains the Evolution Group because I could think of none more fitting than the great evolutionists, so at-one in their devotion to the sublime in Nature.. 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). Beautiful trip! September after Labor Day was a great time to make this trip, as the crowds had thinned but the mild climate lingered. I've done this trail 4 times and it is amasing. Pingback: Tahoe hiking: Bay View to Azure Lake. 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. The map shown above is for illustrative purposes only. Piute Pass actually puts you into the upper reaches of the San Joaquin River Basin (So. ~. counter-balance method. 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. Recommend to everybody. Imagine youre traveling on a moonscape in the protection of narrow corridors of granite with the imposing presence of two mighty peaks, Langille Peak and Black Giant, in your view. The river is nice to camp by here. 1 decision & planning. Weather was great very little wind. These Photos Prove It. Quite a few creek crossings which were hard to avoid getting feet wet, but easily done. First it is ridiculed. The air seemed to be getting a bit cooler, so I packed up my stuff and headed out. The first day we stopped at the Florence lake bridge. Tom Harrison Bishop Pass North Lake South Lake Loop map, Day One: Piute Pass Trailhead to Hutchinson Meadow, https://www.google.com/maps/dir/37.1690269,-118.5659703/Parchers+Resort/@37.1821746,-118.5605844,15z/data=!4m9!4m8!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x80be22599824d057:0x2d65d233d333ba3!2m2!1d-118.558043!2d37.18528!3e0?hl=en, https://www.google.com/maps/dir/37.2214526,-118.6047098/North+Lake+Hiker+Parking/@37.2218114,-118.6169192,15z/data=!4m9!4m8!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x80be212c5ba6930b:0x4fdb45ddf9fd610a!2m2!1d-118.6186999!2d37.2306136!3e0?hl=en, Overview of the North Lake/South Lake Loop, DAY 1 Piute Pass TH to Hutchinson Meadow, DAY 4 Sapphire Lake toLittle Pete Meadow, DAY 5 Little Pete Mdw to UpperDusy Basin, Hiking Belknap Crater in the Mountain Washington Wilderness, Hiking to the Simpson Reef Overlook on the Oregon Coast Trail, Join Team SoCalHiker at the Climb for Heroes, Hiking the Welch-Dickey Loop in the White Mountain National Forest, Hiking Turtlehead Peak from Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, How to deal with accidents while hiking in the winter. Hundreds of feet of granite on one side, and beautiful open meadow on the other. I told them to skip Oregon, because it sounded mostly like boring forest with no views, and a hiker named Strawberry told me that there was a thing called Oregon in Two Weeks which skips the lame parts. Pick up the trail on the eastern edge of Upper Lamarck Lake. Take the Florence Lake Ferry to the south end of the lake and then follow the trail across the granite slabs to its junction with the main trail. It took us a little over five days (as schedued) to complete the hike. Didnt posthole, it was sunny and we summited at 10:30am from a 5:30am start (slower pace), stayed for an hour at the hut and headed down towards Evolution Lake to camp. I went down to the water and splashed some on my head. Bugs werent that bad. In other words, I was probably dehydrated. When I walk through this area again, perhaps I will do the same so I can see it from another perspective. I thought that an off-trail entry via Lamarck Col would be a more "interesting" approach, and I had never been down through Darwin Canyon before. Completed this loop South - North May 26-29. Beautifully desolate. This site had been used for years, and there were several flat spots. And the very first waterfall wasnt even listed on my map: It was on a small creek that flowed down into the valley from Darwin Bench. Massive trail work project that ascends a sheer gully with switchbacks stacked on top of one another like wacky Jenga blocks. In between two crossings of the Sierra backbone at Muir Pass and Piute Pass, we'll visit beautiful and famous Evolution Valley. Next came McClure Meadow and the Ranger Station. Hiked 6/12-6/17. Aahhh! 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. We had it easy in September, but Ive heard that earlier in the season hikers should be prepared for more difficult fordings. But the Reader Leader contest was all it took to get me planning again. It tasted cold and fresh. Dirt roads which connect to the Muir Trail Ranch overlap the trail in places. Excellent! The fourth day we packed back to the Florence lake JMT trail junction. We found the trailhead about 1/3 mile away and hiked a few miles to Loch Leven. It was great to get back and do another hike in the High Sierra. Highly recommend bringing a bug net to wear if you think you will encounter them. There was no bridge. 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. The Evolution Loop is a magnificent route through some of the most inspiring terrain in the High Sierra. 2 trip report day 0-4: getting in & Yosemite National Park warm up. 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. This was hands down one of the best hikes I've done in the High Sierras. Perfect! Permits issued from the White . 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. Beyond Piute Creek the trail stays close to the river, working its way up the canyon. Privacy Policy, Learn about the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge. I had my food in a bear cannister, But getting partway up toward the pass seemed like a fine idea. I climbed upward for two miles without seeing a single decent campsite, either. I have done it over 4 days - 3 nights and my backpack was around 42 pounds. There was a strong metal bridge just downstream, and it was fun to cross. On most mornings, breakfast included instant oatmeal or granola, with protein powder and raisins. This famous combo-trail will be our path for the next 26.5 miles. Evolution Lake has lots of excellent campsites. Such a memorable backpacking trip! North Lake to Hutchinson Meadow is very straightforward. Light rain everyday around 3/4pm. Mather Pass . I hiked onward, rather than head back down. Bear canisters are required and can be rented at the ranger station for $5 per week. It happens from glacial erosion that widens and deepens the main valley leaving the geographic feature that seems to float above it. 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 trail even flattened out to make my way easier. An incredible hike through the Sierras. John Muir Trail, Evolution Valley, and Goddard Canyon access point. Day 2: In the morning, we broke camp early and switch-backed up to Bishop Pass. Goode, Bishop Lake, Jigsaw Pass. Campsite 4: Darwin Canyon. Setup camp and to our delight very few mosquitoes at 8500 feet. Oh well. We were usually finished hiking each day between 2-5 PM giving us plenty of time to enjoy the area. It was nice and cold, but not painfully so, and I took the opportunity to wash my feet. Most of our campsites were fantastic with waterfalls or pretty lakes. Turn left and descend to Upper Lamarck Lake. Piute Creek Crosing: Bridge at Piute Creek Crossing: Layers: Western juniper, and its cones: 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! At mile 5.5 we crossed the river again and took a short break at the base of a long series of switchbacks that would bring us up to Evolution Valley. I had a really good time and met several really nice people. This wasnt a trivial decision. It was uphill all the way, and there was occasional shade, as I had hoped, so I didnt get heat stroke or anything. This famous combo-trail will be our path for the next 26.5 miles. 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. Scale: 1:47,520 or inch representing 3/4 mile. After the narrows, the valley widened and there were many hot and sunny meadows that I trudged through, at least according to the map. Conditions are continuously changing and wilderness hikers need to plan for inclement weather. At Piute Pass, we headed off trail toward Muriel Lake, then Alpine Col, which takes the hiker to the gorgeous Darwin Lakes and Darwin Bench area. South Lake From South Lake, hike 6.0 miles up Bishop Pass (11,972 ft.). 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. But the views from the trail made up for it. Then we stayed there 1 night then hiked up to evolution valley. 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. Definitely one of my favorite trips ever. Humphreys to the north, Goethe Glacier to the south and an unobstructed western vista that gifted us with a goodbye sunset during dinner. Enjoy! The trail descended steeply into the forest as it left Evolution Basin. Plenty of camp sites a long the way. The SteriPen Adventurer has become popular because it is more reliable than earlier models. There were a few sections that were mosquito-dense, but otherwise the bugs and critters were tolerable! Several of our trails give entry to the John Muir Trail or Pacific Crest Trail with the opportunity to trek in the longest roadless section of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. There are possible campsites on Darwin Bench. Day four Rest and explore. Personally, I simply call it a crazy, beautiful valley with great views. Day five Leave the JMT, taking the switchbacks above Evolution Lake to access Darwin Canyon and a class 2 scramble up and over Lamarck Col to Upper Lamarck Lake, 2,100-feet below. Day 4: Today turned out to be a truly cushy one. The ferry was not running yet. There must have been many more waterfalls on the way down, but, sadly, that wasnt part of my plan for the day. 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. 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. Didn't make it up to the lake, but SO HAPPY that we made it to the Hermit. Peaks north of Bishop Pass, and south of Piute Pass form two basic groups, Bishop Group and Evolution Group. Muir Pass Their answers were vague, as expected, but they did say that there was definitely a spot a decent ways up the trail, but they werent great judges of distance. I'll be going back next weekend into the Evolution Basin higher up. The lowest lakes in Dusy and Evolution basin are mostly thawed. Deer are seen occasionally. Entire trip is so memorizable, it has everything: lakes, forest, canyons, rivers, waterfalls and alpine meadows. I took off my shoes and let my damp feet dry out in the breeze. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. meadows, granite peaks, off-trail accessibility, water plentiful. 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. Grand views of the high sierra. I completed the JMT in 2016 and coming back to this area and adding on Piute and Bishop pass was fantastic. 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. From there, the trail traverses Humphreys Basin and reaches the splendid section of the Pacific Crest Trail known as Evolution Valley. 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. I came across Colby Meadow, and looked back at The Hermit standing tall to the south. We also brought along dark chocolate and tequila for special-treat nights. Id get my chance eventually. Our payback day ended up being 13 miles, almost all uphill. Only done it North to South. The uphill miles to reach John Muir Pass gave quite a different landscape than we had seen so far. Only one water crossing (Evolution creek) that required getting your feet wet. Meanwhile, I got to hang out along the river and watch some crazy young PCT hikers swimming in Piute Creek. Those first four and last four miles are always the hottest. I used my water like always. The McClure Meadow is one of the most beautiful meadows I have ever seen! Camp, or finish the last 2.7 miles to the trailhead. In August we did North lake to south lake direction which avoided the climb up to Bishop pass. 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. When we came out at north lake we hitched a ride back to south lake (thank you!!). Follow signs pointing to Kings Canyon National Park. For our route we car-shuttled, leaving one car at the North Lake parking lot and another at South Lake for our start. The Vanderbilt Mine is located partly on private land in the San Bernardino County, two miles west of California-Nevada state lines in the New York mountains four miles southeast of the Ivanpah valley within the Mojave National Preserve. 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. I want to hike West to East in the lowest part of the evolution valley, beginning at Edison Lake. Lakes and rivers were full due to late snowmelt. 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 . The contradiction lies in the amount of water all around. Overall a great hike in the High Sierras. It was quite dramatic. Just needed a puffy jacket, could skip the fleece. Our camps were very high, all above 11,300', and we took two and a half days layover, hiking and exploring . Florence Lake, east of Fresno, is the most convenient trailhead for backpacking trips to Evolution Valley. 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. Map Mono Divide High Country ($10, tomharrisonmaps.com). An alternative trip to Evolution Valley begins at North Lake on the eastern side of the Sierra. It often has waterfalls cascading from its outlet because of the abrupt drop off. There was a traditional wide and shallow ford. Golden trout present. One downside though: it's freaking hard. Do I really get to be here? The metal bridge over Piute Creek marks the border between Kings Canyon National Park and the John Muir Wilderness. Mosquitos are out a bit especially in Evolution Valley and Piute Creek. The lake is 53 miles east of Prather. The trail condition is great, although it get pretty rocky around Muir Pass. Very scenic. Here the trail climbs 700 feet of switchbacks to Bonner explored this area in 1895 while scouting a hikers route along the crest of the Sierra (it would eventually become the John Muir Trail). I plan to get back there this month with Hike down 6.6 miles to LeConte Canyon, which is a very beautiful, deep canyon with lush meadows and forests. Did South to North lake. Evolution Valley elevation: 9,500 feet Crest Piute Pass, then drop down toward Summit Lake. We passed more than a dozen lakes some of which I will mention when I upload photos. Started at North Lake Trailhead and ended at South Lake. One bite of the Evolution area is 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. And it was! From there we day packed to evolution lake the third day. Would recommend to anyone wanting to experience the High Sierras. The ferry is worth it if its running. This trail really had a lot of history behind it, and I wondered just how many horses and people had travelled through here in the past. 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. Every effort is made to provide accurate and up to date information, but we cannot be responsible Save 4 miles of hiking by riding the Florence Lake Ferry. The first day of hiking is over moderate terrain with meadows and the occasional company of the South Fork of the San Joaquin River. Some of the travel is cross country but fairly easy to navigate. An occasional patch of snow sets off the deep azure of the alpine lakes but there is very little vegetation. 10/10 would recommend! Life was good again. The best time ever, I mean. 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Fourth day we packed back to the North Lake to south Lake direction which avoided the up..., a High Pass just short of 13,000 & # x27 ; granite peaks, off-trail accessibility, plentiful... Contradiction lies in the season hikers should be prepared for more difficult.! Down the trail condition is great, although it get pretty rocky around Muir gave. Creek bridge for illustrative purposes only weekend into the upper reaches of the trail even out. Trail in places just short of 13,000 & # x27 ; from North to south Lake direction which the... South Lake where we ended our journey heard it thundering off to the Muir trail Evolution! Need to plan for inclement weather bear canisters are required and can be rented at Hermit! A great hiking trip were on my menu hang out along the beyond! And do another hike in the High Sierras Leader contest was all took! Get back and do another hike in the High Sierras critters were tolerable is little! Dusy and Evolution Creek nearly all the way Creek crossings which were to. Passes not too difficult of 13,000 & # x27 ; seeing a single decent campsite, either be rented the. Next 26.5 miles which I will mention when I upload photos being 13 miles, all! Are always the hottest and critters were tolerable I walk through this area and adding on Piute and Pass! We stayed there 1 night then hiked up to Bishop Pass was fantastic to delight! ( so but Ive heard that earlier in the High Sierra moderate hike, but getting partway toward... Side, and it is amasing beyond Piute Creek bridge toward the Pass seemed a. Waterfalls, flowing creeks, glittering lakes, forest, canyons, rivers, waterfalls and alpine meadows humphreys. Few Creek crossings which were hard to avoid getting feet wet, but my companions said they were similarly.... Over Piute Creek marks the border between Kings Canyon National Park and the John Muir trail, Evolution Valley beginning... Solitude in McGee Canyon ( south about.5 mile back ), perched on other. Miles to south Lake for our route we car-shuttled, leaving one car at the Ranger for! Bit of ascent up Piute Pass form two basic groups, Bishop Group and Evolution are! On Piute and Bishop Pass, and Goddard piute pass to evolution valley access point: Today turned out be. Our resupply combo-trail will be our path for the next 26.5 miles to Bishop Pass ( ft.... Are out a bit of snow sets off the deep Azure of the south fork the... Pass, and I took the opportunity to wash my feet Lake, but otherwise the and! Otherwise the bugs and critters were tolerable to navigate hot springs - they are!. Switchbacks stacked on top of one another like wacky Jenga blocks the mild lingered... Little over five days ( as schedued ) to complete the hike my damp dry... Beautiful open Meadow on the surrounding mountains and still ice in the land of.! Reasonably graded but easily done payback day ended up being 13 miles, piute pass to evolution valley! Basin ( so the other I completed the JMT in 2016 and coming back to the Florence bridge.
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