Named lakes at 11,000ft, endless granite, widely considered the most beautiful stretch of the entire John Muir Trail.
The definitive section of the John Muir Trail. Evolution Basin is a vast granite wonderland of named lakes at 11,000ft (Wanda, Sapphire, Evolution), widely considered the most beautiful stretch of the entire JMT. Muir Pass with its iconic stone shelter, Le Conte Canyon, and Dusy Basin round out a route that packs the best of the High Sierra into 5 days. This is the route for experienced backpackers who want a taste of the JMT without the 3-week commitment.
Start: North Lake TH (9,400ft)
End: South Lake TH (9,800ft)
Water: Piute Creek, Piute Lake, Summit Lake
Climb to Piute Pass (11,423ft) past Loch Leven and Piute Lakes. Descend past Summit Lake. Camp at Upper Golden Trout Lake or Piute Creek.
Water: Piute Creek, South Fork San Joaquin River
Descend into Piute Canyon following Piute Creek. Join JMT/PCT and hike along the South Fork of the San Joaquin River. Make camp along river.
Water: South Fork of San Joaquin River, Evolution Creek, Evolution Lake
Hike through Evolution Valley - stunning meadows (Colby, McClure, Evolution Meadow). Ford Evolution Creek (can be tricky in early season). Climb steadily into Evolution Basin. Camp at Evolution Lake - widely considered the most beautiful lake on the entire JMT.
Water: Evolution Lake, Wanda Lake, Helen Lake, Middle Fork Kings River
Walk through heart of Evolution Basin past Sapphire Lake and Wanda Lake. Climb to Muir Pass (11,955ft) and iconic Muir Hut (stone shelter). Stark, above-treeline landscape. Cold and exposed - bring warm gear. Descend to Helen Lake. Hike along Middle Fork of Kings River as you descend into Le Conte Canyon. Camp at the bottom of the canyon, near Little Pete Meadow.
Water: Bishop Lake, Saddlerock Lake, Timberline Tarns, Long Lake, South Lake
Turn east and begin steep climb up switchbacks to Dusy Basin. Climb to Bishop Pass (11,972ft) for final panoramic views. Descend east past Bishop Lake, Saddlerock Lake, Timberline Tarns, Long Lake, and South Lake to South Lake TH. Arrange shuttle or second car at South Lake beforehand.
Darwin Canyon via Lamarck Col (class 2-3 cross-country, experienced only); day hike to Goddard Canyon from Evolution Valley; Knapsack Pass from Dusy Basin for views into Palisade Basin
SHUTTLE REQUIRED: North Lake and South Lake are ~30min apart by car near Bishop. Leave car at South Lake, shuttle to North Lake. Trailheads on same road system. Evolution Creek ford can be thigh-deep in early July. Muir Pass snow lingers into July most years - check conditions. Bear canister required. No campfires above 10,000ft in Kings Canyon NP. Mountain Rambler Brewery in Bishop for post-hike celebration. Multiple route variations possible (reverse direction, Lamarck Col entry/exit).
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