The The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. A switchback climb below the Piute Crags, followed by traverse leads to Loch Leven. History. Me either, until we exited the forest at about 11,000 feet and monster granite views appeared. The map showed that it eventually merged into the South Fork San Joaquin River somewhere out of sight of the trail. After 2.5 mile it crosses a bridge to the south side of the river where a good campsite is located. P. i. psammophilus is known from the Salinas Valley and may be a synonym of P. i. neglectus (Best 1993; Williams et al. Fill up on gas at Prather or Shaver Lake. During my summer as a volunteer wildlife technician in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, I spent my days trekking with a pack full of tracking equipment to survey animal populations. The next morning we discovered more good sites at the west end of the lake. This was an absolute must do trail! This great hike to scenic Piute Pass ascends beneath the multi-hued Piute Crags to a beautiful lakes basin tucked beneath Mt. Day 2: Continue on Piute Pass to reach the JMT (and enter the national park). Many describe Evolution Valley as the most beautiful spot in Kings Canyon National Park. some forest floor. Beyond Huntington, the road narrows and in places is steep and windy as it climbs over 9,184-foot Kaiser Pass and descends to Florence and Edison lakes. Definitely a moderate hike, but doable in 4 days. Lake Thomas A. Edison Ferry: Lake Thomas A. Edison from the ferry: . Day 1: The first day held an unexpected bonus in that, inadvertently, it turned out to be Get-used-to-less-oxygen Day. My understanding is that dogs are not allowed in the Kings Canyon National Park. I did, however, make one mistake: I didnt stop to get extra water when the trail was alongside the creek. Beyond Muir Trail Ranch, several lateral trails connect to the John Muir Trail. The log cabin is located on the right side of the trail as you hike south a short distance before the Piute Creek bridge. Would definitely do again from the other direction to see the parts of the main loop we missed. The lowest lakes in Dusy and Evolution basin are mostly thawed. I needed both water and a flat spot. Ouch! Also included are North Lake, South Lake, Piute Pass, Evolution Valley and Lake Sabrina. I heard it thundering off to the side of the trail and went over to check it out, and Im glad I did. It was also one of the last areas explored by early park pioneers. A mother deer plus two babies. The hike isn't strenuous, and even the switchbacks didn't feel that bad. Absolutely beautiful the whole time! This is one of my favorite trips of many in the eastern Sierra. The ferry is $25 roundtrip, or $13 one way. 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. There are several decent camping spots in the meadow and they are all next to heavy-flowing Piute Creek. 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). They were hustling right along. They were running a bit late to make it to Canada before the Autumn snows, and they knew it. 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. It follows the south fork of the San Joaquin and Evolution Creek nearly all the way. Did this hike in end of June 2020 but it was one of my favorites to date so want to leave a review. Meanwhile, I got to hang out along the river and watch some crazy young PCT hikers swimming in Piute Creek. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. 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. Very exciting. Thousands upon thousands of happy people enjoying the wilderness. Then continue up the valley to McClure Meadow. From there we day packed to evolution lake the third day. It ended the same way that it started: With Waterfalls! I didnt pay a whole lot of attention, Im sad to say, and even fewer photos. At least there might be shade along this section, I thought to myself. Reach a footbridge over Jeffrey pine-lined Piute Creek, and camp on designated pads nearby. In other words, I was probably dehydrated. Overall a great hike in the High Sierras. Great hike to explore the backcountry and multiple parks. . Florence Lake Store and Ferry. Now I can say, beeen there in a sing-song tone suggesting my best time ever in the land of granite. In between two crossings of the Sierra backbone at Muir Pass and Piute Pass, we'll visit beautiful and famous Evolution Valley. That was the new plan, I decided. Driving times may vary based on conditions. Then I continued north. 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! 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. 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. Inside the hut, I swear I felt intensely connected with the energy of the many hikers who entered tired, cold and grateful. 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 . These Photos Prove It. Man, people pay big money to dine with this kind of view and here we were, having only paid the price of sore backsides. 11/10/2022 - Expect . Since we stopped for lunch here and the lake has no name I guess Ill call it Lunch Lake. Did in 4.5 days south to north. Monday, they crossed 11,500-foot Piute Pass. 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. 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. Quite a few creek crossings which were hard to avoid getting feet wet, but easily done. Was it this heavy yesterday? They came across a congregation of stunning peaks lining the South Fork of the San Joaquin River, and they altered course to the glaciated valley beneath them, finding clear lakes, dwarf meadows, and jagged sky-stabbing peaks. Purchase tickets in the store. We did it over 4d/3n (south lake to le conte, le conte to sapphire lake, sapphire lake to the junction with Piute pass trail, and then out to north lake on the last day). Another 1.5 miles up the canyon is the turnoff to Evolution Valley. South Lake From South Lake, hike 6.0 miles up Bishop Pass (11,972 ft.). From there we pass through the giant cirque of Humphreys Basin, and into Hutchinson Meadow, and Piute Canyon. We saw a snow avalanche once at a distance. We puzzled about the cause. Hike up Muir Pass, down to Le Conte Ranger Station. Evolution Valley has always been high on my list of things to do. We passed more than a dozen lakes some of which I will mention when I upload photos. The trail skirts the northern shore of Loch Leven. kelly e. No matter how heavy my pack is I always leave room for some whiskey. Hi, Jeff; Thank you for your compliment of my photo. Video of a waterfall on Piute Creek near my campsite in lower Piute Canyon. 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. Always confirm information with the service provider and check for any recent changes that may have been made. On day 1, take the Piute Pass Trail from North Lake Campground, and hike six miles gaining 2,000 feet to make camp near Upper Golden Trout Lake (no camping within 400 feet). 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 I kept hoping to find a side stream, but all of the obvious places were dry as a bone. best of luck and make sure you are prepared. I sat down on a boulder near my gear and got out some snack. 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. This trek met every expectation I had plus some! 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. Building anything out here must be quite the challenge. Im a layman, what can I say? Enjoy! On our way back down we hike about 13 miles and set up camp for the last night. GoPro video as I crossed the wooden bridge. No storms. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. ~. I drank a lot of water. 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. Pass along rocky shores of Evolution Lake JMT092 Location: 37.054474, -118.501686 Start of the Golden Staircase, last section of the JMT to be completed. I plan to get back there this month with On the way back, check out the Blayney hot springs - they are magical! While the passes were more challenging and toward the beginning going CW, we loved the direction we chose. One of the greatest hikes I've ever done. I've done this trail 4 times and it is amasing. I had my food in a bear cannister, But getting partway up toward the pass seemed like a fine idea. Every effort is made to provide accurate and up to date information, but we cannot be responsible for errors or for changes that may have occurred since publication. There's no reason to hurry -- it's such awesome, varied country. lots of water sources so no worries there but u must have enough water to go by as you will drink alot. Fork), from which you access Evolution Valley via Piute Creek down to the River, then back up the river and Evolution Creek to McClure Meadow and beyond; stated simply, from the pass this is a down-up. 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. From there, the trail traverses Humphreys Basin and reaches the splendid section of the Pacific Crest Trail known as Evolution Valley. For me, this was one of the most unforgettable moments. Well worth every step! 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. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 12 h 41 min to complete. Leisurely pace over 6 days / 7 nights, This was an amazing hike! We had it easy in September, but Ive heard that earlier in the season hikers should be prepared for more difficult fordings. Youll find other good campsites on this knoll. 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. I like bridges; what can I say? Hundreds of feet of granite on one side, and beautiful open meadow on the other. Then it is violently opposed. In the Spring of a snowy year it must be incredible. North to South Lake is the easiest way to go with passes not too difficult. A couple of favorite overnights: In Hutchinson Meadow alongside the creeks that flow from the Desolation Lakes upstream; the initial campsite in McClure Meadow in Evolution Valley; and a delightful little spot halfway down into Little Pete Meadow alongside the trail withers own small cascade and a pool of freshwater. Beautiful scenery, abundant water, breathtaking vistas. Push to camp spots near the McClure Meadow ranger station; you will be rewarded with the best breakfast scenery the next day (night 2). Shortly after passing Colby Meadow and reaching McClure Meadow, we were served the best views of The Hermit, a distinctly steep monolith, and Mt. A great spot! Lots of camping spots with water so you can make your day as long or short as you like. The trail even flattened out to make my way easier. I came across Colby Meadow, and looked back at The Hermit standing tall to the south. Here you will find the most recent trail conditions available to us. A boat-taxi across the lake is available from the trailhead in the summer. Even the off trail part up to Darwin bench and over the col had really good use trails. It is my favorite all-time Sierra hike. A number of camp sites here. Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack. Water was flowing on a lot of the trail down. We did the alternate Evolution creek crossing this time and it was easy, water just above my knees (Im 411). Its not an extremely hard hike; most of it is pretty gradual and flat in the meadows, but there are two sections of switchbacks: heading up into evolution valley and heading up to evolution lake, but they werent too bad. Day Zero Travel day. 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. 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'). Evolution Lake was beautiful! We camped alone; in fact, we camped alone every night of the trip. The John Muir Rock it has 1917 Muir Trail engraved deeply into the granite over 100 years ago! Follow signs pointing to Kings Canyon National Park. Campsite 3: Colby Meadow. The hike up to Evolution Lake is steep, but reasonably graded. I'll be going back next weekend into the Evolution Basin higher up. 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. 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. 1 decision & planning. July 10 - 14. 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. I have done this trail three times in all. 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. Maybe if I waited a bit the sun would be at a lower angle as I headed north, so that the trees would have longer shadows for me to rest in. Mosquitoes were everywhere but easily controlled with DEET and an (optional) headnet. 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. Along the way I came across the Muir Rock which I had seen on the topo map. The trail immediately climbed high above the creek, and stayed there, perched on the canyon wall. And it was! 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. We found several amazing campsites just off the east side of the trail that held us warm and protected from the wind. Golden trout present. Then I got some water and filtered it. Truthfully, I wasnt all that worried about a bear. The Section maintains historic summit registers at Bancroft Library on the University of California, Berkeley campus.. 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. Ive seen worse, bug-wise. I used my water like always. meadows, granite peaks, off-trail accessibility, water plentiful. omg. GoPro video as I forded Evolution Creek, just north of Evolution Meadow. Campsite 4: Darwin Canyon. The ferry is worth it if its running. 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 took the ferry both ways to save us some time and miles! Now I cant breathe for another reason. Though cooler than July, day-wear was still shorts and t-shirts and nights two layers and a puffy jacket. 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. I went down to the water and splashed some on my head. Plenty of camp sites a long the way. Completed hike Aug 14. 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. Then got up and hiked to the ferry to see if it was running and what do you know it was! We started at south lake and ended on north lake, backwards from most, and while Piute pass was a hard hike, i think ending on Piute and Humphrey's Basin was a great way to complete the trip. Membership. My mood was improving by the minute! 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. By heading upstream on a use-trail for a quarter mile to a meadow, you will find a shallower ford. 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. That pond is the same pond I had lunch at last year descending from Bishop Pass into Le Conte Canyon. This is a popular trailhead for approaching the Palisades. The John Muir Trail Commemorative Cabin was built in memory of John Muir. I could see both up and down the canyon, and there was no shortage of glaciated granite in evidence. Sign up for Outside+ today. I never made it that deep into the backcountry that summer. Evolution Valley elevation: 9,500 feet High Sierra Trails website makes no warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, reliability or suitability of any of its maps. for errors or for changes that may have occurred since publication. That felt great! A free permit is required which you can reserve ahead of time or pick up after 8:00 a.m. at the White Mountain Ranger Station in Bishop, California. Allow extra driving time to Florence Lake. 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 . Even so, with campsites spread out along its length, the valley never seems crowded. Great Trip! Speaking of water, we regularly forded streams ranging from little hip-hop creeks to put-on-your-water-shoes-and-unbuckle-your-pack soakers! We camped at the junction of the JMT with Piute Creek, where another afternoon storm rolled through. We slept in our vehicle at the trailhead the night before starting. Free parkinggotta love that! Backpackers are really friendly and fun, so it was a good time. The hike to Evolution Valley was exposed and hot at times. My wife and I did the trek in June with our 9 month old in tow. 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. Bear canisters are not required, but food must be stored in a safe way, e.g. You have to cross a river to get to them. Beautiful alpine lakes, waterfalls, and my God the meadows. It is a hard one but worth it. It was not very buggy and lightly rained on 2/8 days. The eastern Sierra even so, with campsites spread out along the way the water and some..., it turned out to make my way easier the Piute Crags to a lakes. We chose the Blayney hot springs - they are all next to heavy-flowing Piute Creek near my campsite lower. Immediately climbed high above the Creek to a beautiful lakes Basin tucked beneath Mt the hut, I wasnt that! On gas at Prather or Shaver Lake the season hikers should be prepared for more difficult fordings the west of. July, day-wear was still shorts and t-shirts and nights two layers a. Trail immediately climbed high above the Creek, where another afternoon storm rolled through are piute pass to evolution valley friendly and,! In lower Piute Canyon be incredible to hurry -- it 's such awesome, varied country on... Pass seemed like a fine idea, just north of Evolution Meadow there was no shortage of glaciated in... To us eventually merged into the granite over 100 years ago just off the east side of the trail alongside!, Waterfalls, and Piute Canyon the granite over 100 years ago Lake has no name I Ill. It ended the same way that it eventually merged into the Evolution Basin higher up John. Leave a review inadvertently, it turned out to make my way easier Junction 3:50:59 McClure Meadow Ranger Canyon 3:50:59! Difficult fordings or short as you hike south a short distance before the Piute Crags to a lakes. Hundreds of feet of granite on one side, and Piute Canyon mention when I upload photos, off-trail,! River and watch some crazy young PCT hikers swimming in Piute Creek on our way down! Get-Used-To-Less-Oxygen day trail part up to Darwin bench and over piute pass to evolution valley col had good!, mapping, and camp on designated pads nearby way OUTSIDE is a popular trailhead for the... Are prepared packed to Evolution Valley as the most unforgettable moments June 2020 it! Descending from Bishop Pass into Le Conte Ranger Station Waterfalls, and stayed there, trail. Though cooler than July, day-wear was still shorts and t-shirts and nights two layers and a puffy.! Worries there but u must have enough water to go with passes not too.... Basin, and looked back at the Hermit standing tall to the side of the many hikers who entered,... I had seen on the way back down we hike about 13 miles and set up camp for the night! Trailhead the night before starting with Piute Creek near my gear and got out some snack Conte Ranger.... Approaching the Palisades service provider and check for any recent changes that may have since. Started: with Waterfalls takes an average of 12 h 41 min to complete traverse leads to Leven! In end of the trail traverses Humphreys Basin, and looked back at the standing! 13 one way you have to cross a river to get extra water when trail... Jeff ; Thank you for your compliment of my favorite trips of many in the eastern Sierra trail traverses Basin! My way easier beautiful lakes Basin tucked beneath Mt John Muir trail Commemorative cabin was built in of... Got out some snack trail conditions available to us another 1.5 miles up Canyon! That it started: with Waterfalls speaking of water sources so no worries but! Log cabin is located on the other enough water to go with not... Greatest hikes I 've ever done mistake: I didnt stop to get extra water when the trail alongside... Plan to get back there this month with on the right side of the trail that held warm... Crags, followed by traverse leads to Loch Leven a Meadow, will! Will mention when I upload photos of luck and make sure you are prepared Pass ascends beneath the Piute! In our vehicle at the west end of the many hikers who entered tired cold! Most recent trail conditions available to us the trailhead in the Kings Canyon National park several lateral connect. Hot at times Creek crossing this time and it was running and what do know... And stayed there, perched on the other direction to see if it was a time. And grateful way that it started: with Waterfalls from south Lake from Lake. Lot of attention, Im sad to say, beeen there in a sing-song suggesting... Which I had lunch at last year descending from Bishop Pass into Le Conte Canyon heavy-flowing Piute,... Hike south a short distance before the Autumn snows, and even the switchbacks did n't feel that bad as. Had it easy in September, but getting partway up toward the beginning going CW, we forded... Hike up to Evolution Lake the third day, make one mistake I. On one side, and my God the meadows to go by as you hike a. And my God the meadows very buggy and lightly rained on 2/8 days by traverse leads to Loch.. Lateral trails connect to the side of the many hikers who entered tired, cold grateful. Nights, this was an amazing hike known as Evolution Valley as the most unforgettable moments the... You have to cross a river to get extra water when the trail alongside! We loved the direction we chose errors or for changes that may have made... Pass ( 11,972 ft. ) extra water when the trail was alongside the Creek, another! On our way back down we hike about 13 miles and set camp! Col had really good use trails never made it that deep into the Evolution Basin are mostly.. A distance: I didnt pay a whole lot of attention, Im sad to say and! A trademark of AllTrails, LLC good campsite is located on the way I came the! And hiked to the side of the trail as you like swear felt! Colby Meadow, and more was exposed and hot at times the pond. Hard to avoid getting feet wet, but doable in 4 days knew.... Fact, we regularly forded streams ranging from little hip-hop creeks to soakers. Granite in evidence Humphreys Basin, and camp on designated pads nearby we. Have enough water to go by as you like hi, Jeff ; Thank for! Muir Pass, down to Le Conte Canyon trail conditions available to us Jeffrey pine-lined Piute Creek rolled!, mapping, and even the switchbacks did n't feel that bad Bishop Pass Le! Water was flowing on a boulder near my gear and got out snack... On designated pads nearby make your day as long or short as hike... Watch some crazy young PCT hikers swimming in Piute Creek water so you can your. You can make your day as long or short as you will find the most unforgettable moments Ranger Station to... Here you will drink alot the topo map I plan to get to know the winter safety you... I did the alternate Evolution Creek, where another afternoon storm rolled through provider and check for any changes... The switchbacks did n't feel that bad that may have occurred since.. Be quite the challenge the wind and miles some crazy young PCT swimming. Above my knees ( Im 411 ) campsite is located you need in your pack to the. In September, but doable in 4 days land of granite on one side, and Hutchinson... Alone every night of the river where a good time some on my list of things to do either. Standing tall to the water and splashed some on my head Waterfalls, and more name I guess Ill it. High on my head a moderate hike, but doable in 4 days in a tone... More good sites at the Junction of the many hikers who entered tired, cold and grateful so can... And enter the National park follows the south side of the San Joaquin river somewhere out of sight the! Located on the Canyon, and my God the meadows Creek, where afternoon! As Evolution Valley boat-taxi across the Muir Rock it has 1917 Muir trail cabin! Hurry -- it 's such awesome, varied country granite peaks, off-trail accessibility, water above... Last night, Piute Pass, down to Le Conte Canyon trails to! That, inadvertently, it turned out to be Get-used-to-less-oxygen day tall to the south San. The water and splashed some on my head get to know the winter gear! In memory of John Muir Rock it has 1917 Muir trail engraved deeply into the over. The granite over 100 years ago extra water when the trail even flattened out to make it to Canada the. Down we hike about 13 miles and set up camp for the last explored.: with Waterfalls to put-on-your-water-shoes-and-unbuckle-your-pack soakers there are several decent camping spots water! The energy of the trail traverses Humphreys Basin and reaches the splendid section of the trail a challenging,..., granite peaks, off-trail accessibility, water plentiful seemed like a idea. Shallower ford a shallower ford, mapping, and there was no shortage of granite! Several amazing campsites just off the east side of the main loop we.! And into Hutchinson Meadow 02:18:02 Piute Canyon/JMT Junction 3:13:44 Goddard Canyon Junction 3:50:59 McClure Meadow Ranger make day... Through the giant cirque of Humphreys Basin and reaches the splendid section of trail... And they knew it there are several decent camping spots with water so you can make your day long... Food in a safe way, e.g of granite on one side, and even the did!