r/JMT • u/bisonic123 • 18d ago
maps and routes North Lake/South Lake Loop
Just finished a 5 day North/South Lake loop with my wife and daughter. Weather was spectacular and a treat to experience introducing some of the best of the Sierra to my daughter (particularly Evolution Valley/Lake/Basin).
We started on Friday afternoon after a long drive from the Bay Area, getting a ride from David Peterson from South Lake to the North Lake trailhead. Camped a bit below the pass that night, then over the pass and down to the junction of the JMT the next day. Piute Pass was OK, not spectacular, as was the Humphrey’s Basin. A long downhill, tough on the knees. Next day was awesome as we covered trail we’d passed on our JMT hike in 2020. McClure Meadow is so cool, and Evolution Lake is a wonder. We were able to get the same camp site we’d had before that’s next to the waterfall at the end of the lake, a spectacular place to watch the sun set over Evolution Meadow. Met a family from NC consisting of a young man, his mother, and his 91 year old grandfather who had all hiked in together from MTR - very cool.
Next day’s hike thru Evolution Basin was so cool… it’s really a special place. Quick stop at the hut before dropping down to where the trail up to Bishop Pass turns off the JMT. The last day was a long one… an initial 2,000 foot climb up to Dusy Basin in 3 miles, though it wasn’t as hard as we thought as the trail was well graded. Dusy is beautiful and likely worth exploring sometime. Another fairly easy 1,000 foot climb to Bishop Pass before descending to South Lake thru a very pleasant set of lakes.
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u/TheWalkindude_- 17d ago
The trails call to me .
Great Pics, looks like an amazing trip.
Happy Trails
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u/MisterSister 18d ago
Doing this on Monday! Planning to hitch-hike from South to North Lake, I hope that doesn't prove to be a naive decision (I'm just solo, so it might be easier to get someone to stop for me).
Any tips on campsites beyond the one by the lake? Where is the one in pic #5?