PCT Day 53: Muir Pass & Evolution Waters

Daily Miles: 20.3, Total Miles: 853.3

Got up this morning to three whitetail inspecting the campsite.

We followed the Middle Fork Kings River all the way to the headwaters. And then on to Helen Lake named after John Muir’s daughter. After traversing and crossing several snowbanks, we made it to Muir Pass at 11,973 ft.

A stone hut honoring John Muir sits right at the top.

5-Star, Bambi, Purple Haze & Cinco at John Muir hut

Shortly after arriving, another hiker summited, took off her backpack and stripped naked. She then politely asked for her picture to be taken posing in front of the hut.

The trail down was one of my favorites thus far! Heading past snowpacked and icy lakes, then dropping again to breathtaking Evolution Lake. What a great stop for lunch and a rest. If I had a flyrod and a towel for a swim, I would stay here for a few days.

All downhill to Evolution Creek at McClure Meadow and the ford was only knee deep.

After rock hopping on talus slopes and lunging up and down snowfields, my thighs are sore to the touch tonight.