JMT Day 14: Evolution Lake

Thursday, August 04, 2011
	Destination: South part of N. Evolution Lake Starting Location: near San Joaquin River bridge	Today's Miles: 11.00 Trip Miles: 132.10

Today we journeyed up to Evolution Valley, through it, and then up to Evolution Lake. It was a very pleasant day and we had nice weather and few bugs. We did enjoy climbing about 2500 feet and the trail was constructed most excellently to ease our climb.

We crossed Evolution Creek where the trail crossed as the ranger had put a sign there telling us that it was the best place to cross. The crossing was nice. I could have just kept walking up stream because I believe we crossed it again later. Maybe I'm wrong.
We stopped and talked to Ranger Dave and he told us the weather will be nice and Muir Pass should have the most snow.

We stopped to have lunch near McClure Meadow.

Then we had a big climb up to Evolution Lake.  As we neared the top of the climb there was a rocky overlook of Evolution Valley below.

Evolution Lake is very beautiful!  Evolution Lake was one of the numerous "most beautiful lakes" we have come to. I jumped in the pleasant chilling water!

We found a big rock slab to camp on near southern end of the lake.  The evening light was excellent on  mountains to the east of Evolution Lake.