Evolution Loop


		Guided Trips to the Sierra Nevada & Worldwide!

Karen Schwartz takes a break at Evolution Lake

The Evolution Loop Fastpacking Trip!

The Evolution Loop is a brilliant circumnavigation of the mountains on the Sierra Crest named after famous evolutionists: Mt. Lamarck, Mt. Darwin, and Mt. Mendel. She covers 55 miles, goes over 3 passes and stuns visitors with world class views of meadows, ridglines, and lakes. This is a popular route for backpackers and was one of John Muirs favorite areas in the Sierra. He had good reason too since this is the heart of the Sierra, brushing shoulders with the Palisades and travelling right through Kings Canyon National Park.

What is fastpacking?

Fastpacking is a way of traveling in the wilderness that allows you to travel lightly and therefore cover a lot of distance in a shorter amount of time. Unaided it really is nothing more than "fast and light." With us, however it means a support team. Our guides will lead the way and give you tips along the way for enjoying a healthy and happy trip. Our porters will carry all the group gear, food, and extra items so that you can walk or run unencumbered by the necessary items for camping. When you arrive at camp, our guides and porters will be waiting with a warm bowl of food and a nice camp. We use porters on these trips instead of pack animals to keep the cost and the dust on the trail down. Because of this, however, it is imperative that we have the lightest kits possible. This means that your personal kit must be very light and that we won't be having steak and potatoes for dinner. Our guides are excellent backcountry chefs and will prepare delicious and nutritious meals for your enjoyment.

NEW!

This course will never be cancelled due to lack of participation. That means that if you are the only sign up, you get the guide and the low price all to yourself!

Trip Itinerary | Prerequisites | Additional Information

TRIP ITINERARY: The Evolution Loop: Fast!
DAY 1	Today, after arranging a car shuttle from South Lake to North Lake we head off from North Lake up and over Piute Pass down Piute Canyon to The JMT. We will camp at the head of the Evolution Valley after 19 miles. Gain: +2844' -3682' = -838'
DAY 2	After a good hearty breakfast and a good stretch we will head down Evolution Valley. It is tempting to say this will be the most beautiful section of our trip but dang- the whole thing is spectacular!. We will pass dozens of lakes and meadows before heading over to Muir Pass (11,955) and making our way to the end of Le Conte Canyon to camp. 21.01 miles. Gain: +3954' -3700'= +254'
DAY 3	Today is our easy day (haha)! In the morning we will make our way up through Dusy Basin up and over the spectacular Bishop Pass. From here we will make our way down past Mt. Agassiz, Mt. Goode, and Herd peak to South Lake where our car will be waiting for us. 10.92 miles. Gain: +3615' -2546'= +1069
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Prerequisites:

Excellent Physical Condition and Super Aerobically Fit.
Ability to hike/ run up to 25 miles with significant elevation gain of 4,000 and/or loss of 4,000 feet a day carrying a backpack of 15 lbs.

Other Information:

Detailed gear list will be sent prior to the trip

Includes:

Experienced guides, certified as Wilderness First Responders

A map of the hike

All necessary permits for backpacking in the High Sierra
Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast and dinner, and Sunday breakfast.
Group cooking gear (stoves, pots, water filters)
Bear resistant food containers
Group first aid supplies
2 days of guided fastpacking
Porters.