The Evolution Loop
$855
per person
The most scenic and classic backpacking loop in the High Sierra, the Evolution Loop is one breathtaking vista after another.
The most scenic and classic backpacking loop in the High Sierra, the Evolution Loop is one breathtaking vista after another.
We offer this guided journey in three itineraries:
- 3-day Ultralight (Available on a Custom Private Basis)
- 4-day Backpacking ($815/person)(August 4-7 & September 22-25, 2023)
- 5-day Backpacking ($1975/person)(July 6-10, August 23-27 & September 1-5, 2023)
Scheduled dates and prices listed here require a minimum of 2 hikers.
Note: We are closely monitoring how the record breaking snowpack in the Sierra Nevada Mountains is going to impact conditions for backpacking trips for the Summer of 2023. We anticipate snow travel to be necessary and abundant on higher elevation trails for most or all of the Summer. Choosing trip dates later in the Summer in August, September or even October will help to decrease the amount of snow travel necessary for your trip.
The “Evo Loop” is an incredible journey through alpine lakes, craggy peaks, lofty passes, Yosemite scale valleys, and granite landscapes, in the very heart of the High Sierra.
On both sides of the Sierra Crest above Bishop, California lies a magical network of trails and passes that encircle the Evolution Ridge. The “Evo Loop” is an incredible journey through alpine lakes, craggy peaks, lofty passes, Yosemite scale valleys, and granite landscapes, in the very heart of the High Sierra.
3,4, or 5 Days
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Included
backpackingEvolution Loopfastpackinglightweightmountain runningtrail runningultralight -
Not Included
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| TRIP ITINERARY: Evolution Loop 3-Day Utralight Fastpacking | |
| DAY 0 | Meet at the SMG office in Bishop in the afternoon to check in, review the itinerary, check gear, and finalize packing and other logistics. |
| DAY 1 | Start at the South Lake Trailhead and hike up over Bishop Pass, into the amazing Dusy Basin. Descend to camp in the granite paradise of LeConte Canyon in the Middle Fork of the Kings River drainage. |
| DAY 2 | Ascend LeConte Canyon to Muir Pass and into Evolution Basin, featuring glaciated granite playas and unparalleled ambience in the Range of Light. At the Darwin cutoff we leave the John Muir/Pacific Crest Trail to ascend to camp in a very special place known as Darwin Bench. |
| DAY 3 | A steep cross country ascent from Darwin Lakes leads to to Lamarck Col. Descend past Lamarck lakes to the North Lake trailhead. Shuttle to South Lake and/or Bishop. |
Additional Information
3-DAY ULTRALIGHT INCLUDES:
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- SMG guide(s)
- Lightweight, yet delicious and nutritious backcountry meals (dinners & breakfasts)
- Group camping and cooking equipment
- Wilderness permits and associated permit fees
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3-DAY ULTRALIGHT DOES NOT INCLUDE:
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- Lunches, trail snacks, and hot drinks for camp. Bring your own that you prefer.
- Personal or rental equipment
- Other personal items
- Transport before or after trip
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3-DAY PREREQUISITES:
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- Excellent mountain fitness and ability to hike 15-20 miles per day with a multiday backpack on mountain trails at moderate to high elevations.
- Adventurous spirit and desire to experience the mountains on foot.
- Prior lightweight backpacking and/or fastpacking experience
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4-Day Evolution Loop:
| TRIP ITINERARY: 4-day Evolution Loop | |
| DAY 0 | Meet at the SMG office in Bishop in the afternoon to check in, review the itinerary, check gear, and finalize packing and other logistics. |
| DAY 1 | Start at the South Lake Trailhead and hike up over Bishop Pass, into the amazing Dusy Basin to make camp. 8 miles / 2100' gain |
| DAY 2 | Descend into LeConte Canyon and then up the Middle Fork of the Kings River to camp in the upper drainage. 10 miles / 2500' gain |
| DAY 3 | From upper LeConte Canyon, cross Muir Pass into Evolution Basin, featuring glaciated granite playas and unparalleled ambience in the Range of Light. At the Darwin cutoff we leave the John Muir/Pacific Crest Trail to ascend to camp in a very special place known as Darwin Bench. 10 miles / 1900'gain |
| DAY 4 | A steep cross country ascent from Darwin Lakes leads to to Lamarck Col. Descend past Lamarck lakes to the North Lake trailhead. Shuttle to South Lake and/or Bishop. |
Additional Information
4-DAY INCLUDES:
- SMG guide
- Backcountry meals (dinners, breakfasts, hot drinks, & lunch sandwiches)
- Group camping and cooking equipment
- Wilderness permits and associated permit fees
4-DAY DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Trail snacks
- Personal or rental equipment
- Other personal items
- Transport before or after trip
4-DAY PREREQUISITES:
- Good fitness and ability to hike 10+ miles per day with a multiday backpack on mountain trails at moderate to high elevations.
- Adventurous spirit and desire to experience the mountains on foot.
- Prior backpacking experience is strongly recommended
5-Day Evolution Loop:
| TRIP ITINERARY: 5-day Evolution Loop | |
| DAY 0 | Meet at the SMG office in Bishop in the afternoon to check in, review the itinerary, check gear, and finalize packing and other logistics. |
| DAY 1 | Start at the South Lake Trailhead and hike up over Bishop Pass, into the amazing Dusy Basin to make camp. 8 miles / 2100' gain |
| DAY 2 | Descend into LeConte Canyon and then up the Middle Fork of the Kings River to camp in the upper drainage. 10 miles / 2500' gain |
| DAY 3 | From upper LeConte Canyon, cross Muir Pass into Evolution Basin, featuring glaciated granite playas and unparalleled ambience in the Range of Light. Camp near Evolution Lake. 7 miles / 1400' gain |
| DAY 4 | 2 options: a) Have a morning to enjoy the Evolution Basin with a day hike, fishing, swimming, relaxing, or a climb of a nearby peak. Move camp up 2 miles and 1000' to Darwin Bench in the afternoon. b) Continue to do the full Evolution Loop. This option descends into Evolution Valley to Piute Creek then up to camp at Hutchinson Meadow. 13 miles / 2000' gain |
| DAY 5 | a) A steep cross country ascent from Darwin Lakes leads to to Lamarck Col. Descend past Lamarck lakes to the North Lake trailhead. Shuttle to South Lake and/or Bishop. 7 miles / 1700' gain b) Hike up to Humphreys Basin, up over Piute Pass and down to North Lake. 7 miles / 2200' gain |