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Gorgeous! |
The Evolution Loop:
Want to know one of the best trekking options in the Sierra? Ask the locals! You will often find Bishop residents hiking up to Bishop Pass after work to catch the sun set. You might catch others, like Karen Schwartz and Janine Pattitucci running a similar loop in a day! It’s about two hours beyond Yosemite, but a world apart in terms of scenery, geology and vegetation. Annie and Jed (more locals)call this their favorite Eastern Sierra loop. (they’re being generous with the term loop, it’ll actually involve a small car shuttle)
To make the drive worthwhile we’re heading out for four days over a combination of well-maintained trails and alpine cross-country terrain. T he Evolution Basin area is known far and wide for incredible scenery and classic backpacking terrain. We’ll put a SMG- style twist on the long weekend, finishing our loop with some reasonable off-trail travel over high and wild Lamarck Col. Given time and weather conditions, we might even score a side-trip to the summit of Mount Lamarck at 13,417 feet!
Along the way, your SMG guide will impart knowledge and tips, and prepare some of the finest backpacking food you could think of. Even seasoned backpackers enjoy the SMG's 'catered' backpacking experience.
What to bring:
A more extensive gear list will be sent with your confirmation. We have gear available to rent, so let us know if you need anything.
- Tent
- Sleeping bag rated for 35ºF or colder
- Sleeping pad
- Backpack (60-80 liter, no daypacks)
- Rugged, supporting, waterproofed hiking boots
- Water bottles or Camelbak
- Personal toiletries
- Goretex or other rain jacket and pants
If you are interested in making the trip as easy as possible, we can help you outfit yourself in “fast and light” style. Your back will appreciate it, especially on the uphills! Contact us below for more information on the lightweight option. SMG guides will be cooking up some great meals on the trip. Be ready to eat well as we spend the weekend in the woods, and let us know if you have any dietary considerations. We are happy to accommodate just about any diet. A thorough trip description will be sent with your confirmation. The details will include when and where to meet, what to bring, and more of what to expect.
Trip Itinerary | Prerequisites | Additional Information
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| TRIP ITINERARY: |
DAY 1
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Hike from South Lake Trailhead to a campsite in Dusy Basin. 8 miles, 2100 feet uphill. |
DAY 2 |
Dusy Basin to upper LeConte Canyon. 10 miles, 2500 feet uphill |
DAY 3 |
Upper Leconte, through the entire Evolution Basin, to a camp on Darwin Bench. 10 miles, 1900 feet uphill. |
DAY 4 |
Darwin Bench to North Lake Trailhead. 9 miles, 1500 feet up. Possible side trip to Mount Lamarck: ½ mile, 500 feet up. |
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Prerequisites:
- Excellent Physical Condition and Aerobically Fit.
- Ability to Hike up to 8 miles with significant elevation gain of 3,000 and/or loss of 3,000 feet a day carrying a backpack of 30 to 40 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
- All meals from Thursday breakfast to Sunday lunch
- Group cooking gear (stoves, pots, water filters)
- Bear resistant food containers
- Group first aid supplies
- 4 days of guided backpacking
Click here for current weather in this region.
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