Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
by the river. Bears are bold in this area, no-doubt sensing fresh food in hiker's packs.
Do not sleep with food in your tent!
Within moments of passing the spur trail, pass another junction indicating the
John Muir Trail (JMT) to the right (north). Ignore this, and continue rising moder-
ately over another 1.5 miles through the densely wooded San Joaquin Canyon to an-
other junction where the JMT will once again join our path. Stay right and continue
traveling southeast toward Kings Canyon and Piute Pass on the main trail. At the end
of small rise, come into an open view of the San Joaquin River on the right.
Disregard the Piute Trail to your left and cross a steel bridge over Piute Creek to
leave John Muir Wilderness and enter Kings Canyon National Park, following signs
to Evolution Valley. Continue hiking along the South Fork San Joaquin River
through alternating stands of quaking aspen groves and exposed granite and rock.
Nice campsites dot the way amid thickets of Jeffrey Pine, sage, and chaparral.
Continue across a red steel bridge and past more campsites winding gently up-
canyon through forest and meadow. Meander through wildflowers and shady woods,
gradually rising along this gentle path until you reach Franklin Meadow (8,480 feet)
and a trail junction with the path to Goddard Canyon. Turn left to cross the bridge
over the river. There are numerous campsites on both sides of the river if you want to
call it a day.
Head northward briefly before beginning a series of steep, exposed rocky stairs.
One mile and 500 feet of climbing after the junction, listen for the thundering cas-
cades of Evolution Creek as it tumbles down the staircases of rock. It's an experien-
ce usually heard before seen. The grade of the ascent wanes here as the trail follows
closely next to the roaring creek hurtling its way downstream. There are plenty of
opportunities for a good foot soaking on the water-strewn granite rocks, but use cau-
tion in the swift current. There is camping along the river here, and the cool breeze
of the water brings the temperature down several degrees. Continue ascending this
lush riverside paradise colored with wildflowers.
Ford the swift-moving Evolution Creek—often a shoes-off affair even later in
the season—and pass through Evolution Meadow. This area is deadly with bugs in
the middle of summer, but provides decent camping in the shoulder season. Continue
climbing moderately to McClure Meadow and its seasonally staffed ranger station
(9,660 feet). There are numerous excellent campsites here, one tucked closely behind
the ranger station as well as several along the meadow. It's advised to walk away
from the water a bit to find less buggy sites if the mosquitoes are out in full force.
From the meadow, walk a gentle grade for 1.5 miles to neighboring Colby
Meadow (9,840 feet). About 2 miles past McClure Meadow, there are a number of
Darwin Creek crossings, which can be difficult during high water amid downed logs.
