Backpack Kings Canyon & Evolution Basin Loop via the JMT

A high‑Sierra loop linking Inyo National Forest and Kings Canyon National Park

Overview — A Kings Canyon & Evolution Basin Loop via Piute Pass, the JMT and Lamarck Col

This four‑day backpacking loop begins and ends at North Lake in Inyo National Forest, climbing over Piute Pass, descending into Piute Canyon, joining the John Muir Trail, exploring Evolution Basin, and exiting via Lamarck Col. The route combines maintained trails, rugged cross‑country sections, and one of the Sierra Nevada’s most dramatic passes.

Westward view across Darwin Canyon, with all its lakes glowing beneath brooding clouds and early sunset hues — a calm, dramatic moment on the North Lake – Piute Pass – Lamarck Col Loop during the rugged high‑Sierra traverse toward Lamarck Col.
Looking west across Darwin Canyon, all its lakes glowing beneath brooding clouds and early sunset hues — a calm, dramatic moment on the North Lake – Piute Pass – Lamarck Col Loop, captured during the rugged high‑Sierra traverse toward Lamarck Col.

Mileage varies depending on detours into Evolution Basin, but the loop is 34–38 miles with roughly 8,500–9,000 feet of elevation gain.

Silent Video: 4 Days of Pure Ambience in Evolution Basin & Darwin Canyon

A silent, documentary‑neutral walkthrough of the full loop, filmed across Piute Pass, the JMT corridor, Evolution Basin, Darwin Bench, Darwin Canyon and Lamarck Col.

Route Summary

Day 1 — North Lake to Lower Golden Trout Lake via Piute Pass

A steady climb from North Lake Road through creekside meadows, past Loch Leven and Piute Lake, and over the windswept plateau of Piute Pass. Optional detour to Muriel Lake. Camp at Lower Golden Trout Lake.

Read Day 1: North Lake to Lower Golden Trout Lake

Day 2 — Lower Golden Trout Lake to Piute Canyon and the John Muir Trail

A long descent into Piute Canyon, followed by forest walking beside Piute Creek. Join the John Muir Trail, enter Kings Canyon National Park, and climb toward Evolution Creek. Camp near McClure Meadow.

Read Day 2: Lower Golden Trout Lake to Piute Canyon

Day 3 — Evolution Creek to Evolution Basin, Darwin Bench and Lamarck Col

Follow the JMT through McClure and Colby Meadows before climbing into Evolution Basin. Explore Evolution Lake and Sapphire Lake. Leave the JMT for Darwin Bench, traverse Darwin Canyon, and begin the ascent toward Lamarck Col.

Read Day 3: Evolution Creek to Evolution Basin & Darwin Canyon

Day 4 — Lamarck Col Trail to North Lake

Cross Lamarck Col (12,900 feet), descend past Upper and Lower Lamarck Lakes, follow Lamarck Creek into the forest, and return to North Lake.

Read Day 4: Lamarck Col Trail to North Lake

Piute Pass–Lamarck Col Loop Route Map

Base map © National Park Service (public domain). Annotations by Fussyphotos (Jack).
The complete Piute Pass → JMT → Evolution Basin → Darwin Canyon → Lamarck Col loop, including camps and the optional detour to Sapphire Lake. Base map © National Park Service (public domain). Annotations by Fussyphotos (Jack).

Elevation Overview

The loop includes:

  • Day 1: +2,000 ft to Piute Pass, −600 ft to Lower Golden Trout Lake
  • Day 2: −2,500 ft into Piute Canyon, +1,600 ft to Evolution Creek
  • Day 3: +1,500 ft to Evolution Basin, rugged cross‑country ascent toward Lamarck Col
  • Day 4: −3,000+ ft descent to North Lake
Elevation profile for the North Lake – Piute Pass – Lamarck Col Loop, showing elevation gain and loss across Day 1, Day 2, Day 3 and Day 4, including the climb to Piute Pass, descent into Piute Canyon, ascent toward Evolution Basin, and final descent to North Lake. Profile generated using CalTopo.com.
Elevation overview for the North Lake – Piute Pass – Lamarck Col Loop, showing total elevation gain and loss across Day 1, Day 2, Day 3 and Day 4 — from the climb to Piute Pass, the descent into Piute Canyon, the ascent into Evolution Basin, and the final drop toward North Lake. Profile generated using CalTopo.com.

Permits and Logistics

Trailhead and Parking

Start and finish at North Lake Trailhead. Parking is limited (≈20 spaces) with bear lockers available. The trailhead is a short walk from North Lake Campground.

Permits

A wilderness permit is required for overnight travel. Piute Pass permits are issued via Recreation.gov. Lamarck Col is used only as an exit.

Season and Conditions

  • Best season: July–September
  • Early season may include snowfields near Lamarck Col
  • Afternoon storms are common at altitude
  • Mosquitoes are heavy in Piute Canyon and Evolution Meadow

Key Highlights

  • The alpine lakes of Piute Pass
  • The glacial corridor of Piute Canyon
  • The iconic scenery of Evolution Basin
  • The solitude of Darwin Bench
  • The rugged beauty of Darwin Canyon
  • The dramatic crossing of Lamarck Col
Wide southern view over Evolution Lake, with calm water framed by towering granite walls as the John Muir Trail flattens beyond the outcrop and opens into Evolution Basin — a defining high‑Sierra moment on the North Lake – Piute Pass – Lamarck Col Loop.
Wide southern view over Evolution Lake, its postcard‑perfect water framed by towering granite walls as the John Muir Trail flattens beyond the outcrop and opens into the heart of Evolution Basin — a defining moment on the North Lake – Piute Pass – Lamarck Col Loop.

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