Evolution Basin Kings Canyon National Park

Dale Matson

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Evolution Basin is located in Eastern Fresno County CA in Kings Canyon National Park. There are several access points to Evolution Basin. From Fresno, I was able to make it to Evolution Lake in a single day from the trailhead at the south end of Florence Lake. I took the first ferry of the morning to the south end of Florence Lake. I do not recommend this 20 plus mile hard push from Florence Lake however and most find this to be a two-day hike with an overnight before the climb to Evolution Valley.

One can also come into the basin from the Maxon trailhead at Courtright Reservoir but much of this will be off trail.  I do not recommend the route over Piute Pass starting at North Lake or the route over Bishop Pass starting at South Lake unless you are doing the North/South Lake Loop. Evolution Basin is not to be confused with Evolution Valley that consists of Evolution Meadow, McClure Meadow and Colby Meadow.

Evolution Creek In McClure Meadow

Evolution Basin is South of Evolution Valley and about 1,500’ higher in elevation. Evolution Valley is lush and green while Evolution Basin is above tree line with sparse vegetation. There is a seasonal ranger station in Evolution Valley at McClure Meadow. The basin begins after about a 1.5 mile 1,000’ climb out of Evolution Meadow and ends about 6 miles further south before the climb to Muir Pass. After Colby Meadow, the trail can be somewhat confusing as the water flows across it from several small creeks flowing down from the north.

The trail climbs through the woods eventually coming out in Evolution Basin. The trail (John Muir Trail) follows the west shore of Evolution Lake and the east shore of Sapphire Lake. There is a creek crossing at the inlet to Evolution Lake where large stones have been placed to help cross. The trail follows the east shore of Wanda Lake and finally, the west shore of Lake Mcdermond. You are surrounded by mountains with an average elevation over 13,000’. They include Mts. Mendel, The Hermit, Mt. Darwin, Mt. Goddard, Mt. Warlow and Mt. Spencer. Theodore Solomons named many of these mountains. He was a Stanford University math professor and the main visionary for the John Muir Trail. Mt. Solomons can be seen from Muir Pass.

 Top Of Climb To Evolution Basin

 Dusk At Evolution Lake Time To Pitch My Tent

 Dawn The Following Day

 Wanda Lake

 Telephoto Of Muir Hut From Wanda Lake

Mt Goddard

Evolution Basin Runs parallel to Humphrey’s Basin to the north and the Ionian Basin to the South. As you head south, you pass Sapphire Lake, Lake 11,293 and Wanda Lake (named for one of John Muir’s daughters). Helen Lake on the south side of Muir Pass is named after Muir’s other daughter. Wanda Lake is the headwaters of Evolution Creek. Evolution creek flows north and eventually empties into the San Joaquin River. If you look carefully, Muir Hut can be seen at Muir Pass as you hike along the shore of Wanda Lake. While McClure Meadow is beautiful, I believe the six or so miles of hiking in Evolution Basin is some of the most beautiful views I have ever experienced.