CA - Evolution Valley Section

Evolution Valley is widely celebrated as the most beautiful section of the entire John Muir Trail, a sweeping glacial canyon where the South Fork San Joaquin River meanders through open meadows flanked by peaks named for Charles Darwin, Herbert Spencer, Thomas Huxley, and other giants of evolutionary science. The valley sits at approximately 10,000 feet and is reached after crossing Muir Pass to the north or Selden Pass to the south.

The meadow floor is carpeted in summer wildflowers while the encircling peaks rise dramatically to form one of the most complete panoramic mountain compositions in the Sierra. Evolution Lake at the upper end of the valley is particularly striking, with the reflection of the surrounding peaks mirrored in its still surface at dawn. The fishing in the river and lakes of the Evolution Basin is renowned. This section of the JMT is remote enough that wildlife, including black bear, deer, and marmot, are regularly encountered. The logical overnight itinerary camps along the river in the valley, allowing a full evening of exploration and photography in this extraordinary place.