Evolution Valley Camping

Kings Canyon National Park

McClure Meadow, Kings Canyon National Park, California
McClure Meadow, Kings Canyon National Park, California

Evolution Valley Camping

Kings Canyon National Park


Camping Along Evolution Valley

Evolution Valley extends 4½ miles from Evolution Meadow to the shadow of The Hermit. The valley is made up of three meadows - Evolution, McClure and Colby. All three meadows have pleasant campsites; some of the most scenic are in McClure Meadow and Colby Meadow. The friendly ranger stationed in McClure Meadow is a great source of information about the area and weather forecasts.

Shop Amazon for:
Backpacking Tents


Fishing

Enjoy fishing for wily brook trout in Evolution Creek and colorful golden trout in nearby Evolution Lake and more remote McGee Lakes. Some of the best fishing in Evolution Creek is upstream from Colby Meadow in the shadow of The Hermit where the creek tumbles down small cascades and forms a series of deep pools.

Colby Meadow, Kings Canyon National Park, California

Colby Meadow


Evolution Lake, Kings Canyon National Park, California

Evolution Lake

Explore the Area

Hike up and down the valley, explore hidden glens. Take one day to hike south on the trail to Evolution Lake and beyond to more lakes leading up to 12,000-foot Muir Pass.

For cross-country hikers two destinations stand out - McGee Lakes to the south and the Darwin Bench to the north. Access the Darwin Bench off the main trail half way up to Evolution Lake.

Peak Bagging

The Hermit, 12,328 feet, has a Class 2 route, except for the summit block. Read the details in Secor's The High Sierra: Peaks, Passes, and Trails.


Thru-Hikers

Some backpackers will be heading south out of Evolution Valley, either to complete the North Lake - South Lake loop or to continue along the John Muir Trail. In either case, some good planning will pay off well. Campsites can be found back from the shore of Evolution Lake, putting you closer to Muir Pass; but no campfires are permitted there. The shores of Sapphire and Wanda Lake are barren with few inviting sites.

Once across Muir Pass, small campsites can be found on the east shore of desolate Helen Lake. They lack trees, but for those ready to call it a day after crossing the pass, Helen Lake is a good choice. Below Helen Lake the trail is rugged and has few viable campsites for several miles. It is not a great section of trail to be negotiating when tired and in waning light.