Evolution Valley Backpacking

Kings Canyon National Park

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

Evolution Valley Backpacking

Kings Canyon National Park


Evolution Valley Backpacking

Kings Canyon Highlight

Many describe Evolution Valley as the most beautiful spot in Kings Canyon National Park. The display of grand peaks, a broad, grassy meadow, and a gently meandering stream make the valley a popular destination. Even so, with campsites spread out along its length, the valley never seems crowded.

Nineteen miles from the nearest trailhead, Evolution Valley is a two-day hike for most backpackers. Once there, you will want several days to enjoy the tranquility of the valley and explore the surrounding lakes, canyons, and peaks.

McClure Meadow, Kings Canyon National Park, California

McClure Meadow in Evolution Valley



Evolution Valley - Key Facts


Location: Northern Kings Canyon National Park
Trailhead: Florence Lake, 84 miles east of Fresno, elevation 7,300 feet
Evolution Valley elevation: 9,500 feet
Elevation gain: 2200 feet
Hiking Distance: 19 miles
Best seasons: Mid-summer to fall
Campsites: Good sites along Evolution Creek by Evolution Meadow, McClure Meadow and Colby Meadow.
Ranger Station: McClure Meadow

sign to Evolution Valley, 19 miles

Wildlife

Bears are not much of a problem along this stretch of the John Muir Trail. Bear canisters are not required, but food must be stored in a safe way, e.g. counter-balance method. Rattlesnakes are always possible; but with the popularity of the trail, rattlesnakes are rarely seen. Mosquitoes burst forth in early and mid-summer, especially around the meadow areas near the Muir Trail Ranch and Evolution Valley. Plan a late summer trip to avoid the worst of them. Deer are seen occasionally.

John Muir Trail Commemorative Cabin, Kings Canyon National Park, California

John Muir Trail Commemorative Cabin


John Muir Cabin

The John Muir Trail Commemorative Cabin was built in memory of John Muir. The log cabin is located on the right side of the trail as you hike south a short distance before the Piute Creek bridge. It is visible from the trail, but some hikers have walked past it without noticing it.



The Hermit, Kings Canyon National Park, California

The Hermit, 12,328'


Evolution Valley - Key Facts


Location: Northern Kings Canyon National Park
Trailhead: Florence Lake, 84 miles east of Fresno, elevation 7,300 feet
Evolution Valley elevation: 9,500 feet
Elevation gain: 2200 feet
Hiking Distance: 19 miles
Best seasons: Mid-summer to fall
Campsites: Good sites along Evolution Creek by Evolution Meadow, McClure Meadow and Colby Meadow.
Ranger Station: McClure Meadow

sign to Evolution Valley, 19 miles

Shop Amazon for:
Backpacking Best Sellers


Florence Lake Trailhead

Florence Lake, east of Fresno, is the most convenient trailhead for backpacking trips to Evolution Valley. The lake is 53 miles east of Prather. The first 36 miles from Prather to Huntington Lake via Highway 168 are over good mountain road. Beyond Huntington, the road narrows and in places is steep and windy as it climbs over 9,184-foot Kaiser Pass and descends to Florence and Edison lakes. Allow extra driving time to Florence Lake. Fill up on gas at Prather or Shaver Lake.

Parking and Store

Parking: A large parking lot for overnight trips is situated close to the lake. The Florence Lake Store carries basic food and camping supplies.

Alternate Trails

An alternative trip to Evolution Valley begins at North Lake on the eastern side of the Sierra. Many hikers enjoy the week-long loop from North Lake, around through Evolution Valley, over Muir Pass, and eventually heading out over Bishop Pass to South Lake.




Florence Lake Ferry Service

Save 4½ miles of hiking by riding the Florence Lake Ferry. Purchase tickets in the store. One way for an adult is $20, round-trip $38; children 12 and under are $10 and $18. The ferry usually runs from mid-June to mid-September, every day at 2-hour intervals beginning at 8:30 AM at the store end of the lake and making its last run from the far end at 5 PM.
Florence Lake Store and Ferry


Nearby Camping and Lodging

Jackass Meadow and Ward Lake campgrounds are located near Florence Lake. Lodging is available at Vermilion Valley Resort at Lake Edison and also at nearby Mono Hot Springs.