Trip Advice for 4 nights(ish) backpacking?

[funkworthy]

I realize the North Lake to South Lake loop is usually over populated, but it is all on trail and easily done within the 5 days/4 nights. Having two cars would make for easy transportation logistics between trailheads.

Still leaving it open, but I think for the milage of between 50-60, and the high dramatic alpine scenery, this may be a winner.

I remember being blown away by evolution lakes and muir pass. I'd be excited to see these again, and also to experience some new terrain, and likely some camaraderie with a fair amount of fellow travelers.

Are the bears bad in this area? Any problem spots we should avoid camping at? We'll rent bear canisters (right?) but the first night or two we'll definitely have some overflow which we'll either try to hang or sleep close to (if we sleep above treeline).

[Bluewater]

The only place along the route that I am aware of bear activity is along the Middle Fork Kings River in LeConte Canyon, especially Big & Little Pete Meadows. One year there was a funny sign near the ranger station warning of recent bear activity. I have always avoided the area but there are several large group sites along the river.

Regarding bear canisters, according to the sierrawild.gov food storage map the only place that bear canisters are required on the loop is from the JMT/Bishop Pass trail junction, through Dusy Basin and all the way over Bishop Pass to the trailhead. If you're interested here's a link to the map:

http://sierrawild.gov/media/site/foodst ... 082609.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

All along the creek in Evolution Meadow there are plenty of group sites. The sites at the bottom of the falls are dark with tree coverage. Even if it's late in the day it's worth taking the switchbacks up into Evolution Meadow. There are several large spots to the south of the creek near the top of the waterfall.

There are some amazing camping spots just to the south/southwest of Evolution Lake between the lake and the outlet creek. The views of Mts. Darwin & Mendle are great. There is also a small covered spot at the top of the waterfall (only large enough for 2 or 3) w/ good views of Evolution Meadow.

The spots to the west of the trail above Sapphire Lake have very good sunset views of Mt. Huxley but it's usually a windy area. There are also some illegal spots in the rocks within the outlet creek. I have only used them as a good place to eat dinner and enjoy the views.

If you don't mind exposed spots way above treeline there is good camping along the northern shore of Wanda Lake. My wife and I camped just above the north shoreline last summer. Stark and beautiful.

In Dusy Basin there are good spots along the western shore of Lake 11,388 (and the un-named lake just above it) large enough for a small group. Very good views of Mts. Winchell, Thunderbolt, Isoceles and Columbine at sunset. The lakes that lead to Knapsack Pass in lower Dusy Basin will probably be a mosquito nightmare this time of year.

Have fun.

[funkworthy]

Thanks Bluewater! Writing this from Bishop. Super psyched!