Ionian Evolution route

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Local Trail Association

Name: Ionian Evolution
Address: Bishop, CA
Rating: 3.5

near Bishop, CA

29.6 miles

Distance

8,225 ft

Climb

-7,928 ft

Descent

2 miles

High Point

299 ft

Altitude change

9,082 ft

Altitude min

9,082 ft

Altitude start

9,380 ft

Altitude end

0.2%

Grade

-71.8%

Grade max

108.9%

Grade min

14 miles

Distance climb

14 miles

Distance down

1 mile

Distance flat

Ionian Evolution is a difficult loop involving much cross country travel, snow/ice/glacier travel, and one class 3 pass. This route takes in some of the best scenery in the northern part of Kings Canyon National Park, and some of the finest alpine granite in the country. Though similar to the classic Bishop Pass-Piute Pass loop, this route is shorter but more difficult. Most of the route is off-trail, with difficult talus scrambling and areas of difficult navigation.

Start at Lake Sabrina and follow the Sabrina Basin trails to Moonlight Lake. Follow the west (right) side of the canyon up to Echo Lake, and cross the outlet at a tiny meadow. Scramble on large talus, sometimes unstable, up a ramp above the cliffs surrounding the lake. Traverse into the cirque below the pass and cross the snowfield (ice axe/crampons recommended). At the back of the cirque, ascend ledges to an area of dark rock on the west (right) of the pass. The pass is a narrow notch with an awkward 'lowering' move on the south side.

Descend to Lake 11,428 and pass on it's west side, then descend huge slabs down to LeConte Canyon and the PCT. Follow the PCT past Helen Lake to the tarns below Muir Pass. Turn south, leaving the PCT, and ascend the broad saddle of Black Giant Pass, through an area of broken metamorphic rock and meadows.

Upon leaving Black Giant Pass, stay west and pass around a small hill before descending. Descending directly leads into an area of poor rock. Descend past the outlet of Lake 11,828 and follow the drainage down to Chasm Lake, where there are some campsites and a nice waterfall.

From Chasm Lake, follow it's inlet stream up a meadowy canyon to the western half of the basin and Lake 11,592. Pass on the east shore and ascend to Wanda Pass, a saddle east of Peak 12,975 on the Goddard Divide. The north side of Wanda Pass descends beautiful slabs and meadow to Wanda Lake. Round the lake on it's west side, then cross the outlet and return to the PCT.

Follow the PCT north through Evolution Basin, passing directly beneath Mounts Huxley, Spencer, Darwin and Mendel. Round the oft photographed Evolution Lake and descend a short distance to a junction with the Darwin Bench Trail.

Continue up through Darwin Canyon, following a chain of closely-spaced lakes with increasing glacial hue as you approach the head of the canyon. At the inlet of the fourth lake, veer left and begin the ascent to Lamarck Col through easy sand and boulders. Scramble (class 2) over the col and descend a snowfield to the sandy valley below.

A long, flat trudge through sand follows. The trail eventually becomes more distinct, and veers left (west) to cross the top of a ridge. Descend a set of steep, rough switchbacks to Upper Lamarck Lake, and join the Lamarck Lakes Trail, following to it's end at North Lake CG.

Detailed Description

Ionian Evolution is a 30 mile moderately popular expert route located near Bishop California. This hike primary route can be used both directions and has a hard overall physical rating. This route includes 6 trails. This route climbs 8,225 ft with a max elevation of 12,843 ft then descends -7,928 ft.

Sierra Eastside Mountain Bike Association (sembabike.org)

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Distance

30 miles
Altitude min

9,082 ft
Altitude start

9,082 ft
Altitude end

9,380 ft
Climb

2 miles
Descent

-7,928 ft
Grade

0.2%
Grade max

-71.8%
Grade min

108.9%
Distance climb

14 miles
Distance down

14 miles
Distance flat

1 mile

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Sabrina Basin Trail

Upper Sabrina Basin

Moonlight Lake

Darwin Bench

Darwin Canyon

Lamarck Col

Riding area

Bishop Area Trails
Primary Activity

Hike
Other Activities
- Backcountry Ski
Difficulty rating

Black Diamond
Route Type

Loop
eBike Allowed

No
Direction

Both Directions
Physical rating

Hard

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