I hiked down Evolution Creek today, through McClure Meadow to the falls at the end of the valley. I dropped into Goddard Canyon and followed the South Fork San Joaquin River past John Muir Rock and Piute Creek to the Muir Trail Ranch. Today’s mileage was 11.9 miles, 19.2 km.

The first section of trail this morning was super easy compared to what I’ve been getting used to lately. The wide, level trail snaked through the forest with a steady but barely noticeable descent. The trail continued like this for a couple of hours before crossing the creek after Evolution Meadows. The crossing was only shin deep today, but the river funneled into powerful rapids and heavy falls just downstream; very high consequences if the river would be running high.

The trail followed the creek over the edge of the valley, and the sound of water thundering over falls drowned out the forest noise.

From the top of switchbacks, I could see all the way down the San Joaquin River to Piute Canyon. 5 miles, 7 km away. The descent into Goddard Canyon, where the San Joaquin River flows, was steep and rocky. My back, knees, and shoulders were still aching from the steep descents of recent days, and I was glad when the descent was over.

I crossed a beautiful log bridge over the South Fork San Joaquin River. The trail continued alongside the river for about half an hour, once again the grade was gentle, and the path smooth. This section was really busy, with not just PCT hikers, but JMT hikers heading south, as well as people hiking Piute Pass to Bishop Pass, and other trails around the area. I met and chatted with about a dozen different hikers today, all were friendly and keen to talk.

After a second bridge crossing, the canyon got narrower. I found myself walking on rocks again, at times I was high above the river. The trail followed the canyon around John Muir Rock, before opening back up again.

I reached the junction for Piute Pass out to Bishop, and I have to say I was tempted to take it. Rather than doing that though, I’m going to continue another 4-5 days to Mammoth Lakes.

The trail became wide and flat as it was before, and continued down the South Fork San Joaquin River. I flew through this section and reached the Muir Trail Ranch in just a couple of hours. MTR is a major resupply point for JMT hikers, and many of them leave extra food they can’t eat or fit in their bear cans. PCT hikers swarm around the ranch like seagulls pinching free food, and there’s more than we can take too. I grabbed a huge bag of snacks and headed to the river to set up camp.