Piute Canyon
Evening at the campsite where Piute Canyon and the Piute Creek intersect with the John Muir Trail. Mile 109.
San Joaquin River
Looking northwest down the South Fork of the San Joaquin River. Mile 110.
San Joaquin River Trail
The trail narrows between some cliffs and the South Fork of the San Joaquin River. Mile 110.
Looking east along the South Fork of the San Joaquin River. Mile 110.
The Muir Aspen
Trail lore says that John Muir signed his last name into this aspen in 1901. The signature looks old enough. Mile 110.
Looking northwest along the San Joaquin River, South Fork. Mile 111.
Rubble along the South Fork of the San Joaquin River. Mile 111.
Chutes in the South Fork of the San Joaquin River. Mile 111.
The San Joaquin River cutting through rock near the trail. Mile 111.
Pack String
A mix of horses and mules cross the South Fork of the San Joaquin River packed with supplies. Mile 112.
To Evolution Meadow
At the top of the switchbacks from the San Joaquin River to Evolution Meadow. Mile 113.
Evolution Creek
After its journey from Darwin Lake and through Evolution Meadow, Evolution Creek ends in some cascades into the San Joaquin River. Mile 114.
Evolution Creek Crossing
One of the crossings of Evolution Creek just prior to Evolution Meadow. Mile 115.
Swimming Hole
My favorite swim hole on Evolution Creek, right before McClure Meadow. Mile 118.
McClure Meadow
First views of McClure Meadow in Evolution Valley. Mile 118.
Darwin Creek
The cascades from Darwin Creek eventually end up in a small meadow east of Colby Meadow. Mile 121.
Cascades
The cascades of Darwin Creek. Mile 121.
Different minerals create strips on the rock surrounding Darwin Creek. Mile 121.
Darwin Creek where it intersects the John Muir Trail. Mile 121.
The cascades of Darwin Creek, through the granite slabs near Evolution Meadow. Mile 121.
Cascades of Darwin Creek through the granite slabs near Evolution Meadow. Mile 121.
Darwin Meadows
Meadows underneath Darwin Creek. The waterfalls from the Darwin Bench are visible in the distance, in the center. Mile 121.
The meadows under Darwin Creek in late afternoon. Mile 121.