JMT day 10 – Muir Pass climb

August 13 – Piute Bridge until Lake Helen

To compensate for lost time, we face another day of 20 miles. We left the Piute bridge and started the constant climb up and on Muir Pass. At first, we cross the San Joaquín River through a temporary catwalk. He was grateful to be there. The rangers had previously advised the hikers to jump this section completely and begin from the next beginning of the path due to the dangerous conditions of the river. I laughed at the sign on the bridge: «Not for public use, cross at its own risk.»

Through Evolution Meadows a Evolution Lake

The path took us through Evolution Meadows and, finally, to Evolution Lake, an impressive alpine lake where hikers rested in the sun and swam in the crystalline water. I continually looked at the lake, wishing we could stop, but Muir Pass and Lake Helen, our destination, still advanced and the afternoon was already moving away. From there, the path passed through the equally beautiful Zafiro lake and Lake Wanda. Its deep blue waters tempt us to take. But with miles still to cover, we continue towards the pass.

Muir climbing passes in the afternoon heat

As fate would have, we got to Muir Pass (11,955 feet) during the hottest and most exhausting part of the day. The constant curves were relatively mild, so the climb was physically manageable. Mentally, it was brutal for me. I felt exhausted and defeated, walking slowly up, every step a small battle in my cave of personal pain. In the upper part, we got into the cabin of Muir de Piedra, we take some photos and soak in the view before starting our descent. Built in 1931 by the Sierra Club, the iconic stone «Muir hut«It was designed as an emergency shelter for backpackers and a tribute to John Muir.

The search for Catie at Lake Helen

When we arrived at Lake Helen (names for John Muir’s daughter), several groups had already established a camp. Catie had told us that he was in «the first camp after Muir Pass», so we assumed that this was all, but she was not there. We continue beyond the lake towards the exit and a smaller lake, following a narrow way of starting through persistent snow patches.

We picked up the rose -dyed snow, curiosity about its unusual tone. It was «snow watermelon» Painted pink for an algae that thrives in the alpine and polar regions. We could not resist throwing a snowball or two, who can miss a summer snowball fight?

Find our camp on trees

There is still no Catie signal. I was starting to get nervous, debating whether we should return to Lake Helen. We backed up a bit to look for other camps. Finally, we received a message through our Inreach: Catie was in the first camp in Farout, not the first we had seen.

We walk another mile and a half and finally we find it hidden in a sweet camp in the trees with an incredible view. We had the place completely for ourselves. By the time we arrive, at 6:00 pm, we spent completely. We ate a quick dinner and collapsed in bed, exhausted but relieved to be gathered.

This website contains affiliate links, which means that the walk can receive a percentage of any product or service that you buy using the links in the items or ads. The buyer pays the same price that would do it differently, and his purchase helps to support the continuous objective of the walk to address his quality backpack advice and information. Thanks for your support!

For more information, visit the page about this site.