North Lake–South Lake Loop (Evolution Loop)
~9 days · 49.3 mi · strenuous · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the North Lake–South Lake Loop (Evolution Loop) is known for
A classic 49-mile (79 km) point-to-point traverse through the John Muir Wilderness in the Eastern Sierra Nevada near Bishop, California. The route departs North Lake Trailhead, crosses into the Piute Creek drainage, follows the John Muir Trail through LeConte Canyon and the spectacular Evolution Valley, then climbs over Bishop Pass and descends to South Lake Trailhead. Highlights include Helen Lake, Muir Pass, Evolution Meadow, and the granite landscapes of the Kings Canyon backcountry.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 26,532 ft to 39,062 ft over 49.3 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 22.6 mi · 46%
- Downhill 24.4 mi · 50%
- Flat 2.0 mi · 4%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the North Lake–South Lake Loop (Evolution Loop)?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the North Lake–South Lake Loop (Evolution Loop) scores 24/100, a relative rating across the 1,243 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the North Lake–South Lake Loop (Evolution Loop) take?
Most backpackers hike the North Lake–South Lake Loop (Evolution Loop) in about 9 days (8 nights out) over its 49.3 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the North Lake–South Lake Loop (Evolution Loop)?
The North Lake–South Lake Loop (Evolution Loop) climbs roughly 8,159 ft total — about 165 ft per mile, topping out near 11,982 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry from OpenStreetMap, © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.