Evolution
Basin 2013
Evolution Lake to Darwin Canyon
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
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We
had approached on the JMT on our long trip in 2002 and left the trail
to head into Darwin Canyon at this same point back then. We saw
only two people off-trail here, they were descending to the JMT from
Darwin Bench. We camped in Darwin Canyon in the same campsite we
used in 2002. Later we found a much better (more roomy) campsite
above and to the east of the fifth lake.
Journal Entry:
Awoke to completely clear skies. Left camp around 9:30 and headed
down the JMT a short distance, then left the JMT to follow a use trail
up to Darwin Bench. Clouds were building all morning, none
appeared until we started hiking though. Continued up to Darwin
Canyon on an intermittent use trail. After consideration and
“rock flipping” (we didn’t have a coin) we decided to move on from a
decent campsite between the first & second lakes, to a lesser
campsite between the third & fourth. We still can’t see our
pass for tomorrow. Rain started around 3:00, after our tents were
set up, and continued almost non-stop till 8:00. Around 7:30 we
could see the sunset down-valley, rocks around us were lit by the sun,
but clouds above were still dropping rain. Rainbow was also
visible! Looks like the rain is done now, hoping again for
improved weather tomorrow. We plan to head over Darwin Col and
down to Blue Heaven Lake.
 Evolution Lake with Evolution Basin behind |
 Evolution Valley |
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Evolution Valley
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 creek draining Darwin Bench |
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 lake at Darwin Bench
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 Darwin Bench from above
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 first lake in Darwin Canyon
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 third lake in Darwin Canyon
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 fourth lake in Darwin Canyon
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 rainbow over fourth lake
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 sky was clear to the west while we were getting rain
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