Evolution Lake camping area
- Camping
Lake in Evolution Basin, Kings Canyon National Park, at about 3,310 m (10,850 ft). No campfires above 10,000 ft in Kings Canyon NP; camp on durable surfaces at least 25 ft (better 100 ft) from water.
John Muir Trail · Stage 10 of 18
Muir Trail Ranch to Evolution Lake
Stage 10 of the John Muir Trail covers 25.6 km from Muir Trail Ranch to Evolution Lake, with 1,018 m of ascent and 251 m of descent. The highest point is 3,340 m. Allow about 8 hours of walking, plus breaks.
25.6 kmdistance
1,018 mascent
251 mdescent
~8 hwalking time
harddifficulty
3,340 mhighest point
≈ 4.5 L
≈ 2,430 kcal
Distance, climb and elevation come from the Outest route data. Difficulty and time are estimates from distance and climb; your pace will vary with heat, pack weight and photo stops.
Where to sleep and eat on this stage
Evolution Lake
Checked online in October 2026. Places marked "not confirmed on an official page" are listed elsewhere but could not be checked on their own or an agency website. Your wilderness permit lets you camp where it is legal, at least 100 ft (30 m) from water and the trail; some lakes have extra limits. Bear canisters are required.
Help and services on this stage
Emergency: call or text 911 (no signal on most of the trail). Emergency & health guide
Nearest hospital
- Northern Inyo Hospital · Bishop · 24/7 emergency
+1 760-873-5811 · Map - Community Regional Medical Center · Fresno · 24/7 emergency
+1 559-459-6000 · Map
Pharmacies, ATMs, shops and stops: © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hospitals and health centres checked online.
Walk Muir Trail Ranch to Evolution Lake with Outest
The full stage works offline in Outest, with the route, elevation, water and village points, and a trail guide you can ask about conditions and the next place to sleep.