Day 46 - Muir Pass

Sunday May 31

Other than Forester Pass, Muir Pass is considered one of the most difficult passes to climb. From the low point of 8,000 feet, the trail climbs gradually for over 13 miles to 11,980 feet. In addition, there are snowfields for more than a mile on each side that must be crossed. Snowfields this time of year means "post holing". 

Willy and I got on the trail shortly after six. The trail followed the Middle Fork of the Kings River. There were beautiful waterfalls.

The views of the snow covered mountains were also breathtaking.

Once we came to the snowfields, it was difficult to find the trail. To compound matters, I was having difficulty breathing again due to the altitude. I tried to get into a breathing rhythm where I would breathe in on one step and breathe out on the next. I still ended up stopping a lot to catch my breath. 

By 10 I jumped for joy to see the Muir hut atop the pass.

There were already several other hikers sitting in the hut to get out of the wind.

The view to the north of the pass showed large snowfields and frozen lakes.

When we headed down, the first large snowfield was frozen enough that we could make a fast pace without post holing. But further down, the snow was soft and post holing was common. It was slow going and difficult. 

The surrounding mountains were fabulous.

When we were finally below the snow line, we crossed the inlet to Evolution Lake.

The trail followed Evolution River down the valley. It is a beautiful river.

One of the major river crossings is the ford of the Evolution River. We decided to take the alternate crossing where the river is wider. The water came up just below my knee. It was not difficult.

We found a campsite next to the river. 

I am camped at PCT mile 850.4. The elevation here is 9,128 feet.