Southern Evolution Loop

Notes by piero scaruffi | Travel resources | Other California destinations | California hikes
Pictures of the hikes
The Southern Evolution region of the Eastern Sierra can be reached from Bishop on a day hike via Lake Sabrina (see also the main Evolution loop).

Lake Sabrina is located at the end of 168, west of Bishop, about 1.5 hours driving time south of Mono Lake, i.e. 6/7 hours from the Bay Area. From Bishop, take 168 west, aka West Line St, all the way to the end. You need to park by the Lake Sabrina campground (as far into 168 as the law alows you). Then walk up the paved road for a short distance until you see the trailhead to the left.

The trail coasts Lake Sabrina for about 1.5 km. Then it ascends steeply towards Blue Lake and Dingleberry Lake. Leave the trail and head for Moonlight Lake, which is visible. From Moolight Lake head for the western ledges above Echo Lake (3,536m). From here keep climbing west, staying south of Mt Wallace and an obvious pass should become visible. That's Wallace Col (3,950m, class 2). On the other side head west towards Sapphire Lake where you pick up the John Muir trail. Head south to Helen Lake. From this lake leave the trail and head up north, staying west of the unnamed lake. This takes you to Echo Pass (class 2-3), that connects to the eastern side of Echo Pass (that always has snow and ice) from where you can head back to the wester side of Moonlight Lake and then pick up the trail again to Lake Sabrina.

Pictures of this hike
See also:
Weather forecast for the Evolution region