Humphreys Basin to Evolution Valley

“ok Sierra bums, help an aspiring Sierra bum out here...

I'm trying to plan a weeklong trip into the High Sierras for this summer. What I'd like to do is come up Pine Creek Pass, then ultimately go over Carol Col into Humphreys Basin.

From there it gets fuzzy, and maybe my eyes are too big for my feet... but what I'd like to do from there is head over into Evolution Valley, and ultimately hike out from there.

My questions are:

1. Is there a way into Evolution Valley from Humphreys Basin? I know there's supposedly a pass behind Goethe Lake, but in two (halfassed) attempts, I haven't been able to find it.

2. What's the best pass out of Evolution Valley (assuming there is a way in from Humphreys)? Where does it come out at?

3. If I'm looking at spending 7 nights in the backcountry, is this maybe a little too much for one trip? I figure we can get through Pine Creek Pass in a day and camp somewhere near Puppet Lake, then get up and over Carol Col the next day, maybe bum around Humphreys for an extra day, then into Evolution for another couple days...

We can probably put in about 15 miles per day, but would prefer to keep it more around 10.

thanks in advance for any info”

“I've heard there is a way along the SHR, east of Packsaddle Lake? I don't have my maps, but never been over Carol Col so not much help I guess. Second day sounds BIG!”

“I'll have to look at a map. Check this thread. http://www.thebackpacker.com/trailtalk/thread/53656,-1.php

All I can say is, that's about the most scenic hike I've in the Eastern Sierra and I've done a lot of them. I'll do it again, foh shiz.”

“hiking down Carol Col was fun, and by "fun" I mean a moderate pain in the ass. A lot of route finding, and a couple spots where we lowered our packs with rope. Good place to break a leg or a rib. Realistically, it would probably take less time to just drop into French Canyon and go around Pilot Knob - a hell of a lot more scenic too. Maybe I'll do that.

I really want to get into Evolution one of these trips. I didn't realize one of the passes out comes down to the North Lake trailhead - been there a couple times and just never put it together I guess.”

“Doh! :) It all starts to run together after a bit for us getting older crowd.”