South Lake to North Lake-Thoughts on Campsites

Let me echo zeke's comment "If you don't stop in Dusy Basin for the night and sunrise, you are missing out." Strongly suggest stopping at the creek that drains the lower lakes and then follow the use trail to some awesome campsites. That sets up a challenge for night #2. Wanda Lake is well overused, instead I suggest "turning left" at Helen Lake. Less than 5 minutes away are several tarns and 15 min away is a lake below Black Giant Pass. Most likely you'll have this little piece of heaven all to yourself. This sets you up for McClure Meadow for night #3. You will have company but the location is stunning. And take it slow on day #3. Use the time to swim in Sapphire Lake and walk out on the peninsula at the outlet end of Evolution Lake. You'll have the entire evening in Evolution Valley so savor the afternoon in Evolution Basin.

If you are worried about the distance between McClure Meadow and Hutchison Meadow, remember your pack will be lighter but if your butt is kicked there is about 1/3 mile beyond the Piute Creek bridge a nice campsite to the right of the trail. And unless you are in a hurry to get to your car on day 6 I suggest camping night 5 at Desolation or Lower Desolation Lake both just a short jaunt off the main trail. But the chance of seeing Alpenglow on Mt Humphreys is well worth the extra effort. It'll add a scant 2 hrs to your day 6.

Thanks for the recommendations -- Dusy Basin sounds well worth the stop! We're ready for the mileage and elevation, and have bear cannisters so we don't make to many furry friends. Been tracking the weather, though, and it looks like the eastern side of the Sierras has been getting a good bit of rain the last week, which is expected to continue throughout our trip. We're keeping a close eye on it but are planning a backup trip on the western side of Sequoia/Kings where things have looked a bit drier (fingers crossed we can still do the original hike as planned though!) Assuming we can still go, I think we'll make the following modifications based on your recommendations (so thanks again for the insights here):

Day 1: South Lake Trailhead to Dusy Basin
Day 2: Dusy Basin to Helen Lake area
Day 3: Helen Lake area to McClure Meadow (take our time and enjoy Evolution Basin)
Day 4: McClure Meadow to Hutchinson Meadow
Day 5: Hutchinson Meadow to Desolation Lake
Day 6: Desolation Lake to North Lake Trailhead

We have been desperately waiting for more significant rainfall in our rain shadowed location (yes, it has been missing us, even with this weather pattern, despite very dark skies and rumbles of thunder.) There has been heavy rainfall many other locations and some flooding. We finally got some rain this morning (still raining.)

It is supposed to dry over the weekend, but this weather pattern may return next week.

trip report?