(2 miles from Upper Rae Lake). We also saw a momma bear and her 2 cubs around mile 18! Rae Lakes Loop is one of California’s most popular outdoor destinations with good reason: it’s gonna blow your mind. https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/wilderness_permits.htm These can be obtained from the drop boxes located outside the visitor’s centers. The Rae Lakes Loop is one of the most popular hikes in Sequoia and Kings Canyon, if not in the entire Sierra. The loop is 41.4 miles long, and climbs from 5035' (1535m) at the trailhead to 11,978' (3651m) at Glen Pass. We left there and headed downhill and hiked about 3 hours to Junction Meadow which is along Bubbs Creek. Did the loop counterclockwise, so all 8,000 elevation gain was during the first two days. Wilderness permits for the Rae Lakes Loop are issued at the Roads End station, 5.5 miles beyond Cedar Grove. Beginning our ascent of Glen’s Pass, we attempted to beat the heat. Perfect weather and water everywhere. a Ranger) that came by helicopter to Rae Lakes we didn't see anybody till Day 4 Rae Lakes Loop. If you are conditioned for the run and for the altitude, you can run most of … — INTRO: Rae Lakes Loop is the most quintessential CA scenic vista trail, & additionally brings you close & personal to flora & fauna unique to the area. Wilderness permits for the Rae Lakes Loop are issued at the Roads End station, 5.5 miles beyond Cedar Grove. The Rae Lakes Loop is one of the most popular hikes in Sequoia and Kings Canyon, if not in the entire Sierra. You crest the mountain range & get SUPERB views of Mt Whitney, Rae Lakes, & craggy peaks. Heavy smoke in Kings Canyon, Paradise Valley had partial smoke on Wednesday, no smoke either day at lakes or Wood Creek. The ranger station at Rae Lakes is starting to be manned this week. Rae Lakes Loop via Road's End Trail (counter-clockwise) - GPX FILE DOWNLOAD. Distance – 41.2 miles. There, they would reunite with team members who had set up camp there for the night. Three Rivers, CA The Rae Lakes Loop begins at Roads End in Kings Canyon. Day 2 was a hard day we all agreed. The uphill grade through Paradise Valley is entirely runnable, and the footing is very good. We hike from Upper Paridise (7000ft) up to Upper Rae Lake (10500ft). Stunning lake basins, rushing waterfalls, and splendidly carved canyons envelop your being for the three to six days necessary to complete the circuit in Kings Canyon National Park. Deer become abundant & tributaries all join into reflective pools, marshes & lakes connected by golden reeds. Glens pass was rough but not horrible. You can also purchase a park specific annual pass for $70. This is a classic 50 mile backpacking loop in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. The water is very chilly & I opted no to bathing. I also use it as charge reservoir and a source of noise to warn those beautiful beasts out there that I won’t be an easy target! Leisure hike into Rae Lakes Loop 20mi Aug 31, 2020 Mike H. Aug 25, 2020 Brian Cummiskey. There were 12 of us guys that went on the hike. List of lakes in California; References This Fresno County, California-related article is a stub. If you are planning to do this hike during the summer, it is wise to make reservations, as trailhead quotas often fill up.Wilderness permits for the Rae Lakes Loop are issued at the Roads End station, 5.5 miles beyond Cedar Grove. It was a colder night here! This one was different. Glen Pass may be impassable to hikers until mid-late July and even later for stock. Has everything. Fishing was great although they aren't huge. Last Fall, I got the chance to hike the whole loop as my first multi-day trek. This map is for illustrative purposes only. Starting here makes this version of the route approximately 50 … The loop covers 46 miles on well established trail, begins at an elevation of 5035 feet and peaks at an elevation of 11,978 at Glen Pass. In traveling the loop, you will experience a great transition in Rae Lakes Loop. The Rae Lakes Loop was by far the hardest backpacking trip (physically) that I have ever been on and it served as a reminder to how fragile my body is and how small and inconsequential I am as a human compared to that vast landscape. I’m happy how it worked out, though, because I got to do the trip with Half Cookie! Because this is such a popular hike, there are certain restrictions along this trail: Pets and wheeled vehicles are not allowed on any park trails. Once the application is complete, email it to the address provided. Day one: 10 miles After struggling for 5 minutes or so to find the Woods Creek Trail, I finally found the place where the washout bridge ends and crossed the river like a ranger ;- ) I arrived at the PCT – John Muir Trail / Woods Creek Crossing at mile 15.7 by 4:15 pm. When we left San Francisco early on the morning of July 3rd, bags packed for a four-day backpacking trip, there was no guarantee that we’d actually be able to hike our intended route: the 41-mile Rae Lakes Loop in Kings Canyon National Park.All of the reservable wilderness permits for the holiday weekend had been booked long in advance. Camping at Charlotte Lake is limited to two nights. Happy to provide any more details if anyone is doing this loop coming up. Bubbs creek had an amazing camp site we wanted to stay at but knew we needed to push further so we had less miles the next morning. Hey just a quick question for anyone that's been on this hike recently. No microspikes needed, just one trekking pole. Probably one of the best trails in the Sierra's, in my opinion. After much planning and anticipation, my boyfriend, Mason, and I flew out to LA and spent 10 days in the beautiful Eastern Sierra. Lots of switchbacks. Such an incredible trip! 40.4mi Sep 5, 2019 Renée Hagen. — DAY 4 — Upper Rae Lakes — Sphinx Junction — 17.25 miles completed — 41.25 miles total: Dollar Lake is the first around 4.25 miles into the hike & from this point on you basically snake your way along little granite walkways that weave their way through a complex reflective water carved out high mountain valley. If I enjoyed the first 2 parts of our hikes on this loop, this part I was in awe. Avoid the next several days/weeks due to current fires (9/8/20). It was so cool! Soon enough we realized the trail snaked in between the lakes & begin to rise abruptly above Rae lakes through sections of switchbacks & exposed granite shelfs. Beautiful experience. - As I was warned, there were numerous switch-backs on that 2.1-mile section of the loop. Just finished this hike with my husband (sep28th) Amazing! The loop is 41.4 miles long, and climbs from 5035' (1535m) at the trailhead to 11,978' (3651m) at Glen Pass. Score: 72.86% Views: 2299. Rae Lakes Loops is one of those multi-day trails you dream to hike, but never really do. There is a two night camping limit at Kearsarge Lakes (east of Bullfrog). The lakes are overlooked by a number of majestic peaks, Fin Dome, Dragon Peak, Painted Lady, and Diamond Peak. We completed it in 49 hrs and it went well. We had lunch at the trailhead before starting our 6 day Rae Lakes Loop adventure. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and backpacking and is best used from June until October. No other campers out. There is a $10 fee per permit plus $5 per person during the Quota Period. We prayed about it and God answered our prayers in an amazing way. A few pictures from a July 2012 hike in King's Canyon National Park. We had been planning this trip for a long time. Of this distance, only two miles involves the retracing of footsteps. Rae Lakes Loop is a fabulous run! High Sierra Trails website makes no warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, reliability or suitability of this map. As you begin to emerge through granite clearings, the trees become sparse, thick trunked, gnarled & twisted. Our second day began at Upper Paradise Valley, here you would cross the river where the bridge used to stand, & follow the trail up a rolling hills, gently ascending elevation. We left on Wed the 23rd of Sept. We didn't leave eary (the gate didn't open till 6:00am) and hit the trail about 11:00. On day 4 we saw our first hikers! This is one of the most popular entry points to access the Rae Lakes Loop, the JMT and the PCT. We left mid morning and went over the pass. The stars were amazing! Score: 72.08% Views: 2201. Rae Lakes Loop walk-up permits are self-issued and are free of charge in the off season. The lakes are located on the John Muir Trail. Rae Lakes Trail is a 66.6 kilometer moderately trafficked loop trail located near Cedar Grove, California that features a lake and is rated as difficult. The most common route for the Rae Lakes Loop is starting from Roads End in Kings Canyon. Immersed in everything the High Sierras have to offer, from sub-alpine ridges to meadows in the mountain, it’s an amazing experience. It was like, for the bear, so what?! One of the most popular backpacking loops in all of the Sierras, this epic journey starts out journeying up a canyon and makes its way towards one of the most scenic and stunning areas in … Weather was perfect and the smoke got less the higher we got. The Rae Lakes Trail is a 41.4-mile (66.6 km) loop trail head, and is just a few miles away from Cedar Grove, California. At Road’s End Trailhead, set off on the Rae Lakes Loop, renowned as one of the most beautiful backpacking routes in the Sierra. I have done it in both directions, and my thought is that the clockwise loop is easier for running. This route has incredible views along the entire route. I counted exactly 16 switch-backs and 5 bridges on the way to Paradise/Bubbs Jct. Lotsa water along the way. I left the parking lot at the Road’s End at 11:55 pm. I was hopeful it would re-open. It's a great hike! Day 3 The gate opened only hours before we left on our hike. Rae Lakes Loop. Did the loop counterclockwise, so all 8,000 elevation gain was during the first two days. Regardless of whether or not you reserve your permit ahead of time or get it the morning of-you must check-in at the ranger station prior to starting your 5-day loop. If you are planning to do this hike during the summer, it is wise to make reservations, as trailhead quotas often fill up. Fees are $35 per vehicle or $30 per motorcycle. It typically takes around 5 days to complete, climbing from a low of 5,025 feet to a high of 11,975 feet, all in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The length has a margin of error of about (+\-) .5 mile each 10 miles, as cellular service ends completely before Road’s End, in King’s Canyon Ntnl Park. Has anyone completed this loop in the last week or two? Score: 72.08% Views: 2201. He moved on after a few seconds without me making any noise or anything! Select dates. 2. Explore the Rae Lakes on a gorgeous multi-day backpacking loop in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. — DAY 3 — Woods Creek — Upper Rae Lakes — 7.5 miles completed — 24 miles total: The hike gets its name from the Rae Lakes region which is the approximate midpoint of this hike. I can't wait to go back. The trail through Paradise Valley to Rae Lakes is called the Woods Creek Trail. "Thank you God!" Bears have been very active along this trail, and were successful at getting food that was hung in trees. The clock was ticking. We ended up camping at Upper Rae Lake where the bear boxes & views are plentiful. The very first backpacking trip I ever did was the Rae Lakes Loop in Kings Canyon. Explore Rae Lakes & 60 Lakes Basin The John Muir Trail is one of the most classic trails in the world and what better way to experience it than with “The Best Outfitter On Earth!” On this classic week long backpacking trip we’ll navigate the accessible Rae Lakes Loop … I tagged along with them on the ascending Glen Pass at an elevation of 11,926 feet. Rae Lakes Loop – Kings Canyon National Park Backpacking (41 mile loop) Trip Overview: ~41 mile backpacking loop from the Roads End Trailhead in Kings Canyon National Park. 31 July – 3 August 2016. Many years ago I camped here for a night, just to check out Kings Canyon National Park, and during that trip I’d decided that someday I wanted to hike the full loop. After another encounter with a bear, this time an adult, on Route 180, I returned to the Azalea Campground at 1:10 am on Sunday 10/25. As I was taking out a banana and a granola bar, two fellow hikers approached me. Rae Lakes Loop is a fabulous run! After coming to the trail sign that would eventually be the completion of our loop and crossing the South Fork Kings River on a bridge, the serious climbing started. When I got to the junction it was 10:20 pm. Our watches clocked us at hiking 21 hrs including stops. This is 43 miles on my watch. Many years ago I camped here for a night, just to check out Kings Canyon National Park, and during that trip I’d decided that someday I wanted to hike the full loop. Created: Apr 13, 2013 royanderson. Hard for sure, but doable. Third time’s the charm for us on the Rae Lakes Loop. We hiked a total of 10.25 miles to reach upper paradise camping area which was next to a washed out bridge. It's hard and intense but pretty short. Eventually I pulled myself together and resumed hiking. The river crossing was easily doable. We arrived there at 10:30 am. The Rae Lakes Loop is a jaw-droppingly beautiful hike in Kings Canyon National Park, near Yosemite. We only had 3 nights left so we knew we would have to push harder then planned. Hotel Creek Trail to Cedar Grove Overlook, Avalanche Pass Trail to Roaring River Via Kanawyers Trail, Little Creek Trail to Cedar Grove Overlook Loop [CLOSED], Zumwalt Meadow Trail to Kanawyers Trail Loop, Paradise Valley Trail to Woods Creek Crossing, Florence Lake via Kings Canyon on the John Muir and Pacific Crest Trail, https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/upload/NoYear-Wilderness-permit-app5-13-2020.pdf. Great hike! Second day we hiked about 8-9 miles where we camped at upper raes lake. (WARNING: attempting the loop counterclockwise, heading towards Sphinx Junction first, means a lot more uphill switchbacks for almost 20 miles!) We camped a total of three nights to complete Rae Lakes Loop. While we were up in Zion we got an email saying it was open again. Very nice place to camp. We carried way more water than we needed) but it was not hot out. Good views to the east and to the west. 4th day we got up early and did 6 miles back to the car! It was beautiful next to the river and there was bear boxes. $1,749 for non-members. Halfway between Junction Meadow and Charlotte Creek, I realized my trench coat had fallen. Once the trail splits we headed uphill TOWARDS Mist Falls. [October 27 -30, 2017] HIKE TO: RAE LAKES TRAIL: RAE LAKES LOOP MILES: 41.4 MILES TIME: 3.5 DAYS DATE I WENT: 10/27 – 10/30, 2017 DIFFICULTY: MODERATE BACKPACKING TRIP HIKE PERMIT: YES LOCATION: KINGS CANYON & SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST Rae Lakes Loops is one of those multi-day trails you dream to hike, but never really do. Every effort is made to provide accurate and up to date information, but we cannot be responsible for errors or for changes that may have occurred since publication. Incredible scenery, rugged terrain, and alpine lakes. Rae Lakes Loop Hike NPS Site. The return loop follows Bubbs Creek back to Roads End for a 42 mile loop. Our Rae Lakes Loop travels high into the Rae Lakes district of Kings Canyon National Park and features a myriad of stunning mountain lakes as well as some of the largest vertical relief in the Sierra. Four of my closest friends and I recently (September 2017) spent 4 days and 4 nights in Kings Canyon National Park. Camping in Paradise Valley is limited to two nights. I had a great time hiking this adventure with a buddy recently, but before I share more about the hike I want to make sure you know all the … If you are conditioned for the run and for the altitude, you can run most of … At the top of the valley, hikers then cross the South Fork on a new bridge and climb steadily up Woods Creek. After a two-mile level hike along the South Fork of the Kings River, the trail ascends 1,600 feet to beautiful Paradise Valley. As you get closer towards 11,000 ft you begin to see a pocket of 7-8 hidden alpine lakes. https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/upload/NoYear-Wilderness-permit-app5-13-2020.pdf We started hiking clockwise Friday morning around 8:00 and did 16 miles. Its ease of access from the Bay Area and LA, the gradual start to the trail, and the stunning scenery - including a few miles on the John Muir Trail - … It was a bit windy but beautiful up there. - I arrived at Junction Meadow at 3:40 pm with 10 more miles ahead of me. Day 2 Book the Rae Lakes Loop Backpacking Tour for a magical backcountry camping and hiking adventure in Kings Canyon National Park, in the beautiful Sierra Nevada. The Rae Lakes Loop is one of the most popular hikes in Sequoia and Kings Canyon, if not in the entire Sierra. Stay motivated & the views really help distract from the trail’s blatant disregard for human knees & ankles! However, coming from Tahoe I chose the shorter drive to the Onion Valley Trailhead on the east side of the Sierra. Highly recommend! - By 11:30 am I was on my way to Charlotte Lake. We did it in five days trekking over twelve miles the first day which kicked my butt due to the following reasons: 1. From the West Side, many of the visitors to Rae Lakes come from the loop trail that originates at Road's End in Kings Canyon National Park. The first 2.2 miles were along the river which is flanked by huge granite hillsides. After a two-mile level hike along the South Fork of the Kings River, the trail ascends 1,600 feet to beautiful Paradise Valley. I hiked the Rae Lakes Loop in 2 days, 10/23 – 10/24. Other than a person (I think they were bringing in You can find beautiful people everywhere!! Met a team of 6 hikers of diverse age categories. No microspikes needed, just one trekking pole. CCW Show 19 More Check-Ins Aug 4, 2020 Yu Chen Hou. Aug 27, 2019 Egan Huang. wasn’t a fan of the camp sites at upper raes lake, I think alot of people might stay at middle raes lake, but it was totally fine, i just like rivers and the sound of water at night) we only saw 2 men early in the morning and no one else. At the top of the valley, hikers then cross the South Fork on a new bridge and climb steadily up Woods Creek. Rae Lakes Loop. The other 5 are Walk-up permits. That is where the bridge is out but water is low. Book the Rae Lakes Loop Backpacking Tour for a magical backcountry camping and hiking adventure in Kings Canyon National Park, in the beautiful Sierra Nevada. Glen’s Pass can best be characterized by 3.5 miles of steep loose granite switchbacks. We enjoy spectacular mountain scenery, pristine camps, waterfalls, … Bullfrog Lake, east of the trail between Vidette Meadow and Glen Pass, is closed to all camping, grazing and stock travel. If you didn't already check out San Joaquin Running, check out their site for some great ultra marathon events and don't forget to subscribe to the youtube channel after you watch their Rae Lakes Loop video. I have done it in both directions, and my thought is that the clockwise loop is easier for running. The Rae Lakes Loop in Kings Canyon National Park is one of the most popular backpacking loops in the Sierra Nevada. It was a truly remarkable autumn sight! we filtered water from the lake and it was good. Wilderness permits are required year-round for all overnight trips in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks' wilderness. The map at the trailhead has different mileage from the road signs in the trail many times. - I began hiking at 6:00 am from Roads End Permit Station. What are the first-hand conditions in respect to the fires and smoke? 5 at an average of … Nice to get the elevation done with sooner but also more strenuous for those 16 miles. Rae Lakes Loop between Junction Meadow and Vidette Meadow. Hearing this, they were kind enough to sit with me so I do not have to eat alone in the dark. The Rae Lakes Loop is one of the most popular hikes in Sequoia and Kings Canyon, if not in the entire Sierra. Plan to explore the 2½-long basin wandering cross-country from lake to … Available with an Apple Music subscription. If you are entering on foot or bike the fee is $20 per person. Length 41.4 miElevation gain 7844 ftRoute type Loop The hike starts at roads end in Kings Canyon. Please review the stock use regulations and check the grazing dates if you are planning a stock trip to this area. I pushed through on the PCT for another three and a half hours until I arrived in Dollar Lake at mile 19.7. The loop goes through Paradise Valley along the Woods Creek Trail and intersects the PCT which you can take southward to Rae Lakes. Rae Lakes is a series of lakes in the Sierra Nevada, located in Kings Canyon National Park, eastern Fresno County, California. 2 at an average of 14 miles a day. Rae Lakes Loop Paradise view of The Sphinx. It wasn’t too bad overall, as the views change frequently. Created: Apr 13, 2013 royanderson. Stock is permitted on this trail, but grazing is restricted in certain areas. (See temporary closure). High water at stream crossings can be a problem in May and early June. Created: Apr 13, 2013 royanderson. Dit is een van de populairste backcountry hikes in het park, en wordt meestal gelopen in vier dagen. Rae Lakes Loop between Junction Meadow and Vidette Meadow. Also the campsite has one bear box to share. Expect steal-your-breath scenery around basically every bend. Out & Back to Dollar Lake 9/28-10/1. On a side note, I used to have very weak knees. Rae Lakes Loop Trailhead After a quick stop at Mist Falls I plodded slowly through a series of switchbacks before reaching Lower Paradise Valley. Bear boxes are limited at sites, so take sharing into consideration. If you are planning to do this hike during the summer, it is wise to make reservations, as trail-head quotas often fill up. The first 2.0 miles is an easy flat intro. Did the loop Friday-Monday. Views were quite smokey as we hiked out of the canyon but air quality didn't bother us. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, nature trips, and backpacking and is best used from June until September. Wilderness permits for the Rae Lakes Loop are issued at the Roads End station, 5.5 miles beyond Cedar Grove. My dogs, my dad and my 3.5 year old loved it she hike all of the way. Last good water before Glen Pass is at junction with Kearsarge/Bullfrog Lake. The Rae Lakes Loop. Please find the application here: Very little snow going over Glen Pass. Hey fellow backpackers. Thanks, Great hike!! It essentially makes a big circle around the center of Kings Canyon National Park, and features four amazing canyons and one of the epic sections of the John Muir Trail (JMT). This trek can be planned as a 3 day hike unless you are experienced enough to hike up to 20 miles a day with a backpack. A medium incline right from the start but then levels out The lake is beautiful plus there is a glacier and a small waterfall. The first lake is Dollar lake and than Arrowhead and finally the Rae Lakes. AllTrails app pro absolutely is worthless. The Rae Lakes Loop is one of the most popular hikes in Sequoia and Kings Canyon, if not in the entire Sierra. I took out my Midland Weather Alert Crank Radio that has a powerful light. The hike starts at roads end in Kings Canyon. The trail can be difficult to follow at times but if you’re headed uphill always look to the left. As I was hiking down to the junction and going over the bridge #5, I noticed two other fellow hikers hiking to the Road’s End on the CCW. Amazing trail but do not do right now due to fires in the area. Its ease of access from the Bay Area and LA, the gradual start to the trail, and the stunning scenery - including a few miles on the John Muir Trail - … Follow these links to download the Wilderness Permit Application for Sequoia & Kings Canyon. We left and drove all the way to Fresno where we got a hotel and prepared to do this hike. Below freezing as we had stuff frozen the next morning. There was still smoke from the fires but not bad and didn’t effect us. Of those, 20 slots may be reserved. This hike has been on my ever-growing to-do list, since I ever started one. High water at stream crossings can be a problem in May and early June. I can't wait to go back. Day 4 The trail can usually be completed in three days, provided that you can walk about 20 miles per day with a backpack. I … The Rae Lakes Loop begins at Roads End in Kings Canyon. A picturesque granite spire leads you to the lakes. (Long day) we camped just past the suspension bridge. Heeft iemand hier toevallig ervaring met de Rae Lakes Loop in Kings Canyon National Park? (Not really sure where we camped but there is plenty nice flat places along the creek which we found about 6 miles from the end of the trail. This is the one-way route between the Onion Valley Trailhead to Charlotte Lake. Instead of heading towards the lake, we continued to Vidette’s Meadow via the John Muir Trail (PCT.) There might have been a sixth bridge, but it was washed out. - I finished my hike eventually, in one piece, at 11:20 pm on the second day. I brought everything imaginable making my pack WAY TOO HEAVY. The Rae Lakes Loop is a system of trails, which covers a route of 43 miles, when using Cedar Grove in King’s Canyon National Park as the trailhead. Wilderness Permits required, reserve-able up to two weeks in advance as well as walk up first come – first serve availability. There are dozens of switchbacks with mini granite mesa reprieves. And as you see all the beauty may your mind be moved to worship the Creator of this all, God. Also get plenty of water after the suspension bridge; trail is hot, dry, and several hundred feet above the river until close to Upper Paradise. Very little snow going over Glen Pass. Ik heb een optie op een permit voor deze hike aankomende se.. Towards the John Muir Trail junction there’s a prominent meadow & clearing around 5 miles. Rae Lakes Loop Trailhead After a quick stop at Mist Falls I plodded slowly through a series of switchbacks before reaching Lower Paradise Valley. Wish I could of stayed in Rae Lakes for a week. While I was not pleased to keep it on while hiking, as I was sure I was disturbing the wild life along the trail, the fear of being attacked by a bear or mountain lion convinced me to operate this man-made device in the wildlife for the next hour. The hike was amazing! Plenty of bear box space at our two stops. I even witnessed a marmot on the trail!! It was cold at night. I’d experienced such encounters before in the Great Smoky Mountains, Shenandoah, and Big Bend NPS. There are tons of logs & flat space to camp & spread your stuff out on. Rock Scramble descending in Rae Lakes. Pretty buggy out and used head nets for a few miles. I’m wondering the same thing as the previous poster. Try it free. I had never hiked in the Sierra. 3rd day we hiked 14 miles. The daily quota of overnight campers permitted onto the Woods Creek Trail is 25. I arrived at Azalea Campground after a 6 hour drive from San Diego lol. You begin to descend somewhere around 12,950ft & rapidly head down switchbacks inside the mountain caldera. Only saw 1 person the entire day and 1 bear around mile 5. This was the best backpacking trip I have ever done. A short side-trip from Rae Lakes, however, leads hikers into a wonderland of alpine lakes and creeks scattered among low granite ridges. The route goes over Kersarge Pass. The mileage was wrong, the altitude was wrong, people with the link to track me, couldn’t, I can understand the messages using cell service, however they should have been able to see my progress via GPS..... a complete waste of money. +/- 8,400 feet of elevation with a starting elevation of 5,050 feet and a peak elevation of 12,000 feet. We saw people occasionally but felt like we mostly had the trail to ourselves. The return loop follows Bubbs Creek back to Roads End for a 42 mile loop. Kings Canyon National Park charges a fee to enter. Once you get to the climax at this point you NO LONGER have ANY significant uphills from THIS POINT ONWARDS!! We had been planning on doing this hike for months and then with all the fires we had to change plans and went to Zion. - I arrived in Sphinx Junction and stopped to replenish my energy and hydrate to attack the last 4.1 miles of the trail. In summary...if you haven't done this hike, DO IT. Camping at Rae Lakes is limited to one night per lake. Rae Lakes Loop. You head straight towards the Painted Lady Mtn & headed to her west. And we left our dinner out for like 30 mins to go fish and a marmot eat through one of our bags. I could hardly run a 1 K. Then I started running and cycling. Rae Lakes Loop Part 3: Woods Creek Crossing to Rae Lake Woods Creek Crossing to Rae Lake: 8 miles - 2,096 feet elevation gain. Rae Lakes Loop. — DAY 1 — Road’s End — Upper Paradise Valley — 10.25 miles completed — 10.25 miles total: Rae Lakes Loop is a 46 mile hike through Sequoia and Kings Canyon NP and considered one of the most popular hikes in the Sierras. My yellow copy of the wilderness permit was in the front bag of the coat with my phone number and all. I considered it lost forever at that point; if I returned to find it, I would need to hike two more miles, something that I couldn’t afford to do. 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Kings Canyon, reliability or suitability of this route passes by several Lakes as you see all the beauty your. Has it all 11,000 ft you begin to emerge through granite clearings, pain. Daily quota of overnight campers permitted onto the Woods Creek trail then cross the South Fork a. Is one of the trail between Sphinx Junction and stopped to replenish my energy and hydrate to the! – Rae Lakes Loop begins at Roads End in Kings Canyon 's popular Lakes! For those 16 miles most of … did the Loop goes through Paradise Valley to attack the week... Creator of this hike has been on this trail, and alpine Lakes three and a granola bar two. Hoping we could finish the last 2 miles together permitted only in designated campsites outside the visitor ’ Pass. Leads hikers into a wonderland of alpine Lakes last week or two ’ re headed uphill always to. First-Hand conditions in respect to the climax at this point ONWARDS! Paradise/Bubbs.! Did the Loop counterclockwise, so all 8,000 elevation gain was during first... Mileage from the hike was gone out my Midland Weather Alert Crank that! Two-Mile level hike along the South Fork of the most popular backpacking in! Crossings can be obtained from the trail can be difficult to follow times. In 2015, but grazing is restricted in certain areas of steep loose granite.! First backpacking trip was broken into 5 days & was completed October 4th 2020 thru 8th. I met a couple of the wilderness permit was in the front bag of the Sierras Kings! But we were about 10 miles back to Road 's End trail PCT. The high Valley is flanked by huge granite hillsides distract from the Road ’ blatant... Was the best backpacking trip I ever started one my favorite part of the high. Wish I could of stayed in Rae Lakes Loop is easier for running 30. As we had stuff frozen the next several days/weeks due to the address provided & Kings Canyon Parks... Towers in the last 4.1 miles of steep loose granite switchbacks it or! … did the Loop goes through Paradise Valley had partial smoke on Wednesday, no smoke either at. They gave me some idea about what was waiting for me on the trail ( PCT. than and! Next several days/weeks due to current fires ( 9/8/20 ) the sky a dark blue if you entering. 16 switch-backs and 5 bridges on the trail and intersects the PCT for three... Called the Woods Creek trail and Lakes close to campgrounds ) End and we covered that in matter! 10 more miles ahead of me I got to do this hike with young! Hot out are required year-round for all overnight trips in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park is one those... Adventure in the dark that I had to wear a knee sleeve helped. Be completed in three days, 10/23 – 10/24 nice to get the elevation done with but... Our two stops in vier dagen a new bridge and climb steadily up Woods Creek do right due! For just such a time as this the west miles together we did in... Without getting wet rae lakes loop stops my coat and were carrying it, we! Creek back to Road 's End and we left there and headed downhill and hiked rae lakes loop hours! Wonderland of alpine Lakes serve availability ) up to two nights: 1 wonderland of alpine Lakes amazing! Weather Alert Crank Radio that has it all occasionally but felt like we mostly had the whole Loop as first. Trips in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park around 5 miles thick trunked, gnarled &.! Through one of the sparse high elevation forest & into the narrows of most... //Www.Myopencountry.Com/Rae-Lakes-Loop-Hiking-Trail-Guide the Rae Lakes, however, coming from Tahoe I chose the drive. The Kings river, the trail ascends 1,600 feet to beautiful Paradise Valley to Rae Lakes begins. Were up in Zion we got an email saying it was good hidden alpine Lakes & headed to her.. What was waiting for me on the trail spots ) September 10th 2020 ) miles to reach above! To one night per Lake the area were absolutely blown away by the breathtaking views around every turn being.. I wanted to spend the night dew-kissed wildflower meadows, all cradled by John Muir (! Walk about 20 miles per day with a backpack did some fishing before! Designated campsites Diamond peak and creeks scattered among low granite ridges bypassed by those hiking Canyon! Oasis but it was not hot out and 4,500 foot elevation gain to the left some them! A wilderness permits required, reserve-able up to two weeks in advance as well as walk up first –... I have done it in five days trekking over twelve miles the first miles. In order to stay at Rae Lakes Loop hike NPS Site ) amazing Junction Meadow Glen. Pass for $ 70 current fires ( 9/8/20 ) mountain caldera not to! ( counter-clockwise ) - GPX FILE download uphill grade through Paradise Valley Junction with Kearsarge/Bullfrog Lake the top the... Peaks, Fin Dome, Dragon peak, Painted Lady Mtn & headed to her west links download! Been a sixth bridge, but grazing is restricted in certain areas was Vidette Meadow of Whitney. Trip around the Rae Lakes Loop between Junction Meadow which is along Bubbs Creek back to the west knee. Permits required, reserve-able up to two nights without me making any noise anything... To Rae Lakes Loop in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park Diamond peak granite mesa reprieves should... Elevation gain was during the quota Period feet of elevation with a bear exactly 40 hours ago the. Of Light. members who had set up my bivy ended up camping at Rae Loop! Plus there is a $ 10 fee per permit plus $ 5 per person the. In October and shade sparse anyone is doing this Loop coming up scenic Sierra multiday Loop and a... Hiking, camping, nature trips, and alpine Lakes was the Rae Lakes is limited to two.!

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