The Rae Lakes Loop is a premier backpacking trail in California’s Kings Canyon National Park. The loop is about 40–43 miles long depending on your GPS, with a cumulative elevation gain of roughly 7,500–9,000 feet. Rated as strenuous, it typically takes 3–5 days to complete. The trailhead starts at Road’s End (36.7948, -118.5820) and the best hiking season is July through September when snow has melted from the high passes. A wilderness permit is required year-round and costs $15 plus $5 per person. Expect no cell service, plenty of water sources, and mandatory bear canisters.
Why Hike the Rae Lakes Loop?
There’s a reason backpackers dream of the Rae Lakes Loop. The trail threads through the High Sierra, weaving past glittering alpine lakes, granite spires, wildflower meadows, and a suspension bridge that adds a bit of thrill. The crown jewel is Rae Lakes themselves, three pristine alpine lakes framed by Fin Dome and the Painted Lady. Wildlife sightings are common—black bears, mule deer, marmots, and pika call the area home. For hikers who want a taste of the John Muir Trail or Pacific Crest Trail without committing weeks, the Rae Lakes Loop is the perfect sampler.
Best Time to Hike the Rae Lakes Loop
The best months are July, August, and September. Early summer can bring high water crossings and lingering snow on Glen Pass. July is often ideal: meadows are green, wildflowers bloom, creeks run clear, and Glen Pass is usually snow-free. August offers stable weather but can be buggy. By September, mosquitoes die down and crowds thin, but nights are colder. Winter and spring are not recommended due to snowpack and hazardous crossings.
Permits and Regulations
Permits for the Rae Lakes Loop are highly competitive. Reservations open six months in advance on recreation.gov at 7:00 am PT. Walk-up permits are released at the Road’s End Permit Station the day before entry. Bear canisters are required, and camping is regulated. No dogs are allowed, and campfires are prohibited above 10,000 feet. Rangers often check permits along the loop, so don’t attempt it without one. For stoves or fires, a California Fire Permit is also required.
Choosing Your Direction: Clockwise vs Counterclockwise
Both directions offer stunning views, but there are differences:
- Clockwise (Woods Creek first): More gradual climb, lighter pack by the time you hit Glen Pass, and a steady ascent over multiple days. Great for beginners.
- Counterclockwise (Bubbs Creek first): Shorter but steeper ascent, quicker access to Rae Lakes, and a dramatic climb to Glen Pass early on. Most first-time backpackers prefer clockwise, but either way you’ll be rewarded with epic scenery.
Rae Lakes Loop Itineraries
3-night / 4-day itinerary:
- Day 1: Road’s End to Upper Paradise Valley (9–10 miles)
- Day 2: Upper Paradise Valley to Rae Lakes (12–13 miles)
- Day 3: Rae Lakes to Junction Meadow (10 miles)
- Day 4: Junction Meadow to Road’s End (10 miles)
4-night / 5-day itinerary:
- Day 1: Road’s End to Upper Paradise Valley
- Day 2: Upper Paradise Valley to Dollar Lake
- Day 3: Dollar Lake to Middle Rae Lake
- Day 4: Middle Rae Lake to Junction Meadow
- Day 5: Junction Meadow to Road’s End
This slower version allows for more time at Rae Lakes and side trips.
Campsites on the Rae Lakes Loop
Popular campsites include:
- Upper Paradise Valley – Scenic river access, but buggy in early summer.
- Woods Creek – Good lunch or camp stop near the suspension bridge.
- Middle Rae Lake – Stunning backdrop of Fin Dome, most popular site.
- Junction Meadow – Spacious with bear boxes but buggy in July.
- Charlotte Creek – Lovely option instead of Junction Meadow.
Restrictions: no camping at Dollar Lake, no camping at Bullfrog Lake, two-night maximum in Paradise Valley, and one night at each Rae Lake.
Trail Description Day by Day
Day 1: Road’s End to Upper Paradise Valley
Distance: 9 miles, Gain: 2,750 ft. Highlights include Mist Falls, one of the park’s most scenic waterfalls. Expect heavy day-hiker traffic early on.
Day 2: Upper Paradise Valley to Rae Lakes
Distance: 11–13 miles, Gain: 3,800 ft. Highlights include Castle Domes, the Woods Creek Suspension Bridge (cross one at a time), and the alpine approach to Rae Lakes. Dollar Lake makes a good rest stop, though camping is prohibited.
Day 3: Rae Lakes over Glen Pass to Junction Meadow
Distance: 8–9 miles, Gain: 1,800 ft, Loss: 4,200 ft. Start early for the steep climb to 12,000-ft Glen Pass. Descend switchbacks with sweeping views into Vidette Meadow, then follow Bubbs Creek to Junction Meadow.
Day 4: Junction Meadow to Road’s End
Distance: 9–10 miles, Loss: 3,500 ft. Follow Bubbs Creek downstream through forests and meadows. Watch for bears, especially in this section. Return to the Road’s End trailhead.
Challenges on the Rae Lakes Loop
- River Crossings: The South Fork Kings River crossing near Paradise Valley can be tricky early in the season due to a washed-out bridge.
- Altitude: Glen Pass at 12,000 ft can cause altitude sickness. Stay hydrated and acclimatize.
- Bears: Black bears are common; proper food storage is essential.
- Mosquitoes: Expect swarms in July and August, especially in meadows.
- Weather: Afternoon thunderstorms are common; summit passes early in the day.
Gear to Bring for the Rae Lakes Loop
- Lightweight backpacking kit with tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad
- Bear canister (required)
- Sun hoody, warm puffy jacket, rain protection
- Sawyer Squeeze or other water filter
- Trekking poles for river crossings and Glen Pass
- Bug protection: permethrin-treated clothing, picaridin, or DEET
- Navigation: Tom Harrison map and offline GPS apps (Gaia, AllTrails)
Side Trips and Extensions
- Sixty Lakes Basin: Beautiful alpine basin accessible from Upper Rae Lake.
- Charlotte Lake: Just off the JMT, quieter than Rae Lakes.
- Kearsarge Pass and Kearsarge Lakes: Adds 13 miles if starting from Onion Valley.
- Gardiner Basin: Rugged, off-trail adventure for advanced hikers.
Getting to the Trailhead
The Rae Lakes Loop starts at Road’s End in Kings Canyon National Park. The nearest major airport is Fresno (2.5 hours by car). Parking is available at Road’s End for $35 park entry fee. No shuttles run to the trailhead, so you’ll need your own vehicle.
Final Thoughts on the Rae Lakes Loop
The Rae Lakes Loop is one of the most spectacular multi-day hikes in California. It’s challenging, with steep climbs and long miles, but the rewards are immense: crystal lakes, soaring granite peaks, and a true immersion into Sierra wilderness. Whether you’re a first-time backpacker ready for a big challenge or a seasoned hiker seeking one of the Sierra’s best routes, the Rae Lakes Loop delivers memories you’ll carry for life.
