Rae Lakes Loop

Overview

The Rae Lakes Loop is a demanding, spectacular high-country circuit that strings together glacial valleys, polished granite, and a necklace of alpine lakes. The National Park Service lists the loop at about 41.4 miles total, though GPS tracks can vary a bit. Expect substantial cumulative elevation gain (roughly 6,000–8,000 feet) and a high point at Glen Pass (~11,978 feet). Most backpackers take 3–5 days, with 4 days being a sweet spot if you like time to linger near the lakes.

Route Feel and Highlights

Most parties start at Road’s End in Cedar Grove and hike clockwise: Paradise Valley → Woods Creek (with its memorable suspension bridge) → Dollar, Arrowhead, and Rae Lakes → over Glen Pass → down Bubbs Creek back to Road’s End. Clockwise spreads the climbing more gradually; counterclockwise front-loads the big ascent to Glen Pass and then trends downhill. Along the way you’ll walk beneath tall granite walls, traverse broad U‑shaped canyons, and camp beside clear lakes that mirror surrounding peaks. Popular waypoints include Paradise Valley’s river views, the airy Woods Creek bridge, the Rae Lakes basin, and Vidette Meadow.

Geology in Plain Sight

You’re traveling through textbook Sierra Nevada geology: hard, crystalline granitic rock (granite, diorite, monzonite) formed deep underground ~100 million years ago and later uplifted. Repeated glaciations carved the deep, wide canyons, hanging valleys, and lake basins you’ll see—Kings Canyon itself is a prime example. Glen Pass gives sweeping views of this glacially sculpted landscape, with the Rae Lakes cradled below granite ramparts.

Best Time to Hike

Snow lingers on Glen Pass into mid‑June in many years, and early season runoff can make stream crossings serious. The prime window is generally mid/late July through September for mostly dry, snow‑free travel. Expect classic Sierra summer behavior: hot lower elevations, cool nights up high, and afternoon thunderstorms—avoid committing to the pass if storms are building. Mosquitoes ebb and flow by year; carry repellent and a headnet if you’re going earlier in the season.

Permits, Food Storage, and Rules

A wilderness permit is required and summer quotas fill quickly—reserve as early as you can. During quota season you’ll pick up and validate your permit at a wilderness office (Road’s End is typical); permits can be collected after 1 pm the day prior or by 10 am on entry day, and you must notify the office if you’ll be late. Outside quota season, self‑issue permits are available. Bear‑resistant food storage is mandatory on this loop during the primary season; while some camps have bear boxes, you should plan to carry and use a canister. Additional camping rules apply in hotspots: camping is limited to designated sites in Lower Paradise, total nights in Paradise Valley are capped, and it’s one night per lake in the Rae Lakes basin. Expect other area‑specific limits (e.g., no camping at Bullfrog Lake, night limits near Charlotte Lake).

Conditions, Water, and Safety

Water sources are frequent—treat everything—and top off before Glen Pass, which can feel like a drier stretch. Early season can bring high, cold crossings. Afternoon lightning is common; start early for the pass. Black bears are active (keep a clean camp), and rattlesnakes show up occasionally along Bubbs Creek. There’s essentially no cell service; be self‑reliant.

Logistics and Direction Tips

• Start/finish: Road’s End Trailhead in Cedar Grove (overnight parking just past the ranger station area).
• Direction choice: Clockwise = more gradual approach to Glen Pass; counterclockwise = steeper climb up front and a long descent later. Both are excellent; pick based on how you want to distribute the work.

Is It Worth It?

Yes—this is one of the Sierra’s great multi‑day loops. It’s popular for good reason: granite cathedrals, mirror‑still lakes, and a satisfyingly complete circuit. It’s hard, permits are competitive, and early‑season conditions can be consequential—plan well and you’ll be rewarded.