Rae Lakes Loop: How to Get 2024 Permits and Plan Your Itinerary

Backpacking the Rae Lakes Loop is one of the crown jewels of Sierra Nevada hiking. Over 40 miles, it traverses rushing streams, lush fern forests, high alpine meadows, jagged peaks, and some of the most spectacular scenery of the Sierra backcountry.

Part of the route hooks up with the John Muir Trail and Pacific Crest Trail, where you’ll share the trail with the long-distance packers up and over Glen Pass. 

Most hikers take 4 days to comfortably complete the Rae Lakes Loop. Some will add an extra “zero day” in the middle of the trek, lingering by some of the pristine alpine lakes or exploring off-shoot trails in the region, while still other (ambitious) hikers will finish the loop in under 4 days. For the sake of the average backpacker, this itinerary details a 4-day trip in the more popular “clockwise” direction.

Distance: 41.4 miles
Recommended Time: 4 days, 3 nights
Elevation Gain: 7,000 feet (from 5,000' feet at the trailhead to 12,000' over Glen Pass and back down)
Permit Required: Yes, during quota season (May 24 - Sept. 28, 2024)

Jump to:

• Overview
• Permits
  • How to Reserve a Permit
  • Didn’t Get a Permit?
  • Picking Up Your Permit
• Location and Trailhead
• What to Pack
• Where to Stay the Night Before
• Day #1: Trailhead to Upper Paradise Valley
• Day #2: Upper Paradise Valley to Middle Rae Lake
• Day #3: Middle Rae Lake to Junction Meadow
• Day #4: Junction Meadow to trailhead
• Wildlife and Safety
  • Bears
  • Rattlesnakes
  • Inclement Weather and Fire Safety

Rae Lakes Loop: Overview

Anyone attempting the Rae Lakes Loop should be in decent physical shape. You’ll need to hike up to 12 miles a day, with an overnight pack, at high altitude. At the same time, anyone with comfortable fitness should not be intimidated. Even those who have never done an overnight backpack before have completed Rae Lakes, no problem.

The loop can be completed either clockwise or counterclockwise:

• Woods Creek (clockwise) is more gradual, summiting Glen Pass on day #3
• Bubbs Creek (counterclockwise) has a steeper ascent to summit Glen Pass on day #2, with a more gradual descent

Most people prefer the clockwise direction, giving an extra day to acclimatize before reaching the summit. But if you’re prone to knee injuries, you may prefer counterclockwise to lessen the impact of a steeper descent.

Rae Lakes Permits

All hikers on the Rae Lakes Loop must have a wilderness permit. There are two options available: Woods Creek (clockwise direction) and Bubbs Creek (counterclockwise).

How to Reserve a Permit

There are different regulations for hiking during quota season vs. off-season. In 2024, quota season will run May 24 – September 28:

Quota Season (May 24, 2024 – Sept. 28, 2024)

Permits go online at 7 a.m. Pacific time each day, six months from the start date. They typically sell out immediately, due to high demand.

Plan to be online with a few minutes to spare, exactly six months from your expected start date. For example, if you’re planning to hike July 30, be ready to grab permits at 6:55 a.m. on January 30. Each day, a total of 40 permits are released online, with 20 for the clockwise direction and 20 for the counterclockwise direction.

The morning your reservation window opens, go to recreation.gov’s Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park Wilderness Permits page. Select “Explore Available Permits” and scroll down to choose either Woods Creek or Bubbs Creek from the list below.

Outside Quota Season (Sept. 24, 2023 – May 23, 2024)

Permits during off-peak season are free, self-issued, and not limited to daily quotas. Simply pick up a permit at one of the park visitor centers when you arrive.

*Note: if you’re planning to hike outside quota season, pay extremely close attention to the weather forecast before you go. With high elevation and challenging backcountry terrain, weather conditions are frequently dangerous outside the summer months. Always check with a ranger before starting your trip.

Didn’t Get a Permit?

If you didn’t get a permit during your preferred dates, keep checking back! People often release permits, which are then reposted at the same page as they become available. In the past, we’ve had luck snagging re-released permits even a few weeks out from our travel dates.  

There are also (5) walk-up permits reserved for any given day, which you can obtain at the Roads End ranger station, starting at 1 p.m. the day before. However, trying for a walk-up permit is not recommended. Rae Lakes is in high demand during quota season, and it’s a long drive home if you come away empty-handed.

Picking Up Your Permit

Pick up your permit at the Roads End Wilderness Permit Station (directions), either the afternoon before or morning of your hike. You’ll go through a brief 5-minute safety talk with the ranger before signing out your permit and hitting the trail.

Rae Lakes Loop Location and Trailhead

The Rae Lakes Loop trailhead is located at the Roads End Wilderness Permit Station (directions), where Highway 180 dead-ends in Kings Canyon.

There is a paved parking lot where trekkers can leave their vehicles while completing the loop. The lot is shared with day-hikers, but parking should not be an issue. If you’re hiking the full loop, you should be starting by 9 a.m. anyway (before the lot fills up).

The parking lot also has bear lockers, to store anything you’re not taking with you on the trail. Remember, never leave anything remotely scented in your car, including food crumbs and inedible items like sunscreen or lip balm. You don’t want to return to your car after 4 long days, to find a window broken by a hungry bear.

*Note: while we’ve never experienced it personally, we’ve heard stories of squirrels chewing the underwires on vehicles. The more cautious hiker can consider wrapping the car’s undercarriage with a tarp, for peace of mind.

What to Pack

Clothing

In addition to the standard backpacking essentials, the 7,000′ elevation change requires preparation for everything from humid conditions in the fern forests of the canyon floor to chilled nights (even in summer) on the shores of the Rae Lakes. Plan on a temperature swing from 40 to 90 degrees over the course of your trip, and pack accordingly.

Additionally, insects can be really bad here during the summer months, particularly in the humid fern forests at lower elevation. Plan to bring long-sleeve coverups and plenty of insect repellent. Head nets are also a great bonus, and will save your sanity from ear-buzzers.

Bear Canisters

Bear canisters are mandatory (the ranger will ask to see yours, before you leave the trailhead). If you don’t own one, you can rent from REI or similar stores. While there are bear lockers scattered along the loop, don’t rely on them, as finding space inside is not guaranteed.

Water Filters

Water is plentiful along the loop, but filtering is required. We like the LifeStraw gravity filter, but any quality water filter will do (the Katadyn gravity filter is a close second).

Where to Stay The Night Before

We strongly recommend getting to the area the day/evening before you plan to start your hike. There are a few campsites within a 10-15 min. drive of the trailhead, including Sheep Creek, Canyon View, and Moraine.

If you want to splurge, you can book a room at Cedar Grove, which sits right on the Kings River. This 2-star hotel is nothing fancy (and rates still run upwards of $250/night in the summer), but it’s a treat to have a bed and hot shower the night before you head into the backcountry. There is also a market and restaurant on site, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Rae Lakes Loop Itinerary

The itinerary below details the more popular clockwise (Woods Creek) direction. If you’re heading up the Bubbs Creek route, simply reverse it.

Rae Lakes Loop Day #1: Trailhead to Upper Paradise Valley (10 miles; 1,900′ elevation gain)

Aim to be at the Rae Lakes Loop trailhead by 8 a.m. With a long day ahead, you want to beat the worst heat (and any permits not claimed by 9 a.m. might be given away to walk-ups!)

After your safety spiel with the ranger, you’ll set off on approximately 2 miles of sandy trail along the valley floor. Past this stretch, the landscape shifts from open pine to the more dense forest that you can expect for the rest of the day.

Just past 2 miles in, you’ll come to a junction that separates the clockwise hikers from the counterclockwise. Clockwise Woods Creek hikers should take the left fork, and counterclockwise Bubbs Creek hikers take the right.

Past the fork, the trail begins climbing as you follow the south fork of the Kings River. You’ll climb a bit, level off, climb some more, level… but always under a shaded forest canopy that provides some heat relief.

Mist Falls (approx. 4.75 miles in) provides a great respite. Grab a rock, soak your feet, and enjoy a snack with the thundering falls behind you. Mist Falls is usually the farthest that day hikers will trek, so beyond this point Rae Lakes Loop hikers will start having the trail to themselves.

Beyond Mist Falls, the trail opens up to large steps of exposed granite. Expect the heat the rise accordingly (hiking in late July/August can be scorching through this section). Even if you’re tired, remember to keep looking back behind you, down the gorge to the Sphinx across the valley. This is the first of many breathtaking vistas you’ll get used to seeing over the next few days.

As you press on to Lower Paradise Valley, the trail regains its trees and corresponding shade, and the riverbank of Lower Paradise makes a great spot to stop for lunch and rehydrate. While it’s tempting to set up camp here, try to push on to Upper Paradise Valley for the night. You’ll shave off valuable miles tomorrow, the longest day of the trek.

The route to Middle and Upper Paradise Valley will tease, with spurts of shaded cedar and pine forests intermixed with sweltering exposed granite. At 10 miles, you’ll reach Upper Paradise Valley: a welcome end to the first day. Set up camp, and enjoy a well-deserved foot soak in the river as evening falls. Metal bear lockers are available here.

Rae Lakes Loop Day #2: Upper Paradise Valley to Middle Rae Lake (12.7 miles; 3,800′ elevation gain)

Day #2 is arguably the toughest day on the trail, with both the longest mileage and most elevation gain. However, you’ll also be rewarded with some of the most awe-inspiring panoramas in the High Sierra.

To start your day, look for a rudimentary bridge at Upper Paradise Valley to cross the creek (or wade through the usually 2-3″ of water) and pick up the trail on the far side. You’ll immediately start climbing through lush fern and pine forests. At times the undergrowth will give way to more exposed pockets, before plunging back into the ferns again. But the elevation gain is constant.

Again, remember to keep looking back at the breathtaking vistas behind you, with sharp granite peaks rising above the river below. Castle Domes Meadow is a highlight through this portion of the trail, where the sharp green of the meadow contrasts with the towering Castle Domes behind.

At 6.6 miles, you’ll reach Woods Creek Bridge, a suspension bridge that also marks where the trail meets up with the JMT and PCT. At this point, you’re over halfway done with the day!

Around 9,000′ elevation, you’ll leave the forest for the true High Sierra. Shorter, scrappy trees do little to provide shade, and the next few miles will acquaint you with the unforgiving landscape above the tree line: stark plains, with dramatic peaks as far as the eye can see. The trail here is endless exposed vertical — not always steep, but always up, up, up.

At approximately 9 miles, you’ll come to Dollar Lake — a welcome sign that the worst is behind you. Take a breather on its shaded banks, before continuing the last few miles to Rae Lakes.

This final stretch winds through gorgeous high country meadows, with bright summer wildflowers and babbling brooks. Climbing the last 300′ of elevation, you’ll reach the ridge above the three Rae Lakes, as the famous Fin Dome comes into view. While it’s tempting to stop at Lower Rae, tomorrow you’ll appreciate having pushed on another mile to Middle Rae, when it’s less distance up and over Glen Pass.

During peak season, park rangers staff a primitive ranger station above the trail between Lower and Middle Rae. And while there are scattered bear lockers around the lakes, campsites are so dispersed they’re hard to find. Expect to rely on your personal bear canister here.

Find a secluded spot along the banks and set up camp, where you can celebrate a well-deserved rest in some of the purest, most spectacular alpine scenery imaginable.

It’s kind of cool to think that at this point, you’re 20 miles from the nearest road. Anyone you see had to get here the same way you did — on foot!  

Rae Lakes Loop Day #3: Middle Rae Lake to Junction Meadow (8.4 miles; 1,400′ elevation gain then 3,800′ elevation loss)

Today’s the big day: summiting Glen Pass. Don’t be intimidated, though. You already finished the hardest part of the trail, and Glen Pass peaks early, just 2 miles into the trail.

After breaking camp and setting off, the path will wind you along Upper Rae Lake before immediately starting the 1,500′ ascent. Make sure to stock up on water, as this will be the longest stretch without access. Your next water source is approximately 6 miles down the road, on the other side of Glen Pass.

Take your time, and settle in to a slow but steady pace up the switchbacks. It will go by faster than you think! At 11,000′ you’ll rise above all vegetation, with nothing but the silent expanse of shale, along with a few icy blue lakes dotting the barren landscape. 

The summit of Glen Pass logs in at 11,998′, with a narrow “tightrope” along the ridge line (about 200 feet long and 15 feet wide) before dropping down the backside of the mountain. Stop and savor the view of what you’ve accomplished, with peaks as far as the eye can see. Once you’re ready to move on, it’s all downhill from here for the rest of your trip!

The next few miles will pass along exposed ridges of scattered, hardy trees with granite steps taking you down in elevation. Bullfrog Lake, just before the Charlotte Lake junction, brings you back to regular water sources, with more of the stunning scenery you’ve no doubt become accustomed to by now. You’ll hook up with Bubbs Creek and follow it down lush hillsides for the remainder of the day.

Vidette Meadow is an idyllic spot to stop for lunch and rest weary feet. From here, it’s just 2.2 miles to Junction Meadow (your camp for the third and final night of the Loop).

Once you arrive at Junction Meadow, find an agreeable spot and set up camp for the night.

Tip: if you pass the main Junction Meadow and continue on another ½ — ¾ mile, you’ll find some unspoiled spots on the banks overlooking the rushing Bubbs Creek. As with the Rae Lakes, the bear lockers here aren’t always obvious, so don’t rely on using them if you don’t have to.

Rae Lakes Loop Day #4: Junction Meadow to Trailhead (10.3 miles; 3,800′ elevation loss)

The home stretch! With the car tantalizingly close and a more monotonous landscape today (you’ll traverse the same fern forests you experienced on day #1), most hikers set an ambitious pace towards the trailhead and the inevitable burger awaiting you at Cedar Grove.

The first few miles are a soft, mostly level forested path. The trail never strays far from Bubbs Creek, before it eventually opens up to thick grasses and steeper descents.

In the summer months the mosquitoes and gnats can be terrible through here. Bring a head net, for your sanity.

There’s not much of note along the trail today: constant descent, but without the awe-inspiring landscape of prior days (which, helpfully, keeps you moving homewards without the desire to continuously stop for photos).

This stretch is popular with the local bears, so remember to make lots of noise as you pass through, to avoid startling them.

At the Woods Creek bridge, you have just 4 miles left to the trailhead. Past this point, you’ll hit the day’s only set of switchbacks, with approximately 1 mile of loops down towards the valley floor.

At the bottom of the switchbacks, you’ll once again reach forest before arriving at the Bailey Bridge, thus signifying the official start of the trail. Those not as eager to reach the car will enjoy cooling off in Bubbs Creek here, before making the final push through the same 2 miles of sandy trail that you started on, four days and 40 miles ago.

Slogging along the soft sand here is arguably the most painful (mentally, if not physically) part of the journey. It’s the last hurdle for your aching legs, before the trail parking lot comes into sight and you triumphantly hobble across the finish line. Don’t forget to snap a photo by the Rae Lakes Loop sign on your way to the car!

Celebrate by stopping for lunch at Cedar Grove Grill, 15 minutes down the road, on your drive out. The on-site restaurant serves comfort food fare (burgers, sandwiches, chili, wraps, etc.), and a burger has never tasted so good as after 41 miles and four days of backpacking meals. Grab some drinks and grub, and go sit down by the river to gorge on the well-deserved calories.

Rae Lakes Loop Wildlife and Safety

Bears

California black bears are plentiful along the Rae Lakes Loop, and are very used to sharing their habitat with humans hiking in the area. Black bears are naturally skittish and much less aggressive than their grizzly cousins, but will still brazenly try to access a food source. As summed up by a Kings Canyon park ranger, “they’re basically giant raccoons.”

Bears are especially present in the fern forests from the trailhead to both Upper Paradise Valley and Junction Meadow. Be sure to make your presence known as you traverse these areas: talk loudly and make noise. If the bears hear you coming, they’ll stay out of your way.

While camping at night, ensure that there is nothing scented in your tent (including the lip balm you forgot was in your pocket). Remember to stash your bear canister 100+ yards away. Wedge it tightly between rocks, logs, or otherwise make it challenging for bears to access. Never store your canister near a cliff or running stream, as bears could knock it off the hill or down the river.

Rattlesnakes

Rattlesnakes also reside along the loop, and there is a decent chance you may see one sunning itself on the trail.

Stomping your feet will notify snakes of your approach (they can feel the vibrations). Always keep an eye on the trail ahead of your feet, and be careful stepping down off the backside of rocks. If you see a snake, don’t make any sudden movements. Back up slowly, and give it a wide berth as you go around it. 

Inclement Weather and Fire Safety

As with any trip into nature, always check the weather forecast before you depart, and talk with a ranger for further info. Wildfires can also be common in the Sierra during the summer months (usually picking up in August). Familiarize yourself with current blazes at the interactive Cal Fire Incident Map.

Always bring a GPS when going into the backcountry. These handy devices help expedite search and rescue should you get injured, lost, or otherwise trapped.

We personally like the Garmin inReach Mini. It’s tiny, has an SOS button to alert rescuers of your location, and even lets friends and family back home watch your progress. The Garmin inReach is pricey – typically running $400. However, you can sometimes find Amazon resellers posting it in the $250 range, along with many other cheaper options.

Arriving in Sequoia and Kings Canyon early, and looking for some easy hikes to acclimate to the elevation? Check out our guides for the best easy hikes and moderate hikes in Sequoia National Park. They’re just enough to open the lungs and stretch the legs, without tiring you out before your epic Rae Lakes adventure.