The Rae Lakes Loop is a 41-46 mile classic backpacking route through Kings Canyon National Park's pristine John Muir Wilderness. This counterclockwise circuit climbs from Roads End (5,035 ft) to Glen Pass (11,978 ft), traversing granite basins, alpine lakes, and wildflower meadows with commanding views of the Painted Lady, the Fin, and other Sierra peaks. Most backpackers complete the loop in 3-5 days, though conditioned hikers often opt for 4 days as the sweet spot. The trail follows portions of the Pacific Crest Trail and John Muir Trail, offering solitude in Paradise Valley, dramatic scenery at the Rae Lakes basin, and a challenging high-alpine crossing at Glen Pass. Best suited for experienced backpackers comfortable with elevation, navigation, and potentially hazardous river crossings.
Wilderness permits are mandatory year-round and highly competitive during quota season (late May through late September). The Woods Creek trailhead has a daily quota of 25 overnight permits, with 20 reservable online. Permits open at 7:00 AM Pacific exactly six months before your start date via recreation.gov ($15 base fee + $5 per person). Popular July and August dates sell out within minutes—set alarms and have multiple browsers ready.
If online permits are sold out, walk-up first-come permits become available at 1:00 PM the day before your trip at the Roads End Permit Station in Cedar Grove. Consider starting from adjacent national forest trailheads (Onion Valley via Kearsarge Pass) where permits are easier to obtain and remain valid when continuing into the park. Monitor cancellation alert services for last-minute openings.
Bear canisters are required May 1 - October 31 for all trips on the Rae Lakes Loop. Rentals are available at Kings Canyon Visitor Center in Grant Grove, Giant Forest Museum, and Foothills Visitor Center (not available in Cedar Grove). Group size limited to 15 people. Campfires prohibited above 10,000 feet (including all Rae Lakes camps); allowed in Paradise Valley only. Two-night limit in Paradise Valley; one night per lake in the Rae Lakes basin (Dollar Lake to Glen Pass).
July is the optimal month—Glen Pass is typically snow-free, alpine meadows glow green, wildflowers peak, water sources flow reliably, and temperatures remain pleasant. August offers more stable weather and lighter crowds but brings afternoon thunderstorms and diminishing wildflowers. September provides the best weather stability, minimal mosquitoes, and stunning fall colors, but expect colder nights and some water sources may be reduced.
Avoid May and June unless you're experienced with snow travel and have microspikes/ice axe. Glen Pass frequently holds dangerous snow on its north-facing slope into mid-July during heavy winters. Spring snowmelt makes the South Fork Kings River crossing extremely hazardous or impossible until late July. The 2021 KNP Complex Fire burned 88,000 acres in the parks, though the loop remained largely unaffected.
Highway 180 to Roads End closes mid-November and typically reopens the fourth Friday in April, limiting the season. Check trail condition reports before departure, as opening dates vary with snowpack and road damage.
Water is abundant along the entire loop—the trail follows Woods Creek, passes dozens of alpine lakes, and descends along Bubbs Creek. However, accessibility varies. In Paradise Valley and along lower creek sections, the trail often runs 50-100 feet above water, requiring steep scrambles. The longest dry stretch is 5-6 miles between Vidette Meadow and the descent from Glen Pass.
Plan to filter from creeks rather than lakes to minimize impact. Water reliability decreases in September; streams near Glen Pass may be reduced to trickles. No resupply is available on-trail.
The nearest resupply is Cedar Grove Village (6 miles by road from Roads End), which has a small store with minimal backpacking supplies. For full resupply, ship packages to: Cedar Grove Rangers, PO Box 926, Kings Canyon National Park, CA 93633 (label "Hold For Thru-Hiker [Your Name]" and note trail). The ranger station holds packages late into the season. Nearest towns are Fresno (2 hours) and Visalia (2.5 hours), both with full outdoor retailers.
The South Fork Kings River crossing in Upper Paradise Valley is the loop's most serious hazard. The bridge washed out in 2017 and has not been rebuilt. During spring and early summer snowmelt, this ford can be chest-deep, swift, and deadly. Even in late August, expect knee-to-mid-calf water in the deepest channel. Scout upstream for log crossings or wide, braided sections. Do not attempt if water is high—rangers at Roads End can advise on current conditions. Some years this crossing makes the loop impossible before July.
Glen Pass (11,978 ft) demands an early-morning crossing. Afternoon thunderstorms with lightning are common July-August; being exposed on the pass during a storm is extremely dangerous. Plan to summit by 11 AM. Snow persists on the north face into mid-July during heavy winters—microspikes essential. The descent is steep and loose; use trekking poles.
Black bears are common throughout the loop, especially in Paradise Valley and Rae Lakes. Bears are food-conditioned and will investigate camps. Use bear canisters correctly—do not leave them near camp or accessible to marmots. Marmots are aggressive and will chew pack straps, boots, and trekking pole grips for salt; hang gear at night.
Mosquitoes can be unbearable in July, particularly in Junction Meadow, Paradise Valley, and sections near Woods Creek. Bring 30% DEET and a head net. The two-mile stretch between Upper and Lower Paradise Valley is notorious as "mosquito alley." By mid-August, bugs largely disappear.
The loop starts and ends at Roads End in Cedar Grove, Kings Canyon National Park. From Fresno (nearest major airport), take CA-180 east for ~90 miles (2 hours). The final 30 miles descend dramatically into Kings Canyon—spectacular but slow, with no services. Grant Grove Village (midway) has gas and groceries.
Roads End has two paved parking areas (Copper Creek lot and Bubbs Creek lot) plus the wilderness permit station. Parking fills on summer weekends—arrive before 9 AM or camp at nearby Sentinel or Sheep Creek campgrounds the night before. Do not park with tires on sand/dirt or you'll be ticketed. No overnight fee for wilderness permit parking.
No commercial shuttles serve Roads End. For point-to-point hikes (e.g., exiting at Onion Valley), arrange private shuttles through local contacts or leave a vehicle at each trailhead (4-hour drive between Roads End and Onion Valley via Lone Pine).
Driving from the Bay Area: 4.5 hours via CA-99 and CA-180. From Los Angeles: 4 hours via CA-99. High-clearance vehicles not required; road is fully paved. Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is 55 miles from the park entrance; rent a car.
Go clockwise (up Woods Creek, over Glen Pass, down Bubbs Creek) for the most gradual ascent and lighter pack weight when tackling Glen Pass. Counterclockwise front-loads elevation gain but descends gradually through Paradise Valley.
Camp strategically: Lower Paradise Valley (mile 5-6) makes a solid first night for late starts. Upper Paradise Valley (mile 8) offers stunning river access but severe mosquitoes. Woods Creek junction area (mile 12) is a good alternative. Rae Lakes (mile 19-21) is the crown jewel—camp at Middle Rae or Arrowhead Lake for the best views. Vidette Meadow (mile 26) is a quiet, spacious option for your last night. Dollar Lake camping is prohibited.
Bring bear bags to hang smellables (toothpaste, sunscreen, trash) from tree branches near camp—marmots will break into unsecured items overnight. Store bear canister 100+ feet from camp.
Pack rain gear regardless of forecast—afternoon thunderstorms can materialize instantly. Bring layers for Glen Pass; temperatures can drop 30°F from Rae Lakes to the summit. Trekking poles essential for the pass descent and creek crossings.
Fill water before ascending from Rae Lakes toward Glen Pass—the next reliable source is 2+ miles down the other side. The suspension bridge over Woods Creek is a stunning photo op. Mist Falls (mile 4) makes a popular day-hike turnaround for visitors, so expect crowds until Paradise Valley.
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