The Rae Lakes Loop is a 41-46 mile classic backpacking route through Kings Canyon National Park's John Muir Wilderness. This counterclockwise circuit climbs from Roads End (5,035 ft) to Glen Pass (11,978 ft), crossing granite basins, alpine lakes, and wildflower meadows with long views of the Painted Lady, the Fin, and other Sierra peaks. Most backpackers complete the loop in 3-5 days, though conditioned hikers often settle on 4 days as the sweet spot. The trail follows portions of the Pacific Crest Trail and John Muir Trail, with solitude in Paradise Valley, dramatic scenery at the Rae Lakes basin, and a demanding high-alpine crossing at Glen Pass. It is 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, so 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 is limited to 15 people. Campfires are prohibited above 10,000 feet (including all Rae Lakes camps) and allowed in Paradise Valley only. There is a two-night limit in Paradise Valley and a one-night limit per lake in the Rae Lakes basin (Dollar Lake to Glen Pass).
July is the best month: Glen Pass is typically snow-free, the alpine meadows are green, wildflowers peak, water sources flow reliably, and temperatures stay pleasant. August has more stable weather and lighter crowds but brings afternoon thunderstorms and fading wildflowers. September has the most stable weather, minimal mosquitoes, and fall colors, but expect colder nights and some reduced water sources.
Avoid May and June unless you're experienced with snow travel and carry microspikes and an 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, which limits 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. Accessibility varies, though: in Paradise Valley and along the lower creek sections, the trail often runs 50-100 feet above the 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 the trail). The ranger station holds packages late into the season. The 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 it 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, and 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, so microspikes are essential then. The descent is steep and loose; use trekking poles.
Black bears are common throughout the loop, especially in Paradise Valley and Rae Lakes. Bears here are food-conditioned and will investigate camps. Use bear canisters correctly, and do not leave them near camp or accessible to marmots. Marmots are aggressive and will chew pack straps, boots, and trekking pole grips for the salt, so 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, the 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 steeply into Kings Canyon; the drive is scenic 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, so arrive before 9 AM or camp at nearby Sentinel or Sheep Creek campgrounds the night before. Do not park with tires on sand or dirt or you'll be ticketed. There is 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 are not required; the 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 the 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) has great river access but severe mosquitoes. The Woods Creek junction area (mile 12) is a good alternative. Rae Lakes (mile 19-21) is the scenic high point of the trip; 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, because marmots will break into unsecured items overnight. Store the bear canister 100+ feet from camp.
Pack rain gear regardless of forecast; afternoon thunderstorms can materialize instantly. Bring layers for Glen Pass, where temperatures can drop 30°F from Rae Lakes to the summit. Trekking poles are 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 favorite photo stop. Mist Falls (mile 4) is a popular day-hike turnaround for visitors, so expect crowds until Paradise Valley.
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