Trail: Rae Lakes Loop
Distance: 39.8 miles
Elevation: 7,667 ft.
Location: Kings Canyon National Park, CA
Permits: A wilderness permit is required for overnight backpacking.
Trip Date: July 2026
If I’m being completely honest, the Rae Lakes Loop had never been on my radar. I’ve explored the Rae Lakes area twice on my John Muir Trail treks in 2021 and 2022, so I had assumed there wasn’t much else that the loop could provide. Yet, after spending 4 days thru hiking the Rae Lakes Loop, I’m glad I had a change of heart. No matter my situation, the Sierra always calls me back…
After bailing on a bigger 15-day trek (more on that a little later), I found myself, the day after my 39th birthday, at Road’s End with no idea of what I’d really be getting myself into. As someone who likes to research (and probably too much), there wasn’t much else I knew about the Rae Lakes Loop besides the highest point would be my personal favorite- Glen Pass…I’d share the trail with the JMT for most of my trek… and there would be a decent amount of water on the trail.
It’s my first backpacking trip of the season, and I’m excited to explore new areas while connecting the dots to my previous Sierra adventures. For reference: I’m hiking clockwise, starting from Woods Creek Trail.
🏕️ Day 1: Road’s End to Upper Paradise Valley
10.1 miles // Elevation: +2,254′
Lucking out with a same-day walk-up permit, I start my hike a little after 7:45 AM on July 6, 2026, from Road’s End. It’s my first time visiting Kings Canyon National Park directly, as the other two times I’ve just trekked through on the JMT. I’m excited to explore a few new places while revisiting a few favorites. I’m packed for 5 days; my bag weighs 28 lbs., and I’m carrying rain gear…for just in case.
The hike through Paradise Valley was a climb, but thankfully the climb was very gradual. Taking my time, soaking in the views, and trying my best not to brush through my day. With a 10-mile day planned, I stopped for a water break at Mist Falls, then a foot soak and lunch break at Lower Paradise Valley campground.
With so much time during the summer day, I opted to hang out at each of the campgrounds before making camp at Upper Paradise Valley. When I arrived a little after 4 PM, the campground was already filled up quite a bit, but I was able to make camp and have a nice ramen dinner before settling in for the night.
🏕️ Day 2: Upper Paradise Valley to Rae Lakes
13 miles // Elevation: +3,940′
Waking up in the backcountry is always a nice treat, especially after a good night’s sleep. This morning we have a large river crossing at the South Fork Kings River, but starting early in the morning, the river seemed doable. After changing out of my camp clothes and into my hiking clothes for the day, having a quick morning coffee, I safely crossed the river without any issues. The river did, however, go up to my knees, so I took my time- used my trekking poles and made it across.
After the river crossing, we’re leaving Paradise Valley trail and climbing 3,200′ ft to Woods Creek bridge, back on the JMT. This morning’s stretch to Woods Creek was one of my favorites, although just a little buggy. The trail is quiet, but there are other hikers around enjoying the morning trek. I wanted to soak in as many of these new views before reaching the JMT. Grateful for the change of heart. Grateful for the challenge. After 5 miles, we reach the JMT/Woods Creek junction. My heart is full, but my belly is not…time for lunch.
The Woods Creek Suspension Bridge is a favorite, yet I’m reminded of how wobbly it truly is. For lunch, I’m trying a new tuna- with quinoa and beans! Delicious and filling. Chatted with a few SOBO JMT hikers also making their way to Rae Lakes that day. I’m a little undecided as to what to do- two nights at Rae Lakes seems a bit much for a solo hiker, who gets very antsy at times. Yet, I wasn’t feeling prepared for Glen Pass on day 3…
Arriving at Dollar Lake gave me the extra energy needed to push to Rae Lakes, and I’m so glad that I did. After a quick break at Dollar Lake, I slowly made my way to Rae Lakes. However, I sort of regretted leaving Dollar Lake so fast…especially with so much time left in the day. So I made sure to take my time as I made my way to Middle Rae Lake for the evening.
It would be my 2nd time camping in the Rae Lakes area, yet a first at Middle Rae. After a bean, cheese, and rice burrito for dinner, I spent some time down by the lake before calling it early for the night. Nearby thru hikers were preparing for either an early morning trek to Glen Pass (SOBO), or gearing up for the climb towards Pinchot Pass (NOBO).
🏕️ Day 3: Rae Lakes to Junction Meadow
10.2 miles // Elevation: +1,512′
Still undecided what to do with my day, I chose to have a slow morning and soak up the lake views before making the climb up Glen Pass. The very first time I climbed Glen Pass (JMT-2021), I jumped in one of the lakes before the climb, and I truly believed that’s when I got my trail legs. There’s something magical about swimming in those lakes, and I will dip again and again, if I have to. Either way, it was a nice morning. I got my annual birthday swim in before breaking camp and getting back on trail around 9:45 AM.
By 10 AM, I started the climb to Glen Pass. And I’m happy to say that Glen Pass remains one of my favorite passes in the Sierra! Only this time, I stopped every 5 minutes to soak in the views, catch my breath, and just not rush. I allowed hikers coming down the right to pass, and that’s when I ran into Shirley (@wishfornatureandtravel)! She recognized me hiking up as she was making her way down…completing the JMT for the 4th time! We’ve been Insta friends for many years, so it was nice to finally meet in person.
The descent from Glen Pass is always a breeze, but this particular day it was HOT. I didn’t mind stopping in the shade every chance I got. Somehow mixing up my mileage, I slowed down my pace thinking I had only 3 miles left to camp…that was NOT the case, and I wish I would have figured that out sooner. Now scrambling for time, making my way down to Vidette Meadow.
After leaving the Vidette Meadow junction and the JMT, I am back to all new territory. Now on Bubbs Creek Trail, making my way down to Junction Meadow, I have no idea what to expect; rather, the 2.1 miles left to camp, which was not the case. Never have I ever seen as much bear poop on trail as I did this day- but I clearly remember my first thru hike on the JMT, thinking if I were a bear- “I’d live in Kings Canyon!”
It wasn’t until 5 PM that I reached an open spot near Junction Meadow. Tired, a little defeated, all I wanted to do was make some food and rest. After dinner, a nearby camper came and introduced herself. We enjoyed great conversation for a few hours before crawling into the tent the final night on the Rae Lakes Loop.
🏕️ Day 4: Junction Meadow to Road’s End
10 miles // Elevation: +148′
It’s the last day, and we’ve got a little more than 9 miles back to the trailhead at Road’s End. This morning while I was enjoying my coffee, I saw a big deer and a baby deer crossing the river. It was so special. From what I understand, it’s all downhill, so it should be a breeze getting back. Of course, downhill also takes a toll, so it didn’t feel so breezy at first. After saying goodbye to my camping neighbor, it was back on trail. This particular part of the loop I didn’t really enjoy. It felt overgrown at times, and the river wasn’t as easily accessible as I imagined.
I became hangry and irritated at times, so I made sure to break often, and all was well after lunch. Coming into view of Paradise Valley from the other side felt rewarding. To think, 3 days ago I was over there with no idea of what I’d be getting myself into. Grateful was an understatement.
As soon as I reached the bridge, I dropped my pack and went for a little swim. The gremlin under the bridge, if you may. Spent some time near the river, enjoying great conversation wth my camper friend before crossing the Bailey Bridge. The last mile or so was a bit of a drag… hot and sandy, little to no shade to be found- but wrapping up the 40-mile loop in 4 days felt damn good. Proud of myself for pushing through after bailing on a previous trip the day before.
Possibly a one-and-done loop hike for me, but I hear many great things about this trek in the fall!
GALLERY
