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Mt. Whitney Day
Climb the highest peak in the contiguous United States (14,505 ft). The main Whi...
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ReservationOvernightHigh Demand
Rae Lakes Loop Permit
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
One of California's premier backpacking routes—a 41-mile loop through pristine alpine lakes, granite canyons, and the heart of the High Sierra.
“Circle through the crown jewels of Kings Canyon—from thundering waterfalls to glacial lakes reflecting the jagged peaks of the Sierra crest.”
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Rae Lakes Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodReservation
Demand LevelHigh8/10
Cost$15 + $5/person/night
Max Group Size15 people
Key Information
Permit Details
TypeOvernight
Booking MethodReservation
Demand Level8/10
LocationCA
What to Expect
Route Details
Distance
41.4 miles
Elevation Gain
7,800 ft
Route Type
Loop
Duration
3-5 days
Difficulty
StrenuousElevation Range
5,035 - 11,978 ft
Highlights
- •41.4 miles over 3-5 days with approximately 7,800 feet of total elevation gain
- •Glen Pass (11,978 ft)—the highest point accessible on a maintained trail in Kings Canyon
- •World-class alpine scenery including the famous Rae Lakes basin
- •Camping limits at Paradise Valley (2 nights) and Rae Lakes (1 night per lake)
- •Strong bear activity—canister required; boxes reserved for JMT/PCT thru-hikers only
Best Time to Visit
Mid-July through September. Early July may have snow on Glen Pass and dangerous creek crossings. Late September offers fewer crowds and golden light but shorter days and cold nights.
Hazards & Considerations
- !High altitude—Glen Pass exceeds 11,900 feet; acclimatize before attempting
- !Creek crossings can be dangerous during spring runoff (May-early July)
- !Afternoon thunderstorms—plan to be below Glen Pass by early afternoon
- !Black bears very active in Paradise Valley and near lakes
- !Rattlesnakes common at lower elevations (Bubbs Creek, Paradise Valley)
How to Get This Permit
1
Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.
2
Know the release schedule
Permits typically release on a rolling basis. Check the specific release time for your desired dates.
3
Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
4
Monitor for cancellations
If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.
When to Go
Peak: Mid-July through AugustShoulder: September
Conditions
Snow-free above 10,000 ft by mid-July most years. Afternoon thunderstorms common.
Crowd Level
HighAdvantages
- +Longest days
- +Warmest temperatures
- +All routes accessible
Challenges
- !Mosquitoes through July
- !Afternoon storms
- !Crowded trailheads
Difficulty Assessment
Physical Demand4/5
Fitness and endurance required
Technical Skill2/5
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Exposure Risk2/5
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Navigation1/5
Route finding and trail clarity
Commitment4/5
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Fit backpackers comfortable with multi-day trips and moderate altitude. Prior High Sierra experience helpful but not required.
Recommended Experience
Should have completed at least one multi-day backpacking trip with 20+ miles and 4,000+ feet of gain.
Not Recommended For
First-time backpackers or those who struggle at elevation above 10,000 feet.
About This Permit
The Rae Lakes Loop is a 41.4-mile backpacking circuit in Kings Canyon National Park, circumnavigating the Kings-Kern Divide through some of the most spectacular alpine terrain in the Sierra Nevada. The loop climbs from 5,035 feet at Roads End to 11,978 feet at Glen Pass, passing through Paradise Valley, the Rae Lakes basin, and Vidette Meadow.
Most hikers complete the loop in 3-5 days, though strong hikers have done it in 2 days. The route shares portions with the John Muir Trail and Pacific Crest Trail.
The Experience
Why It Matters
The Rae Lakes Loop is widely considered California's finest backpacking circuit outside the JMT. It traverses some of the most spectacular alpine terrain in North America, crossing Glen Pass at nearly 12,000 feet and passing through the stunning Rae Lakes basin—a string of turquoise gems set against granite towers. For many Sierra hikers, completing the loop is a rite of passage.
The Route
From Roads End, the loop can be hiked in either direction. Most choose clockwise via Woods Creek for more gradual elevation gain.
The first miles follow the South Fork Kings River, passing thundering Mist Falls at mile 3.9—a preview of Sierra splendor. Paradise Valley opens beyond, a wide meadow where the river slows and bears patrol the willows. By mile 15, you've climbed to the Woods Creek crossing—the swaying suspension bridge marking your entry into the high country.
Dollar Lake appears first, then Arrowhead, then the main event: the Rae Lakes themselves, strung like pearls at 10,500 feet. The climb to Glen Pass begins in earnest—sixty switchbacks of rocky trail culminating at 11,978 feet, the highest point you can reach on a maintained trail in Kings Canyon.
The descent through Vidette Meadow and down Bubbs Creek returns you to the realm of waterfalls and towering walls, completing one of America's great backpacking loops.
The Feeling
The first glimpse of the Rae Lakes basin stops you in your tracks. Three lakes stair-step up a glacial cirque, their impossible blue waters framed by the Painted Lady and Fin Dome. You've earned this view—the long climb through Paradise Valley, the crossing of roaring Woods Creek, the relentless switchbacks to Dollar Lake. And tomorrow, Glen Pass awaits—the highest point on the loop, where the entire Kings Canyon spreads below you like a topographic map come to life.
Trailhead Information
Roads End
5,035 ft elevationThe only trailhead for the Rae Lakes Loop, located at the end of CA-180 in Cedar Grove.
Restrooms
Water Available
No Service
Parking
Paved lot with ample parking. Fills on summer weekends. Bear canister rentals available at the wilderness permit station.
Getting There
From Fresno, take CA-180 east approximately 85 miles. Road closes in winter (typically November-April).
Nearest Services
Cedar Grove Village has a small store, restaurant, and lodging. Grant Grove (30 miles) has more services.
Rules & Regulations
- •Wilderness permit required for overnight camping
- •Bear canister mandatory—no exceptions; bear boxes are for thru-hikers only
- •Bear spray is ILLEGAL in Sequoia/Kings Canyon—do not bring
- •Campfires prohibited above 10,000 feet (includes all of Rae Lakes basin)
- •Pack out all toilet paper—does not decompose in Sierra conditions
- •1-night limit at each Rae Lake; 2-night limit at Paradise Valley
- •Bullfrog Lake closed to camping and grazing
Gear Checklist
Required
- Bear canister (hard-sided, IGBC-approved—mandatory)
- Water filter (abundant sources but treatment required)
- Sturdy footwear for rocky, uneven trail
- Rain gear and warm layers for high elevation
- Sunscreen, lip balm, and sunglasses (intense UV above 10,000 ft)
Recommended
- Trekking poles (essential for Glen Pass and creek crossings)
- Microspikes/ice axe for early season (before mid-July)
- Camp shoes for creek crossings and campsite comfort
- Pack towel for refreshing dips in the lakes
- Satellite communicator (no cell service on entire loop)
Key Landmarks
↑
7,800ft
Gain↓
7,800ft
Loss⛰️
11,978ft
High📏
41.4mi
Distance📐
3%
Avg GradeClick on a marker to view details•16 landmarks
Landmarks (16)
Safety & Planning
🚨
Emergency Info
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🐻
Food Storage
Check bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations in the PermitSnag app.
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Rae Lakes FAQ
How do I get a Rae Lakes permit?
Rae Lakes permits are obtained through a reservation system. Use PermitSnag to track availability and get notified when cancellations occur.
When is the best time to visit Rae Lakes?
Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Rae Lakes permit?
This permit has a demand score of 8/10, making it highly competitive. We recommend having backup dates and using PermitSnag's cancellation alerts.
What if I can't get a Rae Lakes permit?
Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.
Photography Guide
Golden Hour
Sunrise at the Rae Lakes with Fin Dome and Painted Lady reflecting in still water is the loop's signature shot. Arrive at the lakes early for mirror-calm conditions.
Best Light
Early morning light illuminates the east face of the peaks above the lakes. Glen Pass views are best in late morning when the sun lights the entire Kings Canyon basin.
Beat the Crowds
The lakes are busiest July-August. September offers golden light, fewer crowds, and reliable conditions. Weekday starts reduce crowding at the one-night-limit campsites.
Classic Shots
- 📍Rae Lakes with Painted Lady and Fin Dome reflections at sunrise
- 📍Mist Falls in early season with peak water flow
- 📍Glen Pass panorama looking back toward the lakes
- 📍Woods Creek suspension bridge crossing
- 📍Dollar Lake with the Black Divide in background
Can't Get a Rae Lakes Permit?
Consider these alternatives if your preferred dates aren't available.
Rae Lakes Out-and-Back via Woods Creek
Easier AlternativeHike to Rae Lakes and back without crossing Glen Pass. Covers the loop's highlight without the most strenuous section.
Permit required
Tradeoffs
Misses Glen Pass views and Bubbs Creek section, but reduces total mileage and difficulty.
JMT Section Hike (Woods Creek to Kearsarge Pass)
Similar ExperienceHike the JMT through the Rae Lakes section as a point-to-point traverse, exiting via Kearsarge Pass.
Permit required
Tradeoffs
Requires shuttle logistics but covers additional spectacular JMT terrain.
Dusy Basin via Bishop Pass
Same AreaSimilar alpine scenery accessible from the eastern Sierra via Bishop Pass. Less crowded than Rae Lakes.
Permit required
Tradeoffs
Different approach but comparable High Sierra beauty with easier permit availability.
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