Route guide · Kings Canyon National Park, California

Rae Lakes Loop

The Sierra's benchmark loop: 41 miles out of Roads End over 11,978 ft Glen Pass, past the chain of lakes under the Painted Lady. Altitude does the real gatekeeping — camp low the first night and take the loop counter-clockwise up Bubbs Creek if you want the gentler acclimatization. Bear canisters are mandatory.

Length: 35.8 mi
Duration: 4–5 days
Gain: +7,550 ft
Season: Jul – Sep

loophigh point 11,950 ftstrenuous — high altitudeno cell serviceno dogs

Plan this trip — it’s free See the day-by-day

permit required · we track who booked what · the whole crew on one page

4 camps

Expand map ↓

Permit required — SEKI wilderness permit, quota season late May–late Sep — reserve on Recreation.gov. Official info

The shape of the trail

Route profile · camps

campelevation

Day by day

A reference itinerary, from balanced miles

Camp spots below are estimated to balance the daily miles; exact sites depend on conditions and bookings. Your dates, pace and direction reshape it live.

Total35.8 mi · 4 nights

Days on trail

Day 1 · 7.2 mi · +3,030 ft
Trailhead → Camp 1
From the Roads End trailhead, the first leg is a steady climb up the Bubbs Creek trail, gaining altitude through the forest to reach camps at Junction Meadow.
gentler acclimatization
Day 2 · 7.1 mi · +3,870 ft · hardest
Camp 1 → Camp 2
This leg from Junction Meadow is the most demanding, ascending grueling switchbacks to cross the exposed and rocky Glen Pass at an elevation of 11,978 feet before dropping into the Rae Lakes basin.
the high point
Day 3 · 7.2 mi · +240 ft
Camp 2 → Camp 3
From Rae Lakes, the trail descends along the chain of lakes, joining the John Muir Trail and following Woods Creek downstream through a granite canyon to Woods Creek Crossing.
suspension bridge
Day 4 · 7.1 mi · +140 ft
Camp 3 → Camp 4
Continuing the descent from Woods Creek Crossing, this section follows the South Fork of the Kings River into the forested Paradise Valley, home to several designated campsites.
river crossings
Day 5 · 7.2 mi · +220 ft
Camp 4 → Back to trailhead
The final leg from Paradise Valley follows the river downstream past Mist Falls before a flat, sandy walk back to the Roads End trailhead.

Conditions at the trailhead

Kings Canyon National Park, California · updated daily

FRI 10·09

77° / 60°

cloud · 3%

SAT 10·10

66° / 55°

showers · 12%

SUN 10·11

54° / 45°

rain · 61%

MON 10·12

52° / 39°

showers · 54%

TUE 10·13

53° / 36°

showers · 17%

STREAM CROSSINGS — High water can make stream crossings hazardous, especially in May and early June. Check with rangers for current conditions before your trip.

MOSQUITOES — Mosquitoes can be very intense, particularly in the meadows and near lakes, from early to mid-summer.

Know before you go

nps.gov · backpackers-review.com · nationalparkentry.com · recreation.gov

Best months

share of dry days · Open-Meteo Archive (ERA5), 10-year normals at the trailhead

TRAILHEAD

The loop begins and ends at the Roads End permit station in the Cedar Grove area of Kings Canyon.

NPS

WILDERNESS PERMIT

A wilderness permit is required for all overnight trips, with a fee of $15 per group plus $5 per person during the quota season.

NPS

BEAR SAFETY

Approved portable bear-resistant canisters are mandatory for food storage along the entire loop.

NPS

WATER

Water sources are plentiful along the trail, following rivers and passing many alpine lakes; all water should be treated before drinking.

NPS

CAMPFIRES

Campfires are prohibited above 10,000 feet, which includes the Rae Lakes and Glen Pass areas.

NPS

PETS

Pets are prohibited on all park trails in the backcountry.

NPS

Asked around the fire (about this trail)

Do I need a permit for the Rae Lakes Loop?

Yes. SEKI wilderness permit, quota season late May–late Sep — reserve on Recreation.gov.

How many days does the Rae Lakes Loop take?

Most groups take 4–5 days. The reference itinerary here plans 4 nights, camp to camp.

When is the best time to hike the Rae Lakes Loop?

July – September. Outside that window expect snow, storm damage or closures to change the plan.

Which direction should I hike the loop?

Counter-clockwise (via Bubbs Creek) offers a more gradual ascent and better acclimatization before Glen Pass. Clockwise (via Woods Creek) gets you to the scenic lakes basin faster.

How difficult is Glen Pass?

Glen Pass is the trail's high point at 11,978 ft. Expect steep, rocky switchbacks on both sides. It can hold snow and be impassable until mid-July in heavy snow years.

Are there specific camping restrictions?

Yes, camping at Rae Lakes is limited to one night per lake, and camping in Paradise Valley is limited to two nights. Always use established sites where available.

Get the Rae Lakes Loop in the bag.

Dates, camps, gear split, meals and the crew — planned together on one page instead of forty threads.

Start a trip — it’s free