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Mile for mile – and perhaps inch for inch – the Rae Lakes Loop in Kings Canyon National Park contains some of the most stunning and celebrated scenery in a mountain range world-famous for stunning and celebrated scenery. The route consists of three separate but connected trails that travel through glacially-carved canyons, a high country basin containing a chain of sapphire blue lakes set against towering granitic crags, and an alpine pass that just scrapes 12,000 feet. Throughout the route, you will observe nearly every major biotic zone (life zones characterized by specific species) in the Sierra, prime examples of glacial erosion, waterfalls, idyllic valleys, tranquil meadows, and myriad sublime scenes ranging from the intimate to the jaw-droppingly grand.
Dates: 9/19/2023 – 9/24/2023
Miles: ~41
Elevation Change: 7,500 ft+
Trail Type: Loop (start & end at the same point)
Travel from Los Angeles to Campground at Road’s End
We’ll begin our Adventure on Wednesday as we caravan from Los Angeles up to Roads End in Kings Canyon National Park where we will camp for the night in preparation for hitting the trail first thing Thursday morning. Hikers can head up whenever they would like but everyone needs to be into camp by the early evening to distribute group gear and to get a good nights rest.
8.5 Miles; +1900 ft; Road’s End to Upper Paradise Valley
Our Adventure begins as we hit the trail and make our way along a wide and sandy path through ponderosa pines, black oaks, and cedars. This section of the canyon features good views of the towering granite formations on every side of the canyon. Kings Canyon’s signature granite formation, the Sphinx, comes into view early on. This crag of granite looks like a mythical sphinx (or perhaps a lion) from just about every vantage.
After 2 miles of travel, we’ll plunge into a cooler, wetter section closer to the river. At 2.2 miles, we’ll reach a three-way junction that marks both the beginning and end of the official Rae Lakes Loop. We’ll head out in a clockwise direction toward Paradise Valley and will begin a mostly gentle climb along the left bank of the Kings River.
For the next 2.5 miles, we’ll follow the course of the Kings River as it cascades deafeningly over granite slabs and boulders. At 4.7 miles, the roar of the river escalates in volume and intensity as the river spills over a 100-foot-high cliff known as Mist Falls.
Beyond Mist Falls, we’ll begin a steeper ascent for the next few miles. At 5.4 miles, the river widens and slows at a point where several rocky barriers restrict the flow, creating a large, rocky pool where we’ll take a break to cool our feet and re-fill our water.
Just beyond the pool, we’ll enter the lower portion of Paradise Valley, which is distinguished by cottonwood-lined banks of the river and countless towering conifers and scattered lodgepole pines. We’ll continue on, climbing gradually toward the confluence of the Kings River and Woods Creek. After passing through a sunny meadow we’ll plunge into a deep forest before emerging in Upper Paradise Valley where we will set camp for our first night.
11.4 Miles; +3700 ft; Upper Paradise Valley to Middle Rae Lake
Our second day begins as we depart Upper Paradise Valley and continue along the left bank of Woods Creek as we climb up and out of Kings Canyon and onto the open high country of the Rae Lakes Basin. For the first few miles of the day, we’ll endure a somewhat tedious stretch where the trail undulates up and down but the tedious up-and-downs pay off when the trail descends into a spectacular meadow where the canyon widens to reveal towering craggy cliff-sides all around. After traversing some rocky, juniper-studded granite slabs, we’ll plunge into deep forest along the creek before reaching the junction with the Pacific Crest Trail/John Muir Trail and the Woods Creek Bridge.
After crossing the bridge, we’ll begin climbing through dense forest on the right bank of the Woods Creek. At 17.4 miles, we’ll reach Dollar Lake, a round alpine lake with a stunning view of Fin Dome to the south. We’lll wrap around the shoreline of Dollar Lake before passing through one of those sublime Sierra scenes where streams flow placidly through grassy tussocks and willows while 12-13,000′ peaks tower above on all sides. Not long after passing through the Dollar Lake region, we’ll drop down to follow the northern bank of the smallest of the three Rae Lakes. We’ll continue on to Middle Rae Lake where we’ll set camp for the night.
8 Miles; +1400 ft; -3800 ft; Middle Rae Lake to Junction Meadow
Our fourth day includes some of the highest elevation and toughest climbing but also the most spectacular high country scenery on the entire loop. We’ll start the day as we wind our way around the north and west banks of Upper Rae Lake. Before long, we’ll leave the cover of the trees as we enter a broad glacial basin studded with austere lakes and walls of granite. Upon entering this glacial basin, we’ll begin a 2.1 mile climb up to the summit of 11,998′ Glen Pass, which divides the Woods Creek and Bubbs Creek watersheds and is the highest point we’ll hit during the trip. Once atop the pass, we’ll enjoy the impressive panorama of the two separate watersheds. After enjoying the view, we’ll descend the south side of the pass as we make our way towards Junction Meadow and the intersection of the Bubbs Creek Trail. Upon arriving at Junction Meadow, we’ll set camp for the night.
9.6 Miles; -3200 ft; Junction Meadow to Roads End
We’ll start our final day by continuing our descent through a thick lodgepole and red fir forest as we make our way to the junction with Sphinx Creek.
After passing the Sphinx Creek junction, we’ll begin a rapid, switchbacking descent into Kings Canyon as we make our way back to Roads End. At 35.5 miles, the trail bottoms out as we cross the fingers of Bubbs Creek on three successive wooden bridges before crossing the river’s main channel. Just beyond the main channel crossing, we’ll connect with the trail leading back to Roads End where our cars, hot showers and hot food await!
After washing off and enjoying a delicious and well earned meal, we’ll pack up and caravan back to Los Angeles.
