/ RaeLakes Loop
One of most popular hikes in Sequoia and KingsCanyon, if not in the entire Sierra. If you are planning to do this hike during the summer, it is wise to make reservations, as trailhead quotas often fill up.Wilderness permits for the RaeLakesLoop are issued at the Roads End station, 5.5 miles beyond Cedar Grove. Even if you have a reservation, you must still check in and pick up your permit prior to starting your trip.
Loop 46 miles long, climbs from 5035' (1535m) at trailhead to 11,978' (3651m) at Glen Pass. High water at stream crossings can be a problem in May and early June. GlenPass may be impassable to hikers until mid-late July and for horse use even later. Because such a popular hike, certain restrictions along this trail:
  • Camping in ParadiseValley is permitted only in designated campsites. If no sites are available, you will have to move on to the next area.
  • Camping in ParadiseValley is limited to two nights.
  • Camping at RaeLakes is limited to two nights per lake.
  • Camping at CharlotteLake is limited to two nights.
  • BullfrogLake, east of the trail between Vidette Meadow and GlenPass, closed to all camping, grazing and stock travel.
  • There is a two night camping limit at KearsargeLakes (east of Bullfrog).
  • Campfires are prohibited above 10,000' (3048m).
  • Bears have been very active along this trail, and were successful at getting food that was hung in trees. Hikers arerequired to carry bear-resistant canisters. This has proved very successful at preventing bears from accessing food. (Permanent metal food-storage boxes are for use by thru-hikers on the PCT and JMT only.)
Pets, weapons, and wheeled vehicles are not allowed on any park trails.
Stock is permitted on this trail, but grazing is restricted in certain areas. Please review the stock use regulations and check the grazing dates if you are planning a stock trip to this area.

Distances Along the RaeLakesLoop

Point / Miles from Road's End via Paradise / Miles from Road's End via Bubbs
Road's End / 0 / 46.0
Paradise/Bubbs Jct. / 2.0 / 44.0
Mist Falls (no camping) / 4.0 / 42.0
Lower Paradise (first campsite ) / 6.0 / 40.0
Middle Paradise (night 1) / 8.0 / 38.0
Upper Paradise / 11.0 / 35.0
Woods Creek Crossing (night 2) / 17.0 / 29.0
DollarLake / 22.0 / 24.0
RaeLakes (nights 3 & 4) / 25.0 / 21.0
GlenPass / 27.5 / 18.5
Side Trip, KearsargePass (5 miRT/ 1000-1300 ft gains from PCT)
CharlotteLake Junction / 30.0 / 16.0
Vidette Meadow (night 5) / 32.0 / 14.0
Junction Meadow / 35.0 / 11.0
CharlotteCreek / 38.5 / 7.5
Sphinx Junction (last campsite ) / 42.0 / 4.0
Paradise/Bubbs Jct. / 44.0 / 2.0
Road's End / 46.0 / 0.0

KearsargeLakes Area -- Kearsarge Pinnacles / KearsargePass

KearsargeLakes from KearsargePass with Kearsarge Pinnacles behind

KearsargePass, 11,823 ft elev. / KearsargeLakes, 10,893 ft elev.