Kings Canyon National Park · CA
Rae Lakes Loop
Hard · Multi-day backpack · Best in Summer, Fall
Length
41 mi
Gain
6,900 ft
Scenery
★★★★★
About this trail
A classic 4–5 day Sierra backpacking loop through painted granite basins, alpine meadows, and a chain of cobalt lakes beneath the Painted Lady. Glen Pass at 11,978 ft is the crux.
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Highlights
- Rae Lakes basin
- Glen Pass crossing
- Mist Falls
Get there
Start: Trailhead · 36.7944, -118.5836
Open driving directions in Google Maps →Permit
Sequoia & Kings Canyon NP
Reservations open ~6 months ahead. Some walk-up permits available at Roads End.
Apply for permit →Along the way
- Roads End trailhead@ mile 0· 5,035 ft
- Mist Falls@ mile 4
- Paradise Valley@ mile 7
- Rae Lakes basin@ mile 16· 10,500 ft
- Painted Lady@ mile 18
- Glen Pass@ mile 20· 11,978 ft
- Charlotte Lake@ mile 24
- Bubbs Creek@ mile 33
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See Rae Lakes Loop on the live Trailspark map alongside weather averages, gear lists, an elevation profile, and nearby points of interest.
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