Rae Lakes Loop

Day one:
After checking in with the park ranger and getting your required permits you will start your hike along a 1.8 mile stretch along the south fork of the Kings River. At this point, people typically go clockwise toward Paradise Valley but you can also go counterclockwise along Bubbs Creek. I recommend the clockwise loop. Your hike will start through the lush forest where you will encounter amazing giant Sequoia trees and the ever flowing South Fork Kings River. Make sure to stop at Mist Fall for an impressive waterfall view. After about 8 miles of hiking (1,600ft elevation gain) you will want to find a camp site. You have three options here: camp at lower Paradise Valley, Middle, and Upper Paradise Valley. If you have the steam, I recommend pushing for Upper Paradise - amazing camp area that puts you right next to the bridge you will need to cross to connect with Woods Creek Trail.

Day Two:
Get a good leg stretch and hearty breakfast in because Day 2 kicks into high gear right out of the gates with some much welcomed elevation gain heading toward Rae Lakes. Start by crossing the bridge at Upper Paridise Valley and continue on Woods Creek Trail. The forest begins to disappear and the landscape begins to open up into a massive, gorgeous valley. Welcome to the backcountry! Always keep an ear alert and an eye out for bears in this area - although chances are slim of an encounter, they are there. In roughly 4 miles, connect to the John Muir Trail/PCT and watch your elevation gain past 10,000 ft. No more camp fires allowed. After 13 miles total, arrive at the scenic Rae Lakes area, and choose from two lakes in which you can camp. I really enjoy the first lake mostly because there are a couple of sites right next to the lake with insanely beautiful mountain views. Pack some bug spray because they love to share the view while feeding on you next to the lake.

Day three:
Start the day by continuing that killer hike along the Rae Lakes. For a side trip, you can add a 4 mile round trip hike if you so choose to take it - The 60 Lakes Basin Hike. It’s a very beautiful hike and definitely worth doing! Either way, next up is your intro to the only pass you will come across on this adventure: Glen Pass. The pass itself is very rocky in some spots and has many switch backs until you reach the top. Have a camera at the ready, because that summit is oozing with amazing views of the Sierra Crest. Click, click click As a bonus reward today, the rest of the hike leading to the roads end will be pretty much all a down hill cruise. Once you reach Lower Vidette Meadow, connect to Bubbs Creek Trail in which you will need to decide your next camp site. You have a few options: Charlotte Lake Junction before Vidette Meadow, Vidette Meadow, or Junction Meadow. To keep your last day short and sweet, I recommend Junction Meadow - especially since you just took it easy on your stroll down from the Glen Pass Summit!

Day four:
The final push to Roads End from Junction Meadow continues down Bubbs Creek Trail for 6.3 miles. Feel the welcome-back embrace of the lush forest as you follow Bubbs Creek. Pass the junction of Avalanche Pass Trail and keep heading on another 2.1 miles. Enjoy those many switchbacks heading back down to the valley floor. Once at the bottom, connect back to Roads End Trail and continue on for 2 miles bringing you to the end of your epic 46 mile journey on the Rae Lakes loop.