Rae Lakes Loop Backpacking Tips: Discovering One of the Sierra Nevada’s Most Iconic Trails
One of California’s Most Desired Backpacking Loops
For many hikers exploring the Sierra Nevada, the Rae Lakes Loop in Kings Canyon National Park sits high on the bucket list.
The route is legendary among backpackers for good reason. Over roughly 40 miles, the trail winds through deep granite canyons, climbs toward the alpine heights of Glen Pass, and circles the shimmering waters of Rae Lakes beneath the towering Painted Lady and surrounding peaks.
Few backpacking trips capture the essence of the Sierra Nevada the way this loop does.
This week on the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, I sat down with author Rob Scott, whose new book Into the Range of Light: Rae Lakes Loop explores one of the most iconic backpacking routes in California.
Our conversation dives into what makes this trail so special, how hikers can prepare for the experience, and why the Rae Lakes Loop has become a rite of passage for many Sierra backpackers.
Rae Lakes Loop Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Kings Canyon National Park, California |
| Distance | ~41–42 mile backpacking loop |
| Elevation Range | 5,000 ft – 11,978 ft (Glen Pass) |
| Typical Duration | 3–5 days |
| Trailhead | Road’s End (Cedar Grove) |
| Permit Required | Yes – Wilderness permit required |
| Best Season | July – September |
| Difficulty | Moderate to strenuous |
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Why the Rae Lakes Loop Is So Popular
The Rae Lakes Loop is often considered one of the best backpacking loops in California for both experienced hikers and those planning their first longer Sierra trip.
The trail typically begins at Road’s End in Kings Canyon National Park, following the South Fork of the Kings River before climbing toward the alpine basin surrounding Rae Lakes.
One of the unique features of the route is its flexibility. Backpackers can hike the loop in either direction, though many prefer traveling counterclockwise, gradually climbing Bubbs Creek before crossing Glen Pass at nearly 12,000 feet.
Along the way hikers experience many of the landscapes that define the Sierra Nevada:
• Deep glacial valleys
• Granite alpine passes
• Crystal-clear alpine lakes
• Historic sections of the John Muir Trail
For many visitors, the Rae Lakes Loop becomes their first true introduction to the rugged beauty of the High Sierra.
Preparing for a Sierra Backpacking Trip
One of the most valuable insights from my conversation with Rob Scott was the emphasis on preparation.
Many hikers underestimate how different the Sierra Nevada can feel compared to lower elevation trails.
Rob recommends building time into your trip to acclimate before beginning the hike. Spending a day or two exploring areas like Grant Grove, Crescent Meadow, or Moro Rock can help your body adjust to elevation before carrying a backpack deep into the wilderness.
This small adjustment can dramatically improve the experience once you’re on the trail.
Rob also encourages hikers to slow down and truly experience the landscape.
“You could do the Rae Lakes Loop fast,” Rob explained. “But when you slow down, you begin to experience the Sierra instead of just hiking through it.”
That philosophy echoes something many longtime Sierra hikers eventually discover: the real magic often happens when you pause along the trail.
How to Backpack the Rae Lakes Loop
Planning a Rae Lakes Loop backpacking trip requires a little preparation. Here are some key steps hikers should consider.
1. Secure a Wilderness Permit
Permits for Kings Canyon National Park wilderness areas are required and can be competitive during peak summer months.
Reservations are made through Recreation.gov, and popular dates can fill quickly.
2. Choose Your Direction
Most backpackers hike the Rae Lakes Loop counterclockwise, which allows for a gradual climb up Bubbs Creek before crossing Glen Pass.
Clockwise routes are also possible and often preferred by hikers looking for a steeper climb early in the trip.
3. Plan for Elevation
The route climbs from approximately 5,000 feet at Road’s End to nearly 12,000 feet at Glen Pass.
Spending time acclimating before the hike can help prevent altitude sickness and make the journey far more enjoyable.
4. Pack for Sierra Conditions
Weather in the Sierra Nevada can change quickly. Even in summer, hikers should prepare for cold nights, strong sun exposure, and occasional storms.
5. Build Time Into Your Schedule
Many hikers recommend spending at least one full night near Rae Lakes to explore the alpine basin, photograph the surrounding peaks, and enjoy the setting.
A Story About Discovering the Sierra
Rob Scott’s connection to the Sierra began unexpectedly.
While living on the East Coast, he applied for seasonal work in the National Park Service and eventually spent a summer working in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
Without cell service or the constant distractions of modern life, he discovered something many Sierra travelers know well — the mountains have a way of slowing everything down.
That early experience eventually inspired him to write Into the Range of Light, combining storytelling with practical advice for backpackers hoping to experience Rae Lakes for themselves.
The book blends personal reflections with practical guidance, making it accessible to hikers planning their first multi-day backpacking adventure.
Exploring the Sierra Nevada One Trail at a Time
One of the recurring themes in our conversation was that the Sierra Nevada is simply too vast to explore in a single lifetime.
With thousands of alpine lakes and hundreds of miles of wilderness trails, every trip reveals something new.
For many backpackers, the Rae Lakes Loop becomes the beginning of that journey.
It’s a route that introduces hikers to the scale, beauty, and challenge of the Sierra Nevada — and often inspires them to come back for more.
Related Sierra Rec Backpacking Guides
If you’re planning a trip into the High Sierra, you might also enjoy these Sierra Rec Magazine backpacking guides:
Backpacking Sequoia National Park
https://sierrarecmagazine.com/?s=seqouia+national+park+backpacking
Backpacking Yosemite National Park
https://sierrarecmagazine.com/?s=backpacking+yosemite
Exploring the High Sierra Route
https://sierrarecmagazine.com/?s=high+sierra+route
These guides offer additional inspiration and trip ideas for exploring some of the most spectacular wilderness landscapes in California.
Join the Conversation
Have you backpacked the Rae Lakes Loop?
I’d love to hear about your experience.
Drop a comment below and tell us:
• Which direction did you hike the loop?
• What lake or campsite stood out the most?
• What advice would you give first-time Sierra backpackers?
And if Rae Lakes is still on your bucket list, maybe this is the year you finally make the trip.
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