Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Rae Lakes Loop - Sequoia / Kings Canyon National Park, California

In August of 2011, some friends and I backpacked the popular Rae Lakes loop in Sequoia / Kings Canyon National Park.  We opted to hike it clockwise in order to give ourselves more time to acclimate before tackling the nearly 12,000 ft. Glen Pass.  The trail begins at Roads End on Hwy. 180 and the drive in along the Kings Canyon is spectacular.

Covering about 38 miles (NPS website says 46, Nat Geo Topo says 38) and going from 5,000 to almost 12,000 ft. and back, we were shocked to encounter people attempting to run the loop in a day.  Seeing that they only had bananas and water I hope they made it!  Since the route is quite popular, you should make reservations early or be prepared to show up early for some first-come-first-served quota action.

Highlights of the trip included very social deer (stalking us for our salt emissions), amazing valleys, swimming in the incredible Rae Lakes, dipping toes in nearly frozen lakes over the pass, and conquering the still very snowy and steep Glen Pass.


Bridge on Rae Lakes Loop

Big Pinecones!

Rae Lakes Loop Bathroom, California, Kings Canyon National Park
Throne with a View

Rae Lakes Loop, King Canyon/Sequoia National Park

Rae Lakes Loop, King Canyon/Sequoia National Park
First Glimpse of Rae Lakes Area

Rae Lakes Loop, King Canyon/Sequoia National Park

Ranger Station Resupply

Rae Lakes Loop, King Canyon/Sequoia National Park
Rae Lakes Reflection

Glen Pass, Rae Lakes Loop, King Canyon/Sequoia National Park
Glen Pass

Glen Pass, Rae Lakes Loop, King Canyon/Sequoia National Park
Up to Glen Pass

Glen Pass, Rae Lakes Loop, King Canyon/Sequoia National Park
Last Bit to Glen Pass

Rae Lakes Loop, King Canyon/Sequoia National Park

Glen Pass, Rae Lakes Loop, King Canyon/Sequoia National Park
Coming Down

Cold Lake near Glen Pass, Rae Lakes Loop, King Canyon/Sequoia National Park
Cold!

Rae Lakes Loop, King Canyon/Sequoia National Park
Rae Lakes Loop Panarama

Deer, Rae Lakes Loop, King Canyon/Sequoia National Park
Nosy Neighbors

Rae Lakes Loop, King Canyon/Sequoia National Park

Rae Lakes Loop, King Canyon/Sequoia National Park

Rae Lakes Loop, King Canyon/Sequoia National Park




View Rae Lakes in a larger map






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