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.
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| Big Pinecones! |
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| Throne with a View |
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| First Glimpse of Rae Lakes Area |
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| Ranger Station Resupply |
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| Rae Lakes Reflection |
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| Glen Pass |
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| Up to Glen Pass |
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| Last Bit to Glen Pass |
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| Coming Down |
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| Cold! |
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| Rae Lakes Loop Panarama |
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| Nosy Neighbors |
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