shout : into : the : wilderness
Rae Lakes Loop
trail details
Type of Trip: Backpacking Out & Back
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Where: Kings Canyon National Park
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Permits Required: Yes
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Miles: 42
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Net Elevation Change: 7,560 ft
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Trailhead: Bubbs Creek
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Cal Topo: https://caltopo.com/m/KC7Q
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Description: Counterclockwise high sierra backcountry loop out to Rae Lakes
logistics & itinerary
Wilderness Area : Kings Canyon National Park
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When to apply? Wilderness permit advanced reservations for Sequoia and Kings Canyon are released 6 months to 1 week ahead of the desired entry date at 7am PT. If you're within a week of your entry date, you must make a permit reservation in person.
Permit Style: First-Come, First Serve
Permit Application: Wilderness Permits
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Real Time Permit Availability
Day
Miles
Camp
1
2
3
4
14.0
6.0
12.0
10.0
Vidette Meadow
Middle Rae Lake
Upper Paradise
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When did we do this hike? August 2020
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Transportation: Drove into Kings Canyon and parked at Road's End lot where the Bubbs Creek Trailhead starts.
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Itinerary:
Water: Frequent water access along Bubb's Creek. No water between Charlotte Lake and the snow melt lakes on the north side of Glen Pass. No water access between Wood's Creek Crossing and Upper Paradise. Water should be filtered or treated prior to drinking.
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Leave-No-Trace: Follow Leave No Trace principles. No camping within 25 feet of water. From 25-100 feet of water, camping is only allowed in previously established campsites. Camp on previously impacted sites. All human waste must be buried at least 6 inches deep at at least 100 feet from water sources, camp areas, and trails. Do all washing at least 100 feet from water. Do not put any soup in water (even biodegradable and natural soup pollutes). Carry out all trash. Do not burn or bury toilet paper or trash. No campfires above 10,000 ft elevation.
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Flora Considerations: None
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Fauna Considerations: Approved Bear canisters are required on this trail. This trail is known for high bear activity. Know what to do if you come across a black bear. Rattlesnakes can be found at all elevations.
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Trail Specific Considerations: This trail tops out at 12,000 ft on Glen Pass. Understand what your body needs in order to acclimate. Depending on the snow levels, snow can persist into summer. High snow years will also have high snow melt, take care when crossing creeks. The bridge at Upper Paradise has been out for several years. Like any wilderness trip, you accept a certain amount of risk when going on your hike. You are responsible for assessing how comfortable you feel with that risk and understanding your own physical abilities.