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Bubbs Creek Trail

Fresno · Managed by Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (NPS) · Region: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Difficulty /100 · out and back#kings-canyon#rae-lakes-loop#creek#access-route
Distance
8 mi
Days
2–3
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires allowed

Overview

Bubbs Creek is the Rae Lakes Loop's quieter half: a steady climb from Road's End through forest and granite to Sphinx Creek Junction, with the Sierra crest opening above. It works as an easy overnight on its own — or the counter-clockwise start of the full loop.

Highlights

  • The north side of the Kings canyon's granite walls
  • Sphinx Creek's junction camp in deep forest
  • Access to the Rae Lakes Loop's counter-clockwise route
  • Charlotte Lake and Kearsarge country above for extended trips

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Road's End (Bubbs Creek Trailhead) · parking: Road's End parking, Cedar Grove
  • Water: Bubbs Creek and Sphinx Creek; treat all water.
  • Resupply: None; Cedar Grove Village has a small store in season.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for an out-and-back.
  • Bear canister required.

Permits

  • Agency: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (NPS)
  • Reserve or apply on recreation.gov
  • Quota: Trailhead quota for the Bubbs Creek entry applies during quota season.
  • Reservation window: Advance reservations via recreation.gov; walk-ups when quota remains.

Campfires & stove regulations

Campfires allowed. Campfires are allowed in existing rings below 10,000 ft in Kings Canyon unless fire restrictions are in effect. Current fire restrictions. Rules change with conditions — always confirm with the managing agency before your trip.

Best time to go

Best months: July, August, September.

Snow: Road's End opens in spring; the upper trail clears by July.

Heat: Warm in the lower canyon; start early.

Bugs: Moderate along the creek.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • The lower canyon is hot in midsummer
  • Campsites are limited at Sphinx Creek — arrive early
  • Bear canisters are required

Sources & citations

Data compiled 2026 from public agency and reference sources. All descriptive text on this page is original; verify current conditions with the managing agency before your trip.

  1. Wilderness Trail Descriptions — Cedar Grove and Road's End. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/traildesc.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Bubbs Creek Trail description, first allowed campsite at Sphinx Creek Junction (4 miles), and role as the southern leg of the Rae Lakes Loop.
  2. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Wilderness Permits. Recreation.gov / National Park Service. https://www.recreation.gov/permits/445857. Accessed 2026-09-07. Quota season, fees, food-storage requirements, and fire rules.
  3. Wilderness Regulations and Minimum Impact Restrictions. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (NPS). https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/minimum-impact-restrictions.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Camping and campfire restrictions across the parks.