Rae Lakes Loop

Overview

The Rae Lakes Loop is a 41-mile circuit through the heart of Kings Canyon National Park that climbs from the Kings River canyon over 11,978-foot Glen Pass and past the famously turquoise Rae Lakes. Most hikers take four to five days, camping near Woods Creek, the lakes, and Charlotte Lake, with endless side trips to painted granite peaks above treeline.

Highlights

• The Rae Lakes themselves — a chain of glacially scoured alpine lakes that turn an intense blue-green in midsummer
• Glen Pass at 11,978 ft, the high point with 360-degree views of the Great Western Divide
• Mist Falls and the granite gorge of the South Fork Kings River on the approach
• Sixty Lakes Basin side trip for near-solitude above treeline

Logistics

• Trailhead: Road's End Trailhead (Cedar Grove) (5,035 ft · parking: Road's End parking area at the end of Kings Canyon Scenic Byway (Hwy 180))
• Water: Abundant — South Fork Kings River, Bubbs Creek, Woods Creek, Charlotte Lake, and the Rae Lakes. Treat all water.
• Resupply: None on trail; limited supplies at Cedar Grove Village in season.
• Shuttle: Not needed — the route is a loop.
• Bear canister required.

Permits

• Agency: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (NPS)
• Reserve or apply on recreation.gov
• Quota: Quota season trailhead-entry quota applies (typically late May through late September).
• Reservation window: Advance reservations via recreation.gov; walk-up permits issued only when quota remains.

Campfires & stove regulations

Campfires allowed seasonally. Campfires are prohibited above 10,000 ft along the loop and may be restricted forest-wide during high fire danger. Below 10,000 ft, fires are allowed in existing rings unless 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: Glen Pass may hold snow into July; the loop is often impassable until mid-to-late July in heavy snow years.

Heat: The first and last miles along the Kings River canyon can be hot (90°F+) in midsummer.

Bugs: Mosquitoes peak in June and early July, especially around Woods Creek meadows and the lakes.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

Map

Route track shown for reference only — navigate with map and compass. Track source: OpenStreetMap route relation 1710944 (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) (ODbL 1.0).

Sources & citations