✨ 2026 Season
Rae Lakes Loop Permit 2026
One of the most spectacular backpacking loops in the Sierra Nevada, featuring alpine lakes, high passes, and stunning mountain scenery.
This guide covers the Rae Lakes Loop permit.
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2026 Permit Timeline
Reservations Release (no lottery)
2026 Quota Season
Fees
🏔️ Entry Points
Roads End (Clockwise)
Most popular direction. Gradual ascent via Paradise Valley.
Roads End (Counter-clockwise)
Less competitive. Steeper initial climb but faster access to Rae Lakes.
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Permits for this iconic loop are extremely competitive. Set up alerts to monitor for cancellations.
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Nearby permit pages
Rae Lakes shares its release date and its trailhead quota system with these.
- Sequoia & Kings Canyon wilderness permitsAll 39 Sequoia and Kings Canyon permits, trailhead by trailhead, with the quota and release date for each.
- High Sierra Trail permit72 miles from Crescent Meadow to the Whitney summit. One reservation, released six months ahead, and it goes the morning it opens.
- Mount Whitney day hike permitThe 14,505-foot finish line for half the Sierra. February lottery, 100 day hikers a day, and cancellation alerts after it.