Reservation8/10
High Sierra Trail permits
A legendary 72-mile trans-Sierra traverse from the giant sequoias to the summit ...
Rae Lakes Loop Permit
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks · California
Each entry point carries its own quota
One of California's premier backpacking routes—a 41-mile loop through pristine alpine lakes, granite canyons, and the heart of the High Sierra.
70% of the openings our scanner caught on Rae Lakes were gone within 10 minutes.
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Rae Lakes Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodReservation
Demand LevelHigh8/10
Cost$15 + $5/person
Max Group Size15 people
Rae Lakes Permit Facts
- As of September 2026, Rae Lakes in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, California requires a permit issued via reservation.
- Rae Lakes is a high-demand permit, rating 8/10 on PermitSnag's demand index.
- The Rae Lakes route covers 41.4 miles, rated strenuous.
- Cancelled Rae Lakes permits are re-released on the booking system; PermitSnag monitors availability and alerts watchers when dates open.
Key Information
Permit Details
TypeOvernight
Booking MethodReservation
Demand Level8/10
LocationSierra Nevada, CA
What to Expect
Route Details
Distance
41.4 miles
Route Type
Loop
Duration
3-5 days
Difficulty
StrenuousElevation Range
5,035 - 11,978 ft
Highlights
- •41.4 miles over 3-5 days with approximately 7,800 feet of total elevation gain
- •Glen Pass (11,978 ft)—the highest point accessible on a maintained trail in Kings Canyon
- •World-class alpine scenery including the famous Rae Lakes basin
- •Camping limits at Paradise Valley (2 nights) and Rae Lakes (1 night per lake)
- •Strong bear activity—canister required; boxes reserved for JMT/PCT thru-hikers only
Best Time to Visit
Mid-July through September. Early July may have snow on Glen Pass and dangerous creek crossings. Late September offers fewer crowds and golden light but shorter days and cold nights.
Hazards & Considerations
- !High altitude—Glen Pass exceeds 11,900 feet; acclimatize before attempting
- !Creek crossings can be dangerous during spring runoff (May-early July)
- !Afternoon thunderstorms—plan to be below Glen Pass by early afternoon
- !Black bears very active in Paradise Valley and near lakes
- !Rattlesnakes common at lower elevations (Bubbs Creek, Paradise Valley)
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,035 ft)
⚠️
Backcountry Tips
- Today: Expect 24°F colder at summit. Layer up.
- Tomorrow: Expect 24°F colder at summit. Layer up.
- Day 3: Expect 24°F colder at summit. Layer up.
Today
☀️
92°
70°
Sun
☀️
81°
59°
Mon
☀️
87°
59°
Tue
☀️
91°
66°
Wed
☀️
92°
66°
Thu
☀️
95°
69°
Fri
☀️
96°
71°
View full NWS forecast →Mountain weather changes rapidly. This forecast is a guide—always be prepared for worse conditions.
How to Get This Permit
1
Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at Recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.
2
Know the release schedule
Permits typically release on a rolling basis. Check the specific release time for your desired dates.
3
Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
4
Monitor for cancellations
If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.
Difficulty Assessment
Physical Demand4/5
Fitness and endurance required
Technical Skill2/5
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Exposure Risk2/5
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Navigation1/5
Route finding and trail clarity
Commitment4/5
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Fit backpackers comfortable with multi-day trips and moderate altitude. Prior High Sierra experience helpful but not required.
Recommended Experience
Should have completed at least one multi-day backpacking trip with 20+ miles and 4,000+ feet of gain.
Not Recommended For
First-time backpackers or those who struggle at elevation above 10,000 feet.
About This Permit
The National Park Service calls the Rae Lakes Loop one of the most popular hikes in Sequoia and Kings Canyon. It runs 41.4 miles and climbs from 5,035 feet at the trailhead to 11,978 feet at Glen Pass. Hikers most often start at the Woods Creek trailhead and go clockwise, or at the Bubbs Creek trailhead and go counter-clockwise.
The Experience
Why It Matters
The Rae Lakes Loop is widely considered California's finest backpacking circuit outside the JMT. It traverses some of the most spectacular alpine terrain in North America, crossing Glen Pass at nearly 12,000 feet and passing through the stunning Rae Lakes basin—a string of turquoise gems set against granite towers. For many Sierra hikers, completing the loop is a rite of passage.
The Route
From Roads End, the loop can be hiked in either direction. Most choose clockwise via Woods Creek for more gradual elevation gain.
The first miles follow the South Fork Kings River, passing thundering Mist Falls at mile 3.9—a preview of Sierra splendor. Paradise Valley opens beyond, a wide meadow where the river slows and bears patrol the willows. By mile 15, you've climbed to the Woods Creek crossing—the swaying suspension bridge marking your entry into the high country.
Dollar Lake appears first, then Arrowhead, then the main event: the Rae Lakes themselves, strung like pearls at 10,500 feet. The climb to Glen Pass begins in earnest—sixty switchbacks of rocky trail culminating at 11,978 feet, the highest point you can reach on a maintained trail in Kings Canyon.
The descent through Vidette Meadow and down Bubbs Creek returns you to the realm of waterfalls and towering walls, completing one of America's great backpacking loops.
The Feeling
The first glimpse of the Rae Lakes basin stops you in your tracks. Three lakes stair-step up a glacial cirque, their impossible blue waters framed by the Painted Lady and Fin Dome. You've earned this view—the long climb through Paradise Valley, the crossing of roaring Woods Creek, the relentless switchbacks to Dollar Lake. And tomorrow, Glen Pass awaits—the highest point on the loop, where the entire Kings Canyon spreads below you like a topographic map come to life.
Trailhead Information
Roads End
5,035 ft elevationThe only trailhead for the Rae Lakes Loop, located at the end of CA-180 in Cedar Grove.
Restrooms
Water on site
No Service
Parking
Paved lot with ample parking. Fills on summer weekends. Bear canister rentals available at the wilderness permit station.
Getting There
From Fresno, take CA-180 east approximately 85 miles. Road closes in winter (typically November-April).
Nearest Services
Cedar Grove Village has a small store, restaurant, and lodging. Grant Grove (30 miles) has more services.
Rules & Regulations
- •Wilderness permit required for overnight camping
- •Bear canister mandatory—no exceptions; bear boxes are for thru-hikers only
- •Bear spray is ILLEGAL in Sequoia/Kings Canyon—do not bring
- •Campfires prohibited above 10,000 feet (includes all of Rae Lakes basin)
- •Pack out all toilet paper—does not decompose in Sierra conditions
- •1-night limit at each Rae Lake; 2-night limit at Paradise Valley
- •Bullfrog Lake closed to camping and grazing
Gear Checklist
Required
- Bear canister (hard-sided, IGBC-approved—mandatory)
- Water filter (abundant sources but treatment required)
- Sturdy footwear for rocky, uneven trail
- Rain gear and warm layers for high elevation
- Sunscreen, lip balm, and sunglasses (intense UV above 10,000 ft)
Recommended
- Trekking poles (essential for Glen Pass and creek crossings)
- Microspikes/ice axe for early season (before mid-July)
- Camp shoes for creek crossings and campsite comfort
- Pack towel for refreshing dips in the lakes
- Satellite communicator (no cell service on entire loop)
Plan Your Trip
🎒
Gear Checklist
Required and recommended gear for Rae Lakes
🚐
Shuttle Services
Trailhead transportation options
Browse all shuttles🧭
Guide Services
Experienced wilderness guides
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Key Landmarks
⛰️
11,978ft
High📏
41.4mi
DistanceClick on a marker to view details•16 landmarks
Landmarks (16)
Rae Lakes FAQ
How do I get a Rae Lakes permit?
Rae Lakes permits use a reservation system. PermitSnag sends lottery open, deadline, and results reminders; you can also enable cancellation alerts if spots open later.
When is the best time to visit Rae Lakes?
Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Rae Lakes permit?
This permit has a demand score of 8/10, making it highly competitive. We recommend having backup dates and using PermitSnag's cancellation alerts.
What if I can't get a Rae Lakes permit?
Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. Pro and $19 single-permit alerts are checked about every minute, 24/7; free accounts are checked hourly.
👥Community
Trail Conditions
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Questions
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Photography Guide
Golden Hour
Sunrise at the Rae Lakes with Fin Dome and Painted Lady reflecting in still water is the loop's signature shot. Arrive at the lakes early for mirror-calm conditions.
Best Light
Early morning light illuminates the east face of the peaks above the lakes. Glen Pass views are best in late morning when the sun lights the entire Kings Canyon basin.
Beat the Crowds
The lakes are busiest July-August. September offers golden light, fewer crowds, and reliable conditions. Weekday starts reduce crowding at the one-night-limit campsites.
Classic Shots
- 📍Rae Lakes with Painted Lady and Fin Dome reflections at sunrise
- 📍Mist Falls in early season with peak water flow
- 📍Glen Pass panorama looking back toward the lakes
- 📍Woods Creek suspension bridge crossing
- 📍Dollar Lake with the Black Divide in background
Can't Get a Rae Lakes Permit?
Consider these alternatives if your preferred dates aren't available.
Rae Lakes Out-and-Back via Woods Creek
Easier AlternativeHike to Rae Lakes and back without crossing Glen Pass. Covers the loop's highlight without the most strenuous section.
Permit required
Tradeoffs
Misses Glen Pass views and Bubbs Creek section, but reduces total mileage and difficulty.
JMT Section Hike (Woods Creek to Kearsarge Pass)
Similar ExperienceHike the JMT through the Rae Lakes section as a point-to-point traverse, exiting via Kearsarge Pass.
Permit required
Tradeoffs
Requires shuttle logistics but covers additional spectacular JMT terrain.
Dusy Basin via Bishop Pass
Same AreaSimilar alpine scenery accessible from the eastern Sierra via Bishop Pass. Less crowded than Rae Lakes.
Permit required
Tradeoffs
Different approach but comparable High Sierra beauty with easier permit availability.
🏕️
Where to Stay
Nearby campgrounds to complete your Rae Lakes trip
Trip planning
Articles that plan a trip around this permit.
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