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| Backpack | 53.00 Miles |
11,000 AEG |
| | Backpack | 53.00 Miles | 5 Days | | |
| 11,000 ft AEG | | | | |
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| partners | | For our Summer 2025 Sierras Backpacking trip, we set our sights on the Rae Lakes Loop in King’s Canyon. We had plans to do this years ago, but it fell through. It was always in the back of my mind and finally became a priority. One of the hardest things about this hike is securing the permit. We wanted to go from the West via the Roads End trailhead in King’s Canyon. There are only two permits available (Woods Creek CW and Bubbs Creek CCW) and they’re in high demand & pretty much sell out instantly. Chumley and I spent several days trying on Rec.gov before finally getting lucky and securing six permits for Bubbs Creek. I remember getting it on a Saturday, maybe people were out hiking! Once we had the permit the plan came together and the days blurred by.
Thursday, July 24 – Drove up and camped at Princess Campground in Kings Canyon National Park
I met Karl, Chumley and Ryan in north Phoenix and we made the long drive through SoCal and the west side of the Sierras. The drive took about 11 hours to reach the Princess Campground where we met Daniel and Abrianna. With our group of six we went over the final plan and enjoyed a campfire before turning in for the night.
Friday, July 25 – Roads End to Junction Meadow (11 miles & 3,600ft)
We packed up and completed our drive to Road’s End which took about an hour. We parked in the day use area and finalized gear while I got our permit. There is a small building with a ranger at a counter. We had a brief conversation and she issued my permit. This was the fasted I’ve ever been issued a permit in the Sierra. I’m used to rangers who overexplain the rules and talk about the treacherous creek crossings (that turn out to be knee deep)! After we had our permit, someone drove Karl’s 4Runner to the backpackers parking about a quarter mile away, and it was go time!
The first two miles are easy as the trail is flat with high canyon walls. It’s warm but we only go up from here. After a bit we came to a junction and the start of our lasso loop. We’re heading to the east and will be following Bubbs Creek as we make a counterclockwise loop. We crossed a couple bridges and started climbing soon after. The trail makes tight switchbacks and tops out and then parallels Bubbs Creek as it continues climbing. We took a break at the first campsite about four miles in at the junction with Sphinx Creek. This is a nice camp area but we have a lot more miles ahead of us. We continued on and thoroughly enjoyed the scenery. Bubbs Creek features strong flow and a variety of small waterfalls and cascades. The canyon walls rise up on both sides and are magnificent.
The miles ticked by and we took breaks when needed. Our goal was Junction Meadow where we expected campsites. With about a mile to go, we started seeing camp options. Most of them were just okay so we kept going until we arrived at a large area that had several fire rings and storage boxes that were locked. We assumed they’re for trail crews. It was mid afternoon and we settled into camp with chores like setting up, filtering water and gathering firewood. We would light the fire and eat dinner. During that time, a group of two arrived and camped just over from us. But best part was around 8:30pm another group of six walked in and they were physically wasted. They were at the trailhead the same time as us but took several hours longer. They would set up an unremarkable camp while we drifted back to our campfire and the end of our first day.
Saturday, July 26 – Junction Meadow to Rae Lakes (9 miles & 4,000ft)
Our second day is going to be the biggest climb of the trip with roughly 4K ft as we top out on Glen Pass at roughly 11,900ft. We broke down camp and headed out around 8:30am. The group that got in late the previous night was still sleeping! The first two miles were fairly easy as the trail makes a mild climb. From there the trail makes a hardy climb as you connect onto the JMT and head north. We took a break where a creek crosses the trail and then continued climbing. The trail eventually levels off as you hit multiple junctions for Kearsarge Pass and Charlotte Lake. We kept at it as the trail continues climbing and weaves its way towards Glen Pass. At roughly a mile below the pass I encountered a ranger going the other direction. I told her I was the permit holder and there are five people coming along behind me. We had a nice conversation and she didn’t ask to see my permit. After that I grinded up the switchbacks and was happy to top out on Glen Pass where I took a break.
Chumley and Ryan arrived at the pass soon after and pretty much kept going. I had to grab my pack and got situated and followed. The trail makes a bunch of tight switchbacks as it works its way down towards Rae Lakes. It looks like it’s miles and miles away but the time went by fast and we walked up on the lake. Chumley and I would split up and eventually found a nice campsite in the middle just above the trail. This will be our home for two nights. We would settle in for the evening and relaxed to a relatively cool night. We’re camping at just over 10k ft and fires are not permitted.
Sunday, July 27 – Day hike into Sixty Lakes Basin, Dragon Lake later in the day (9 miles & 2,500ft)
On our third day, we planned on keeping it light with a day hike into Sixty Lakes Basin and then Dragon Lake later in the day. Our group of six left camp and made the easy climb into the basin. It was very picturesque and peaceful. Chumley and Ryan decided to hike to a hardy peak while the rest of us decided to keep it simple and hike further in. We continued on for a few more miles before finding a relaxing spot to have lunch and enjoy the water. We kept saying how lovely it would be to camp in here. Perhaps a return trip is in order. After we had our fill, the four of us returned to camp and relaxed for a bit. After that we headed up to Dragon Lake. There is a use route that climbs roughly 500ft into the basin that over looks Dragon Lake. This is another exceptional area and we took our time admiring it. After that we returned to camp where we say Ryan and Chumley. They ultimately hiked to Dragon Lake and the rest of the night was spent enjoying the area, again with no campfire.
Monday, July 28 – Rae Lakes to Paradise (15 miles & 1,000ft)
We have our biggest mileage day of the trip with roughly 15 miles planned. The good thing is it’s mostly downhill. We packed up camp and were on trail around 8:30am. We’re following the JMT northbound and saw a variety of thru hikers going each direction. I don’t think I talked to any of them as they seem preoccupied with hiking. Anyways, this part of the hike is very scenic and easy going on fantastic trail. With some effort we passed Arrowhead Lake (I camped here with Karly in July 2014) and then Dollar Lake. The miles ticked by and we eventually arrived at the Woods Creek Suspension Bridge. They changed the planks since my last visit here in 2014. See pics. We would take an extended break here.
After break we headed west as the trail makes a drop in elevation. The miles ticked off as we enjoyed this amazing canyon! We kept at and I got out in front of the others and arrived at the destroyed bridge near the junction of Woods Creek & Arrow Creek (Northwest corner of the loop). I talked to Daniel and Abrianna, they left very early and were waiting for us. I told them to go ahead while I wait for the others. They would continue hiking while I waited. Those that know me know that I lack patience. I waited for what felt like was 20 minutes and decided to continue hiking. It’s nice hiking with a crew that you don’t have to worry about.
I would pack up and left the camp area at the creek crossing. I’m then cruising down the trail and I’m about five minutes into hiking when I see some movement up ahead and notice a juvenile bear. It’s foraging and saw me. It would scamper off into the brush & I would quickly walk by. I was super happy to see a bear! I kept walking and not even five minuets later I come over a lip and drop into a basin-like area and see more movement and there is a baby bear! I get super excited and think mama has to be close by and then a moment later I see more movement and there is mama just to the left. She’s foraging and doesn’t care about me. I would back away to just barely out of eye sight of them. I then spoke loudly and made some noise. The mama and cub would scamper off to the left and I was able to pass. Needless to say I was thrilled but had a huge burst of adrenaline. I would cruise the last two miles until I found Dainel & and Abrianna at a prime campsite. We settled in and the other three arrived a few minutes later. They also say mama bear and cub but not the juvenile. We would settle in for our final night in the mountains.
Tuesday, July 29 – Paradise to Roads End, Hike out and drive home (7 miles & 600ft)
Our final day started early. We have to hike out and then make the long drive back to Phoenix. We got up early and packed up and I was on trail around 7:15am. Daniel & Abrianna left an hour before me and the others were not far behind. The start of the hike was mostly flat and easy going. As I proceeded the trail started dropping in elevation & gets relatively steep with some switchbacks. I was glad I wasn’t hiking up this! With some effort I reached Mist Falls and took a short break there. This is a quality waterfall. From there I hiked the last few miles and arrived at the junction and the end of our lasso loop. The last couple miles were flat and easy and I got back to the trailhead but had to walk the extra quarter mile to the backpackers parking lot to retrieve the 4Runner. I would load up and then returned to the Day Use parking and the others arrived soon after. We would load up and then start our long journey home with a quick stop at In N Out before completing the drive home to Phoenix.
This was an amazing trip that I highly recommend! The scenery and everything that goes with it were outstanding the entire journey. Another memorable trip in the books. Thanks to Karl for driving! |
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