Rae Lakes Loop
76.3 mi
Distance
14,072 ft
Elev. Gain
32h 28m
Est. Time
Loop
Route Type
Expert
Difficulty
About This Trail
We don't publish a description for Rae Lakes Loop unless we can point you at the agency it came from. We don't have one yet. The planning figures above — distance, elevation gain, estimated time, route type — come from the source listed on this trail.
National Park Service manages this trail and is the authority for conditions, closures and route notes. See official sources below. Spot something we should add?
Trail Conditions
Trail Conditions
We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.
No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.
Elevation Profile
| Point | Distance from start | Elevation |
|---|---|---|
| Start | 0.0 mi | 1,553 ft |
| High point | 30.6 mi | 3,639 ft |
| End | 76.3 mi | 1,537 ft |
Trail Details
- No dogs
- Route Type
- Loop
Permit required
Apply through the issuing agency. Many systems run seasonal lotteries or fixed application windows — confirm current dates on the agency page.
Overnight trips on the Rae Lakes Loop need a wilderness permit, issued only from the Road's End Permit Station in Cedar Grove. During the quota season the number of people starting each day is limited by entry point, so book on Recreation.gov. Permits are not required for day hikes in the parks, other than Mt. Whitney.
Official sources & verification
Managed by National Park Service
Reserve or permit
- Apply for permit
Required permit application for this trail. Many systems run seasonal lotteries or fixed application windows — confirm current dates here.
- Wilderness permits (Recreation.gov)
Recreation.gov
Source of truth
- National Park Service unit page
Alerts, conditions, and the unit's plan-your-visit page.
Where it is
- Nearest town:
- Independence, CA · about 18 mi away
- County:
- Fresno County, CA
- Jurisdiction:
- Kings Canyon National Park · National Park Service
Nearest town and county from U.S. Census Bureau place records and county boundaries.
Verify by phone or mail
- Operator:559-565-3341
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your experience and help others plan their visit.
OpenStreetMap
Nearby Trails
More trails near Rae Lakes LoopParadise Valley Trail
Bubbs Creek Trail
Avalanche Pass Trail

Granite Lake and Granite Pass Trail

King's Canyon to Mt Whitney

Rae Lakes Trail
In this park
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Stay nearby
Campgrounds near this trail

Jennie Lakes-Backcountry
5 mi awayKings Canyon National Park
Hume, CA
Dispersed Reservable
Moraine Campground
6 mi awayKings Canyon National Park
Kings Canyon National Park, CA
Check official pricing121 sitesReservable TentRV Popular No Service
Canyon View Group Sites
6.2 mi awayKings Canyon National Park
Three Rivers, CA
Check official pricing16 sitesReservable Well reviewed No Service
Kings Canyon National Park Canyon View Group Sites
6.2 mi awayKings Canyon National Park
Three Rivers, CA
National Park Reservable
Sentinel Campground
6.6 mi awayKings Canyon National Park
Kings Canyon National Park, CA
Check official pricing82 sitesReservable TentRV PopularBooks out · 100% No Service
Sheep Creek Campground
7 mi awayKings Canyon National Park
Kings Canyon National Park, CA
Check official pricing217 sitesReservable TentRV Popular No Service
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