6-day backpack trip on the beautiful Rae Lakes Loop via Kearsarge pass. 53.4 miles.
Our journey began by ascending Kearsarge Pass, and we spent our first night camping at Charlotte Lake. On Day 2, we retraced our steps back to the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and John Muir Trail (JMT), descending to Lower Vedette Meadow. There, we connected with the Bubbs Creek Trail, eventually reaching the junction with Sphinx Creek.
Day 3 led us down to Bailey Bridge, where we crossed over the South Fork of the Kings River. Our path then wound through Paradise Valley, passing the enchanting Mist Falls, until we settled at the Upper Paradise campsite. The following day, we braved a chilly river crossing and continued along the Woods Creek Trail, eventually reaching the junction with the PCT/JMT near the Woods Creek Suspension Bridge.
Day 5 was a leisurely stretch, taking us to Middle Rae Lake. Our campsite offered breathtaking views of the lake, the Painted Lady, and Glen Pass. Finally, on the 6th day, we tackled our longest mileage—12.1 miles—ascending and descending Glen Pass and Kearsarge Pass before returning to our car at Onion Valley. It was an unforgettable six days immersed in the stunning beauty of the Sierra Nevada!
Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:46 Day 1: Onion Valley to Charlotte Lake
06:38 Day 2: Charlotte Lake to Sphinx Creek
12:26 Day 3: Sphinx Creek to Upper Paradise
16:50 Day 4: Upper Paradise to Woods Creek Crossing
20:15 Day 5: Woods Creek Crossing to Middle Rae Lake
24:26 Day 6: Middle Rae Lake to Onion Valley
29:29 Photographs
30:19 Hike Stats