Two years after I began hiking with the dream of completing the JMT, I finally walked a section of that journey — the Rae Lakes Loop.
Starting at 5,000 feet and crossing a pass almost 12,000 feet, this route embraces a wide variety of landscapes — waterfalls, meadows, lakes, and alpine valleys. It’s also special in that you can experience both above and below the tree line.
The saying that this is “one of the most beloved loop trails in the Sierra Nevada” is no exaggeration. The more places I visit, the more I appreciate the diversity of scenery this trail offers.
The photo above shows an unnamed meadow near Woods Creek. It’s still before joining the JMT and is not even marked on the map — yet for me, it was one of the most memorable spots of the entire loop, along with Rae Lake and Glen Pass.
📍 Coordinates: 36°52’25.3”N 118°28’03.6”W
📷 The 360° photo taken here can be freely rotated up, down, left, and right with your mouse or finger. Experience a sense of realism and immersion that cannot be compared to a regular photo!
This is the kind of view that unfolds once you pass the tree line.
🏔 Glen Pass
The highest point — Glen Pass (11,926 ft) — was both the highlight and the toughest section of this trek.
I’d been feeling unwell since the previous day and could barely eat. Dehydration made my voice crack, and the final mile took me two full hours to climb.
Even more distressingly, I had an urgent biological need in the middle of the climb — but there were no trees or bushes to hide behind, so I just had to endure it. Looking back now, it was a typical sign of altitude sickness, though at the time I was too inexperienced to realize it.
📷 This 360° photo was taken right after the rain cleared — the visibility was incredible.
📌 You can also check out this Facebook post where I summarized the experience with photos.
🐻 Fleeting Moments
On the way up, I spotted a bear climbing a tree, and on the way down, I captured photos of various wildflowers.
📷 There were too many photos to include here, so I’ve shared them separately in this Facebook link.
📝 Trail Info
You’ll need to reserve a permit in advance from Sequoia and Kings Canyon Wilderness.
- For the clockwise direction, choose the
Woods Creekentry permit. - For counterclockwise, select
Bubbs Creek.
💡 If you want to gain elevation gradually, the clockwise route is easier on the body.
You can check the full trail map and elevation profile on AllTrails — Rae Lakes Loop.
Final Thoughts
The Rae Lakes Loop overlaps with about 5% of the JMT. Comparing the scenery and atmosphere of the approach and exit trails gave me a glimpse into why the JMT is so renowned.
I hope to have the opportunity to walk the rest of the segments someday.
💬 If you have any questions or feedback, please leave a comment!
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