Seeking input: Rae Lakes loop or hike of similar distance?
Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2014 10:09 pm
Hello, seeking input on a route selection, here's some basic info, and thanks in advance...all input and advice greatly appreciated.
I'd say we're level 2 as far as experience, but are both in great shape and are looking for a challenging hike. Last summer we hiked out of Mineral King, over Franklin Pass to Forester Lake, and looped back over Sawtooth, about 35+/- miles in 2 nights/3 days. I'd say we're comfortable with just about anything but want to avoid x-country for now and stick to trails.
We're pretty open to most trail heads, but did mineral king last year so want to try another location, and I'm thinking roads end. I realize the Rae Lakes loop is very popular, but it sounds appealing nonetheless. We don't have a set date, but most likely looking for sometime in July, probably a Wednesday through Sunday. Obviously we don't have a permit (too late to get one?) and will be forced to try our luck with a walk up permit. Is it unreasoned to think we could do this?
I've searched and read a bit on the forum but thought I'd post looking for input, here are my basic questions...
1. Is it unreasonable to think we could get a walk up permit for Rae lakes loop on a Wednesday? Are the crowds just too much and make for a less than pleasant experience?
2. If we go to roads end and can't acquire a permit are there plenty of other suitable options?
3. Any recommendations on other hikes in the range of 35-50 miles? I would prefer a loop but would definitely be ok with an in/out hike. We're also open to other trail heads on the west side in SEKI or even Yosemite. I realize this last question is quite vague, and there are a ton of possible options. If this type of question has already been discussed on HST maybe someone could point me toward the discussion. Thanks!!
I'd say we're level 2 as far as experience, but are both in great shape and are looking for a challenging hike. Last summer we hiked out of Mineral King, over Franklin Pass to Forester Lake, and looped back over Sawtooth, about 35+/- miles in 2 nights/3 days. I'd say we're comfortable with just about anything but want to avoid x-country for now and stick to trails.
We're pretty open to most trail heads, but did mineral king last year so want to try another location, and I'm thinking roads end. I realize the Rae Lakes loop is very popular, but it sounds appealing nonetheless. We don't have a set date, but most likely looking for sometime in July, probably a Wednesday through Sunday. Obviously we don't have a permit (too late to get one?) and will be forced to try our luck with a walk up permit. Is it unreasoned to think we could do this?
I've searched and read a bit on the forum but thought I'd post looking for input, here are my basic questions...
1. Is it unreasonable to think we could get a walk up permit for Rae lakes loop on a Wednesday? Are the crowds just too much and make for a less than pleasant experience?
2. If we go to roads end and can't acquire a permit are there plenty of other suitable options?
3. Any recommendations on other hikes in the range of 35-50 miles? I would prefer a loop but would definitely be ok with an in/out hike. We're also open to other trail heads on the west side in SEKI or even Yosemite. I realize this last question is quite vague, and there are a ton of possible options. If this type of question has already been discussed on HST maybe someone could point me toward the discussion. Thanks!!