TR: Rae Lakes Loop (counterclockwise)
Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2014 8:02 am
June 21–28, 2014
Nick, Omi, Chris, and Clara
(This hike was organized through MeetUp by Omi))
This basic trip is described in Sierra South, though we did it in the reverse (counterclockwise) direction, with various side trips. We took this trip in a relaxed way giving ourselves 7 days of hiking, and never doing more than 10 miles really. This trip covers one of the most popular parts of the Sierras. Because of that you will see a lot of people on the trials (the middle part is along the JMT and PCT), but it is popular for a good reason. You hike along Creeks with great waterfalls and pool and get to wonderful mountain lakes, many with great fishing, as well as all the magnificent views. The trip really just has one pass mid way through the trip, as you start off at 5,000, get up to 12,000' and then head back down.
Day 1: Drive from Santa Cruz and Car camp at Cedar Grove
Day 2: Cedar Grove Road’s End to Junction Meadow (10 miles)
Day 3: Junction Meadow to Reflection Lake day hike (11 miles round-trip)
Day 4: Junction Meadow to Charlotte Lake (7 miles) (including side trip to Bullfrog Lake)
Day 5: Charlotte Lake to Rae Lakes (5 miles)
Day 6: Day hike to Sixty Lakes Basin (apx, 6 miles round-trip), then Rae Lakes to Woodcreek Crossing (8 miles)
Day 7: Woodcreek Crossing to Lower Paradise (9 miles)
Day 8: Lower Paradise to Road’s End (6 miles)
for my full trip report go to https://www.flickr.com/photos/28740975@ ... 550545382/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
see full photos at https://www.flickr.com/photos/28740975@ ... 550545382/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;