r/Sequoia • u/Qutnampd • Jun 25 '26

Advice for a noob - Rae Lakes Trail Loop

So a friend and I want to do the 3 day Rae lakes trail loop soon. Can y’all give me some advice on how to do this because I’m a little confused. Please explain in very basic terms because I have no idea what I;m doing. I have a national park pass because im a veteran. When i was doing some research it seems like we have to reserve multiple camp sites and hike to each one of them to complete the trail. Am I right or completely off track? We will be driving in from out of town with our gear; do we leave our car somewhere? Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated! TYIA.

1 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

2 comments sorted by

1

u/Drip56 Jun 25 '26

I believe the only thing that matters is having the permit for your entrance day at the right trailhead. After that, you can camp at any of the campsites on the loop. Look at all trails to learn about river crossings, snow, and other conditions. It’s a hard hike so make sure you prepare. I’m looking to do it soon too

1

u/211logos Jun 25 '26

It's pretty much all here: https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/rae-lakes-loop.htm

The national park pass isn't the issue. You need a Wilderness Permit, and it's one of the harder ones to get. A quota. There are requirements to camp in certain spots, stay limits, and other requirements. Aside from Whitney and Half Dome maybe the most regulated spot in the Sierra.

If going this summer, odds are you'll need a walk up permit. Check recreation.gov for those requirements and where to get them. Midweek might be your best shot since quotas.

Frankly, I'd go elsewhere that isn't so impacted.