Trip: Rae Lakes Loop - Adventure Run

Date: 9/26/2010

Trip Report:


According to the park service, the Rae Lakes Loop is one of the most popular backpacks in Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, if not the entire Sierra. The loop is ~42 miles long and climbs from 5,035 ft at the trailhead to 11,978 ft at Glen Pass. The portion between Vidette Meadows and Woods Creek Crossing is along the John Muir Trail and passes through the Rae Lakes area, a chain of large alpine lakes over 10,500 feet with views of rugged Sierra peaks. The trailhead is at Road’s End in magnificent Kings Canyon and travels along Bubbs Creek and Woods Creek, including Vidette Meadows, Castle Domes, and Paradise Valley. I completed the loop in 7:29:50 which is the fastest known time for the route. The prior FKT of 8:56 was held by Dana Taylor.

After completing the Rae Lakes Loop in challenging late-season conditions last October, I wanted to come back and run the loop for speed. Conditions this time were idyllic with the trails in great shape and warm temperatures. I got into a nice rhythm heading up Bubbs Creek toward Vidette Meadows and knew it would be a good day when I reached the high point at Glen Pass (just under 12,000 ft) in 3.5 hours. Fortunately, smoke impacts from the Sheep Fire were non-existant with beautiful clear skies. While I took less photography than last time, I couldn't resist snapping a few pics as I passed Glen Pass and the lovely Rae Lakes. The park service describes the loop as 46 miles but other reports and my experience place the mileage closer to 42 miles.

Location: Time Elapsed / Split / Real Time
Road’s End (5,035 ft): 0 / 0 / 5:40
Sphinx Junction (6,240 ft): 41:49 / 41:49 / 6:22
Junction Meadow (8,136 ft): 1:49:02 / 1:07:12 / 7:29
Vidette Meadow (9,514 ft): 2:22:16 / 33:14 / 8:02
Glen Pass (11,978 ft): 3:30:10 / 1:07:54 / 9:10
Woods Creek Jct. (8,492 ft): 5:10:41 / 1:40:31 / 10:51
Road’s End (5,035 ft): 7:29:50 / 2:19:09 / 13:10

Comparison 2010 vs. 2009:
Location: 2010 / 2009
Road’s End (5,035 ft): 0 / 0
Sphinx Junction (6,240 ft): 41:49 / 45:03
Junction Meadow (8,136 ft): 1:49:02 / 2:11:59
Vidette Meadow (9,514 ft): 2:22:16 / 3:06:09
Glen Pass (11,978 ft): 3:30:10 / 4:55:49
Woods Creek Jct. (8,492 ft): 5:10:41 / 8:46:16
Road’s End (5,035 ft): 7:29:50 / 12:31:37



Reasons for faster time:
1. Snow: Last year on October 24th there was 1-3 feet of snow from below Charlotte Lake to below Dollar Lake, around 8 miles. There was no evidence of trail for long streches and time consuming post-holing in talus feels descending from Glen Pass. This also tired me out for the running sections along Woods Creek.
2. Less video/photography (but still some!)
3. Better acclimated: I hiked up 11,204 ft Alta Peak the day before.
4. Route Knowledge: Having done the loop, I knew where to run and where to walk
5. Lighter: Warm weather so no need to carry extra layers.

I hear the JMT calling your name. When are you going to try for a record?

ok...now i'm getting seriously jealous. either stop posting or take me with you.