Backpack Rae Lakes via Glen and Kearsarge Passes

Yosemite › Onion Valley Campground

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81 Saves

Added by Joe Law

This is a fairly challenging hike, depending on your pace and level of fitness, but it offers some incredible views, which the pictures don't really do justice.

The hike starts at Onion Valley campground and includes a good deal of elevation (two passes around 12,000 feet). You start climbing at the outset, and keep climbing for the first couple of hours before hitting Kearsarge Pass. Here you begin a long descent, then traverse above some beautiful lakes on the Sierra High Route before joining the PCT/John Muir Trail, which brings you to the second climb and Glen Pass. After this, it's another long and occasionally steep descent into the Rae Lakes area.

Campfires are not allowed above 10,000 feet, which means they are forbidden at Rae Lakes campground. Bear canister is a necessity.

Pack List

Tent
Sleeping bag
Bear canister (required)
Food
TP and shovel
Water filter (or steripen)
Whisky (ditch the bottle, use a bladder)
Book/cards
Camera
Good map
Trekking poles (not a necessity, but very helpful)
Advil/Tylenol for joint soreness

Please respect the places you find on The Outbound.

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures. Be aware of local regulations and don't damage these amazing places for the sake of a photograph. Learn More

Activities:

Chillin, Camping, Photography, Swimming, Backpacking, Hiking

Skill Level:

Intermediate

Season:

Summer

Distance:

41.4 Miles

Elev. Gain:

6943 Feet

Rating:

Features:

Lake

Scenic

Wildlife

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Reviews

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Sarah Eichstedt Follow

10 months ago

Backpack Rae Lakes via Glen and Kearsarge Passes

Challenging but beautiful

I took 2 days to get to Rae Lakes, and camped at Kearsarge Lake on the first night. I liked breaking it up because it's a quite challenging day to get all the way to Rae Lakes, since you have to hike up and down 2 mountain passes. Make sure to jump in the lake when you get there! So cold, but refreshing! There are tons of camp sites around the lake, but it can be quite a popular spot since it's on the John Muir Trail.

10 months ago

Added by Joe Law

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