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Rae Lakes trip suggestion

Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2015 7:42 pm
by Catalyst
What level of backpacking experience do you have?
Level 3- Numerous backpacking trips, some x-country travel

What terrain are you comfortable/uncomfortable with?
- Class 2 terrain/pass/x-country
- River crossings

What is your main interest?
- Lakes
- Photography
- Fishing

How many days/nights is your trip, not including travel to trailhead?
4 days/3 nights

How many miles did you want to do a day, any layovers?
10-15 miles per day/possibly layover day with day hikes

Do you have a route logistics preference: loop, out and back

Is there a particular area in the Sierra that your most interested in?: Rae Lakes area


I'm planning on the Rae Lakes loop from Onion Valley, but was thinking instead of the loop it might be fun to go straight to Rae Lakes and do some exploring such as visiting the Sixty Lakes Basin and other areas. Any ideas/suggestions on a fun four day trip starting from Onion Valley?

Re: Rae Lakes trip suggestion

Posted: Thu Jun 11, 2015 11:16 am
by maverick
Hi Catalyst,

Welcome to HST! Your best bang for the buck, is to go Rae Lakes, do a day hike into 60 Lakes Basin, and go visit Dragon Lake. Are you planning to get to Rae Lakes for the first night? What crosscountry passes have you done?
When you find some time, an intro would be appreciated: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=9329

Re: Rae Lakes trip suggestion

Posted: Thu Jun 11, 2015 2:11 pm
by overheadx2
I did a mini loop through Rae lakes / dragon lake / 60 lake Basin last year. im not in the same shape as many on this forum, but going over Kearsarge and Glen pass in the same day was pretty rough coming from sea level. Rae lakes are beautiful but a little crowded. Dragon lake is very pretty and we had it all to ourselves. The northern end of 60 lakes was also very beautiful without any crowd, but small fish only in the northern lakes and fish less in the southern lakes. If I did it again, I would go to Dragon lake and after hiking that far Id spend a lay over day hiking around Rae lakes or vice versa. On the way out I would drop down into Vidette Meadow or Vidette Lakes for a day and then head out for a modified Rae lakes loop.

Re: Rae Lakes trip suggestion

Posted: Thu Jun 11, 2015 5:06 pm
by Catalyst
Thanks for the suggestions thus far. I was planning on hiking all the way to Rae Lakes the first day, but I may just go part way that first day stopping somewhere around Charlotte Lake (any fish there?). My sister and her husband are probably going to tag along and they are seasoned hikers but not in the best shape right now, so having a long first day with 2 passes may not be the best idea. If they don't end up coming I can plan something more ambitious.

Re: Rae Lakes trip suggestion

Posted: Thu Jun 11, 2015 5:18 pm
by maverick
If you stay at Charlotte the first night, then stay at Dragon or Rae the second and third, and go to 60 Lakes Basin as a day hike, but if you go solo, then spend a night in 60 Lakes Basin, and one at Dragon or Rae depending on the crowds.