TR: Classic Rae Lakes Loop, 10/16-18/2020
Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2020 1:00 pm
Ever since I did two weeks with friends on the John Muir Trail this summer, I was itching for a solo trip in the Sierra. But then California caught on fire, and I ended up going everywhere but the Sierra the last few months.
Well last weekend I finally got my chance! Inyo is still closed, but Kings Canyon is open and is about as far as you can get from the Castle and Creek Fires in the Southern Sierra. So off I went to Roads End.
I originally had planned to do an exploration of Gardiner Basin, but I am preparing to attempt a thru-hike of the PCT in 2021 so I thought it would be better practice to just grind out some miles on popular trails. I was able to complete the loop in less than 48 hours, so I hope that bodes well for my trip next year! (Though I *did* pass two trail runners doing it in a single day!)
The full report is here:
https://jimmyjamhikingclub.com/2020/10/16/bubbs-creek/
https://jimmyjamhikingclub.com/2020/10/ ... ood-stuff/
https://jimmyjamhikingclub.com/2020/10/ ... se-valley/
But here are some highlights:
Paradise Valley
East Vidette Alpenglow
Upper Rae Lakes Basin
Upper Rae Lake
Fin Dome
Tarn below Arrowhead Lake
Dollar Lake
Window Peak, Pyramid Peak, and Mount Ickes
Fall colors along Woods Creek
Castle Domes
The Moraine Fire
Mist Falls
Well last weekend I finally got my chance! Inyo is still closed, but Kings Canyon is open and is about as far as you can get from the Castle and Creek Fires in the Southern Sierra. So off I went to Roads End.
I originally had planned to do an exploration of Gardiner Basin, but I am preparing to attempt a thru-hike of the PCT in 2021 so I thought it would be better practice to just grind out some miles on popular trails. I was able to complete the loop in less than 48 hours, so I hope that bodes well for my trip next year! (Though I *did* pass two trail runners doing it in a single day!)
The full report is here:
https://jimmyjamhikingclub.com/2020/10/16/bubbs-creek/
https://jimmyjamhikingclub.com/2020/10/ ... ood-stuff/
https://jimmyjamhikingclub.com/2020/10/ ... se-valley/
But here are some highlights:
Paradise Valley
East Vidette Alpenglow
Upper Rae Lakes Basin
Upper Rae Lake
Fin Dome
Tarn below Arrowhead Lake
Dollar Lake
Window Peak, Pyramid Peak, and Mount Ickes
Fall colors along Woods Creek
Castle Domes
The Moraine Fire
Mist Falls