Planning a Rae Lakes Trip Need Wisdom

Lots of water, your sleep system may be fine. It's looking like a early season this year, bugs may be a non-issue. Eat the fish at Rae Lakes, they need thinning. Bear boxes at most spots.
Duane

Geez, there are water sources all over the place. After the first two miles, you start up alongside a stream. Going from Paradise to Woods Crossing, there is water that is way off the trail to the south, so that is one place that is uphill and moderately dry. But, if you get desperate, you can head over to the stream. From Woods Crossing to Dollar Lake there is water from time to time, but there are a few spots in the middle that are far enough from the stream that you won't bother. Once you get past Rae Lakes and are started up toward Glen Pass, you pass the last ponds halfway up. Then Glen Pass is completely dry until you get to the south side where there is a nice turquoise pond. For a few miles down to Vidette Meadow, it is dry. But then from Vidette Meadow and down the Bubbs Creek Trail, there is water all over.

This summer is looking like it may be very dry, so the mosquitos may go away, but you can't count on it.

The single good thing about Glen Pass is that there is a great view, especially in the direction of Mount Brewer.

–B.G.–

Sooooo your doing the Rae Lakes Loop and not staying at Rae Lakes?

When my brother and I did it some time ago we spent two days getting to Rae lakes mainly to gave ourselves extra time to adjust to altitude (I needed it, my brother didn't). We hiked past Dollar lake. once you get to dollar lake the trail is almost flat to Rae lakes. So I would recommend pushing past Dollar if you can.

Spent the 3rd day at Sixty lakes basin. On the way out we stopped and spent the night at lower Kearsarge lake. I liked Kearsarge lake a little better Rae lakes. We camped at the outflow of the lake and didn't see anyone else there.

On our way out we had planned on camping at Junction meadow. However we got there at noon and after having lunch decided to push on all the way to Roads end. We didn't see anything at Junction meadow that justified spending the night.

for use the last 2 to 3 miles to Roads end was dry for us. But we had already filled our bladders so it was not an issue for us. No issues with any other area but it was a normal year. This year is currently heading for a drought so it may be different for you.

Your first day will be easy – about 9 miles to Upper Paradise.

Lower, Middle, and Upper Paradise areas each have bear boxes. The bear box and camping area at Upper Paradise is very easy to find: The box is located on the left side of the trail, IMMEDIATELY before the crossing of Woods Creek on a bridge. So when you see the bridge, just look around at the camping areas on your left side and you will find that bear box.

Bears are VERY active in Paradise Valley. They lurk, awaiting the fool that abandons his food. Once you stop, don't even so much as walk down to the river without storing all of your food and your smellies in the bear locker.

– Elizabeth

Forget the bears, watch out for the mice at Upper Paradise. I was thru a few years ago, two cousins had three of their bladders ruined by mice in the bear box. I camped the previous night at Lower Paradise and there was a bear reported to be hanging around there, never saw it, even with sightings minutes old. Fish at Rae Lakes, they need the fish thinned out.
Duane