Guidance for upcoming trip planning in SEKI

I also wonder if I should just chill out a little and not do the full Rae Lakes Loop. Like, maybe I could be pushing myself to much since I’ve only done 4 nights before. It’s just I only get out backpacking like once a year right now and trying to make the most of it.

Your option 1 makes more sense to me in terms of acclimatization and being ready for your guided trip – which I assume will be more challenging than the Rae Lakes Loop. That first day up to paradise valley is not too bad in terms of altitude gain, mileage, or the altitude you will camp at, and having 4 days for the loop is better , and then having a couple days off before the second trip would be good. But not doing the RLL, and instead doing dayhikes out of Lodgepole for acclimatization, is probably more optimal prep for the guided trip. But all depends on how you respond to altitude, what kind of shape you are in, etc. You say it’s your first trip to the Sierra – do you have experience at 10 to 12k elsewhere, like in the Rockies?

I think the highest I’ve been is on a Yellowstone backpacking trip where I got to 8k.

I’m also open to just chilling and doing day hikes. I’m just feeling froggy and want to make the most of my time. I haven’t been backpacking for maybe two years and I’m sooooooo ready.

Fitness wise, I’m in pretty good shape. I have been doing 8-10 mile 3k elevation practice hikes on the weekend with 30lb packs. Pretty consistent before a few weeks ago when I got sick. So fixing to do it tomorrow after two weekends off. I did go a few days ago during the work week to knock out a little 4 mile 1.5k with a 30lb pack because I was finally feeling better.

I didn’t mention but the Skurka trip difficulty is “mild” which is there second to easiest. I do know where are doing a loop out of lodgepole that goes over the tablelands.

Sounds like you’re in decent shape. Never having been high before means no telling how well you will acclimatize. But most folks will do fine on something like the Rae Lakes loop if they take it slow and steady, drink plenty, and get enough to eat. The daylight hours are long, so there’s no need to push the pace. I say go for it, the scenery is gorgeous, you should have a great time!

I really depends where you are coming from, what elevation do you live at?  RLL starts out 5k and I think that it goes up to 12.5k.  The worst thing is to burnout on RLL and are able to enjoy the Skurka adventure.  Me, I would consider day hike.  My 2 cents.

The Rae Lakes loop is very nice.

Most skip the side trip to East Lake and Lake Reflection, which are easily some of the nicest areas in SEKI. You can set up in Junction Meadow on the 4th night and go to those lakes the next day as a day hike. I did this 2 years ago on a 6 day/5 night trip. It is well worth the side trip.