High Sierras - Rae Lakes Loop Backpack trip
September 14 - 20, 2005
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The Rae Lakes Loop trail is one of the most highly rated classic backpacking trips in the Sierra's. This was a 46.6 mile trip that starts at the ROAD'S END ranger station at an elevation of 5,000 feet, works it's way up to 12,000 feet and then back down. I previously did it in 1997.I was joined by Chris Perkins, who is VP of UniModal, Inc (SkyTran) and Clark Foster, an aerobatic pilot & mechanical engineer friend with his name on 125 patents. We drove up on Tuesday September 13th and stayed overnight at the Canyon View car campsite.
I found a great topo map for this trip at REI. Tom Harrison Maps Kearsarge Pass trail map covered exactly what we wanted. Plastic waterproof for $8.95!
On the drive up On September 13th - the afternoon before the hike.
Wow! Ancient gasoline pumps in Cedar grove!
A tavern in the park! Last chance for a beer and munchies. That first night we car camped at Canyon View (didn't say anything about last chance for a glass of wine did we?)
Day 1 - Road's End to Lower Paradise Valley
+1,600', 6 miles
On this first day we drove up to Road's End, picked up our wilderness permit and rented bear canisters at the ranger station. We hiked 6 miles and climbed 1,600' to reach Lower Paradise Valley. Had a great scenic lunch along the way at Mist Falls. When I got to the campsite, I immediately laid down for a nap. Chris and Clark went to the river to relax and got to see their first bear!
