Rae Lakes Wilderness Permits

Kings Canyon National Park

Rae Lakes, Kings Canyon National Park, California
Rae Lakes, Kings Canyon National Park, California

Rae Lakes Wilderness Permits

Kings Canyon National Park


Wilderness Permits

A Wilderness Permits is required for an overnight trip in Kings Canyon National Park. During the Quota Period, near the end of May until near the end of September, there are trailhead quotas for each trail. There is a $15 permit fee per group plus $5 per person during the Quota Period. Unlike previous years, in 2021 Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks switched to the Recreation.gov website to handle wilderness permit reservations. See the link below.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Wilderness Permits become available 6 months in advance o f your departure date.

The trail to Rae Lakes is called the Woods Creek Trail. The daily quota of overnight campers permitted onto the Woods Creek Trail is 25. Of those, 20 slots may be reserved. The other 5 are Walk-up permits.

Make your reservation online:
Recreation.gov Wilderness Permit Reservations:
Sequoia and Kings Canyon Wilderness Permits.

Walk-Up Permits

For walk-up permits, Sequoia/Kings Canyon parks explain, "While optional, creating a recreation.gov account before your trip will save time at the trailhead. Walk-up permits can be obtained starting from 1:00 pm the day before your trip begins. Permits are only issued during hours of operation by trailhead rangers who provide important area information. You must arrive at the correct trailhead desk [Road's End for Rae Lakes trips] for the trailhead you are hoping to obtain a walk up permit for. Bring your entire party to the orientation. You will pay the fee of $15 per permit plus $5 per person at the issuing station. Credit cards are the preferred payment method. Trailhead rangers will not be able to make change for transactions."

Glen Pass, Kings Canyon National Park, California

South Side of Glen Pass

Picking Up Your Reserved Wilderness Permit

Bring your confirmation email with you to get your wilderness permit. You can get your permit the day before your hike after 1:00 PM or the day of your hike by 10:00 AM. Permits for Rae Lakes are issued at the Road's End station located alongside the trail. Permits can only be picked up during permit station operating hours. There are no night drops.

Road's End permit station in Cedar Grove is usually open from 7:00 AM to 2:45 or 3:30 PM. Hours vary, so call ahead to confirm: (559) 565-3341.

Recreation.gov Wilderness Permit Reservations:
Sequoia and Kings Canyon Wilderness Permits.



Suspension bridge over Woods Creek, Kings Canyon National Park, California

Suspension Bridge over Woods Creek


Window Peak, Kings Canyon National Park, California

Looking Down Woods Creek toward Window Peak

Key Backcountry Regulations for Kings Canyon National Park

    Campfires are permitted in Paradise Valley, but prohibited above 10,000 feet. No campfires at Rae Lakes.
    Bear canisters are required.
    Two-night Camping Limits are in effect for Paradise Valley and 1 night per lake around Rae Lakes (Dollar Lake to Glen Pass).

Regulations and procedures are often adjusted due to changes in forest conditions (e.g. wildfires, COVID-19), so it is wise to check the park website for a complete list of regulations and any updates:
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Wilderness Alerts and Regulations.
Also check for any recent changes in wilderness permit procedures: Kings Canyon Wilderness Permits.


Books

Sierra South is the leading backpacking resource for hiking in the southern Sierra.

Maps

National Geographic's map of Sequoia and Kings Canyon includes both parks on waterproof, tear-resistant paper. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Map



Backpacking Supplies


Shop Amazon for
Backpacking Essentials

For most backpacking supplies it is best to shop outside the park. Consider Sportsman's Warehouse in Visalia or Fresno.
REI in Fresno is an excellent source of backpacking supplies.