Same Rae Lakes basin, different entry. Kearsarge Pass from the east side adds miles and drama and is often easier to permit than the west-side lottery.
The Rae Lakes Loop with an Eastern Sierra twist. Instead of starting from the west side, this version enters via Kearsarge Pass from the Onion Valley trailhead east of the Sierra crest. You cross the divide twice, adding miles and elevation but also accessing the route from Highway 395, which is much more convenient if you're coming from LA or the Eastern Sierra. Same spectacular Rae Lakes, different (and arguably more dramatic) approach.
Start: Onion Valley Trailhead
End: Onion Valley Trailhead
Water: Gilbert Lake, Heart Lake, Big Pothole Lake, Kearsarge Lakes
Immediate switchbacks up through the five-lake chain — Little Pothole, Gilbert, Flower, Heart, Big Pothole — before cresting Kearsarge Pass (11,760ft). Descend west to camp at Kearsarge Lakes below the Pinnacles. Popular trail to the pass; quieter beyond. Permit check at the pass.
Water: Vidette Creek, Charlotte Creek, Rae Lakes
South on the JMT from the Bullfrog Lake junction, dropping through Vidette Meadow with Charlotte Dome overhead. Sustained climb to Glen Pass (11,978ft), then a dramatic descent to Rae Lakes. Bear boxes and a ranger station at Middle Rae Lake. The Painted Lady and Fin Dome tower over camp.
Water: Arrowhead Lake, Dollar Lake, South Fork Woods Creek, South Fork Kings River
Mostly downhill — enjoy it. JMT north past Arrowhead Lake and Dollar Lake, where golden trout are visible in the shallows, then west down the South Fork Woods Creek drainage to the South Fork Kings River. Canyon opens dramatically on descent. Camp on flat ground along the river.
Water: South Fork Kings River, Bubbs Creek (continuous)
Start early — biggest day on the route. East on the South Fork Kings River trail to the Bubbs Creek junction, then northeast up Bubbs Creek Trail through Junction Meadow toward Vidette Meadow. Bubbs Creek flows reliably all day so water is never a concern. Camp when you have had enough.
Water: Bubbs Creek (early), Big Pothole Lake, Gilbert Lake
Up the Bubbs Creek Trail to the JMT junction, north to the Kearsarge Pass trail, then east over Kearsarge Pass (11,760ft). The Kings Canyon opens up behind you as you climb. Gilbert Lake is a classic last-night camp — protected, good sites, and a short walk out in the morning.
Water: Flower Lake, Little Pothole Lake
Easy morning descent through Flower Lake and Little Pothole Lake back to the trailhead. You will pass day hikers heading up as you head out.
60 Lakes Basin Saddle (4mi RT from Rae Lakes), Kearsarge Lakes/Pinnacles, Bullfrog Lake
Key advantage: Inyo NF permits via recreation.gov are much easier than SEKI lottery; Onion Valley campground at 9,200ft great for acclimation night; faster drive from LA via 395; bear activity heavy - canister required; two major passes on final day (Glen + Kearsarge)
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