Here's Why This is the BEST Hiking Loop in the USA | Rae Lakes Loop

[@MattShafter]

Was the beginning video preview cut too fast? Let me know.

[@krissmith2004]

@@MattShafter I was caught off guard it seemed so different from what I’m used To seeing. But it was well done giving a viewer a taste. Then as vid progressed I could see how it was strung together. Well done.

[@MattShafter]

@@krissmith2004 Cool, let’s see what others have to say.

[@evohrs]

I'd say it was definitely a beat too quick. Felt abrupt, like I barely saw each gorgeous shot before you yanked it away Might not have felt as jarring if you hadn't immediately segued into that zen-like piano music

[@MikeOlin-f3u]

Hi Matt. I thought the Everest Base Camp video had a nice pacing that matched the implied serenity and magic of the hike. This hike looks gorgeous, too, but you got altitude sickness, its good to keep it real. Keep up the good work

[@MattShafter]

@@MikeOlin-f3u Thanks !!!!

[@ilyfrankh]

My first ever high altitude trip. I spent most of the second day nauseous with a pounding headache, lying beneath a tyvek footprint at Dollar Lake. The mosquitos were INSANE. When I made it to the top of Glen, I remember thinking it was the hardest thing I'd ever done, physically. Returned one month later on the JMT, fully acclimated and with my trail legs. Absolutely crushed it.

[@MattShafter]

Yeh. Two months ago I got sick going from central California up to Tahoe. I had been in Nepal the month before. Why?!?? lol

[@ThisIsMyHike]

There's also a loop within the Rae Lakes loop that takes you through Charlotte Creek, Gardiner Basin, and Sixty Lakes Basin. Some might say this is the best hiking loop in the Sierra.

[@MattShafter]

Let’s keep it a secret?

[@travisla1217]

@@ThisIsMyHike doing this next time for sure. I went up to the pass from 60 Lakes toward Gardiner and it was jaw dropping. Thankfully it’s enough scrambling and boulder hopping to keep the crowds away!

[@MattShafter]

@@travisla1217 So smart.

[@johnhelmuth9718]

1st hiked the loop out of roads end (clockwise) ~8 years ago (aug '16) w/ 3 friends. On day 0, we car camped near grant grove to help acclimatize to the elev. We camped our 1st night in upper paradise and pushed up to Rae the next day for 2 nights. W/ the layover, explored 60 lakes basin. It was beautiful! The 4th night was spent off bubbs creek by the sphynx junction. Had a short 4 mile out the final day. Thanks for the vid!!!

[@MattShafter]

Sounds like a great time!

[@Christopher-Randall]

I have a 35mm printed photo taped to the side of my computer from when I did this exact hike back in the summer of 1992 just before I left for college. The photo is beginning to fade and yellow, and is getting tired and curled, but it is waterside of the amazing tarn you can see from the pass right at 7:43 in your video. In my photo, the color is an electric turquiose color and it is the most amazing body of water I've ever laid eyes on.

[@MattShafter]

Sound like it was fun!

[@sooocheesy]

I started in King Canyon (Cedar Grove) and did it counter clockwise. The first day was a bit of an ass-kicker since I started around 1pm and it was hot/exposed while going uphill. I recommend taking a side trip out to East and Reflection Lake if you go CCW. You'll have a nice easy day and it gives you time to acclimate before you hit the high altitutde passes.

[@MattShafter]

Good tip!

[@davidcamp9119]

Did this loop at age 13 and again at 15. Best backpacking trips of my life. Swam in one of the sixty lakes basin lakes with a group of only guys alfresco. Never moved so fast in my life. Saw a Russian satellite burn up reentering the earths atmosphere on one of the nights.Forgot to mention this was in 1966 and I’m 71 now and with bad knees will never be doing anything like this again. Guess that’s why it brings back such pleasant memories. Also forgot that, on the first trip on the last day by Bubbs creek we stopped to eat lunch by the creek on a low sandbar with our backs to the trail. We were finishing up lunch and heard a noise behind us to find a small bear on the raise ground behind us about 10 feet away sniffing our peanut butter poptart lunch. My uncle who was much wiser than a 13 year old said pack up fast and we went around the bear to catch and get down the trail just as momma bear was coming down the trail from up above. Later that afternoon my mischievous cousin who was 9 decided to walk over a log bridge next to the trail and went for a screaming, flying leap of the log when he almost stepped on a coiling rattlesnake. Glad to be back in Kings Canyon parking lot. Many memories of this loop!

[@MattShafter]

Woooooo that sounds fun!

[@MikeyTToeshoes]

Great stuff Matt. I actually hiked this at the same time as you and met you in the parking lot. I subscribed when i got home. I'm glad to see the video finally get on the channel, it really took me back. Sorry you got sick!

[@MattShafter]

Yesssss Hello!!! We finally got it done! lol

[@MikeyTToeshoes]

​@@MattShafterGood stuff man! Keep up the great work. Always enjoy your stuff

[@harnakshadowclaw5964]

What a great video! I love how you shoot your hiking videos, what a peaceful experience! It's really soothing to hear the sound of the wind and water, I like how you emphasize the sounds of nature.

[@MattShafter]

Way better than sounds of me farting! Seriously though, thanks!

[@JustinMcKinneyhiker]

This was my first major backpacking trip . I was a young lad and I'll always remember it, for many of the reasons you mentioned. The amazing views were the big factor here. This was also my first bear encounter, a mama bear and her cubs. In the darkness of our camp , we could hear the screams of her cub that had gotten separated from her. It made for an uneasy sleeping night. Nice job with the filming !!

[@MattShafter]

Lucky lad you were to have this as your first!!! Thank you!

[@rubenvadaturskiy8263]

You know, I’m planning my future solo hiking trip to HST at the end of September. It will be my second largest hike. Matt, your experience and advice have been very helpful. Rae Lakes Loop looks like a stunning trail, and I’ll definitely add it to my list for next time. Thank you for all the inspiration and guidance!

[@MattShafter]

Have fun in that!!!!! Thank you!

[@rubenvadaturskiy8263]

Matt, I have to say that I love your charming voice so much! It adds such a magical touch to your videos, making the experience even more immersive and enjoyable. Your content on solo hiking is incredibly inspiring and motivating. Thank you for sharing your adventures and insights with us. Keep up the amazing work!

[@MattShafter]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@brian_onthetrail]

Matt... This is the first hiking video I've allowed myself to watch since I had to cancel my PCT section hike due to inner ear issues. I've been sitting around feeling sorry for myself. So, thank you. A couple notes regarding the Rae Lakes loop: 1) Your timing is very good. They just recently reopened the road to Kings Canyon due to all of the damage from the snow that you mentioned. It's been closed almost 1.5 years. 2) If I'm not mistaken, the Rae Lakes loop was the first trail in the U.S. to have a permit quota restriction. This attests to its popularity and beauty. 3) The swing bridge is open and doing fine. They did do some repairs on it not too long ago.

[@MattShafter]

Oh man, that sucks. You getting vertigo? Ahhhhh, they repaired it!

[@DevinSchiro]

Currently on the PCT and hiked over Kearsarge through Rae Lakes last month. Without question the section from there to Bishop Pass had my jaw on the ground at every moment of every day, with the lakes themselves being the pinnacle of natural beauty. I was getting chased by mosquitoes all day every day though, and vowed to return another month in the future when it’s not breeding season and spend more time there in a non-thru hiking mentality. I’ll be revisiting this video when that time comes.

[@MattShafter]

Definitely worth a revisit!!! Don’t you just love the PCT right after Kennedy all the way through Sonora?!

[@octico]

I am headed out to do this loop at the end of August. This will be my first solo backpacking trip. I am excited and nervous at the same time.

[@MattShafter]

You can do it!

[@gomezuploaded5706]

Same here see you on the trail

[@robertspies4695]

I did Rae Lakes loop from Bubbs Creek/Glenn Pass in 1960 when I was in HS.. I remember the gruelling switchbacks on Day 1. Wish i could still bacckpack like that. Few hikers and no permit. Thanks for the video.

[@MattShafter]

Woooooooo sounds fun

[@ervinslens]

This place is magnificent! Watching this just makes me feel good man! Brilliant episode 🥾🥾

[@MattShafter]

Wooooooo thanks!

[@ianmcampbell]

I immediately recognized your Katabatic quilt. I too love mine, especially the pad attachment system. Keeps you toasty in the High Sierra.

[@MattShafter]

Toastay!!

[@mason7438]

I’m about to do this area coming from kearsarge pass and am even more stoked after seeing this video! Correct you can’t camp at bullfrog

[@MattShafter]

Go get it!!!

[@H444-f2c]

Thank you so much for sharing your adventure 😊❤ I've gotta get up there.

[@MattShafter]

Get all up in there!

[@Truth-Seeker75]

40 mile loop in scenery like that sounds like Type 1 fun to me, if you can avoid the altitude sickness. Enjoyed the new graphics. Lots of effort going into filming now. Thanks for sharing the experience with the rest of us.

[@MattShafter]

Never know when altitude sickness will hit. Got me in Tahoe the other day. Thanks for the kind words!

[@mcanallymoments]

Great video! Im hoping to get out there August 2025 with a buddy. We're going to start trying to apply daily come February.

[@MattShafter]

Have fun!

[@mtnmike76]

One of my favorite loops. Rae Lakes is a special place. Just stumbled upon your channel. Great vids dude! I’ve been living in TN and WY and watching your Sierra vids has made me want to get out there soon!

[@MattShafter]

Welcome aboard!

[@travisla1217]

2 weeks ago I hiked up Copper creek from Roads End, along the middle fork of the Kings to the PCT at Palisade creek. South on the PCT to Rae Lakes, over to Sixty Lakes basin including off trail up to the highest lake and the notch overlooking the Gardiner basin, then out through Rae lakes over Glen and back via Bubbs. Walk up permit, 6 days ~100 mi. No camping at Bullfrog as you mentioned. The bridge was open

[@ThisIsMyHike]

Nice, I also have this loop on my radar, basically the upper half of the Big SEKI loop. How were trail conditions on the first stretch along the B*tch Trail?

[@MattShafter]

Sounds fun!

[@travisla1217]

@@ThisIsMyHike oh man, the Bitch “trail”! It’s steep as hell and there’s a lot of choose your own adventure. You’ll be following trail and it just peters out. I’d be directly on trail according to GPS and there would be no sign of any trail. I was glad I had pants on to wade through manzanita patches. Up along middle fork of the Kings about 3.5-4 miles south of Palisade creek there was a bit of trail that slid out-had to lean into the bushes and gently place one foot in front of the other. If that bit of trail collapses further it may not be passable without someone using some tools to cut a path through the thick brush. I let the rangers know, but it sounded like trail crews may not get out there this season. Sections like the blowdowns south of the Woods creek bridge on the PCT will get priority Yeah, basically the north portion of Big SEKI with an additional excursion into 60 Lakes. It was an amazing trip, highly recommend

[@billb5732]

Well. On that recommendation, it's going on my list. Thanks!

[@MattShafter]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@DebCampos]

Matt, what an amazing video! I really liked the captions and the option to have it on or not! Your videos are becoming next level 👍👍🥾🥾〽️〽️👌👌

[@MattShafter]

Hi Deb!!! Yeh I see people responding to the closed captions as well! Thanks for the kind words!

[@nathankoenegstein3253]

Man this is absolute wealth of knowledge!!

[@MattShafter]

Thanks!

[@scottjohnson5328]

Hey, they dotted line showing the route up Glenn Pass was super cool. Was that an app?

[@MattShafter]

@@scottjohnson5328 nahhhhhh. I drew it on Davinci pro

[@AdventuresoftheLandNorth]

Well done, really enjoyed. This hike has to be on my list. Breakfast for me is oatmeal with vanilla protein powder and some sort of dried fruit. All day energy.

[@MattShafter]

Mmmmmmm that does sound good!

[@johnhelmuth9718]

The road to the western TH was damaged two winters ago and just reopened on June 10th, 2024. The bridge crossing woods creek was also damaged a few winters back and is still out. Based on reports that it could be forded at risk, I started out on juneteenth. When I arrived at Rae the next day, the Bench Lake ranger was opening up the cabin for the season. There were tons of northbound PCTers, but they wanted to get down to the suspension bridge and beyond. Also, there were not too many JMTers since a critical bridge in kings canyon is still out. PCTers were exiting bishop pass and re-entering via piute pass. Now, the San Joaquin below Evolution can be forded. So anyway, I ended up having Middle Rae all to myself! That was not the case 8 years ago. I used microspikes for part of the climb up to the pass, but they were not really needed. I planned to camp one more night , but hauled out since bubbs creek was so buggy. Was nice to see it again this year and I really enjoyed your video!

[@MattShafter]

Thank you!

[@Paramedic772]

Great video Matt!

[@MattShafter]

Glad you enjoyed it friend!!!! Keep rescuing them park goers!!!!!!!

[@johnpaul041]

Did this trip years ago with my wife. Absolutely spectacular. We did have a very close bear encounter on day 2 (got within 10 feet of us, and I was ready to put up a fight, but it took a final sniff and turned around and sauntered off to a nearby bee hive), and my wife accidentally deleted all of our pictures from the first couple days. But awesome. Will do it again someday.

[@MattShafter]

@@johnpaul041 it’s a good one!

[@HeyItsTim]

I want to do this loop, but was searching for info to do it over Kearsarge. I'm glad you mentioned that as a good option. It might be too far. I'd like to stay under 60 miles or so.

[@MattShafter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@natlovell122]

Amazing video brother!

[@MattShafter]

Glad you liked it!

[@natlovell122]

@@MattShafter ya man it was awesome! I liked the subtitles. I really want to do this loop this fall

[@krissmith2004]

So pleasant. Thank you for your dedicated objective for perfection.

[@MattShafter]

It’s funny, because I’m not a pleasant person. 🤩

[@frankadventures]

One of my favs in the Sierras

[@MattShafter]

Let’s go again!

[@stephenhammond3656]

Hey Matt - another great Video and looks to be an amazing hike....sorry to hear that you got a bit sick with the altitude :( No Topo Pursuits in this Hike...what footwear did you use? Also, would you mind sharing what you use to Film all this content (out on the Trail) with? Cheers!

[@MattShafter]

In 2022 I was using Hoka Speedgoats! LUMIX s5 for video. Thank you!

[@armoredsaint6639]

I hiked the Rea Lakes Loop coming in from Kearsarge Pass…..soooooo cool!

[@MattShafter]

You did it!

[@reecealeck8314]

What permit did u get for that ? Only seeing permits issued coming from roads end

[@MattShafter]

@@reecealeck8314 I did roads end. There’s nothing for an Onion Valley entrance? Hrmmmm

[@reecealeck8314]

@@MattShafter no there is not. Wonder what this guy did.

[@reecealeck8314]

@@MattShafter found it! It’s through Inyo NF. Kearsarge pass to roads end

[@gregskolozdra]

Great video! Thanks for sharing.

[@MattShafter]

You bet!

[@nathankoenegstein3253]

This is absolutely stunning!! Are permits hard to come by?

[@MattShafter]

Yes. But I talk in the video that walk up permits can work.

[@jacqueraspy]

my good friend literally got back from this hike last night... and the next evening here your video is in my feed. coincidence? naw, just Google listening to our every move...

[@MattShafter]

TOO STRANGE! Anyways, I'm glad you're here.

[@slashieaward]

Woods Creek suspension bridge is fine; crossed it in early July.

[@MattShafter]

Good to know. Some said it just needed some basic repairs

[@tavabarrows]

Love it!!

[@MattShafter]

Glad you like it!

[@SummitSeeker546]

Go to breakfast? Bobos bar, peanut butter, and a cup of coffee with half a packet of carnation instant breakfast…

[@MattShafter]

That's good. No matter how many times I go out, i'm always lost on breakfasts.

[@ittotaq]

The bridge you walked across is still there but is out of order in your video. The mosquitos are fucking insane at rae lakes.

[@MattShafter]

We backed out of Ten Lakes because mosquitoes were so bad and it was so hot.

[@shanguan-gu6hp]

啊 大自然真美 每一帧都是一副美丽的图画

[@MattShafter]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@amonster8mymother]

👍

[@MattShafter]

Werd!

[@andyveres3982]

Yeah boyyyyyyy

[@MattShafter]

It’s you!!

[@TrailStrider909]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@MattShafter]

Thank you!

[@TrailStrider909]

@@MattShafter Anytime full support!

[@stevesmith756]

Although the video is nice, social media has impacted the Sierra heavily. Every trailhead is full and packed all summer long weekly. Just too many people

[@MattShafter]

Very true! If you want more solitude you have to hike beyond the throng!

[@tato4612]

Publicizing this place does not help it.

[@MattShafter]

@@tato4612 True! Permits are there and a backcountry ranger lives up there!