John Muir Trail to Rae Lakes Tour
Overview
Immerse in the wild on this challenging but fulfilling 8-day guided Rae Lakes Loop Backpacking Tour through Kings Canyon National Park. Expect to walk by a spellbinding collage of supernatural views, such as the Rae Lakes Basin and 60 Lake Basin. But the real highlight will be when you traverse Glen Pass on the famous John Muir Trail.
Once you kick-off your boots, you can bask in the natural oasis surrounding you at each wild campsite and reflect on the supercut of vistas that you just hiked by. Since you’ll be spending a significant amount of time trekking the John Muir trail, it’s only appropriate to leave this quote from him here, “In every walk with Nature one receives far more than he seeks.”
Depending on the permit received, this route might be done in reverse.
John Muir Trail to Rae Lakes Tour Overview
Immerse in the wild on this challenging but fulfilling 8-day guided Rae Lakes Loop Backpacking Tour through Kings Canyon National Park. Expect to walk by a spellbinding collage of supernatural views, such as the Rae Lakes Basin and 60 Lake Basin. But the real highlight will be when you traverse Glen Pass on the famous John Muir Trail.
Once you kick-off your boots, you can bask in the natural oasis surrounding you at each wild campsite and reflect on the supercut of vistas that you just hiked by. Since you’ll be spending a significant amount of time trekking the John Muir trail, it’s only appropriate to leave this quote from him here, “In every walk with Nature one receives far more than he seeks.”
Depending on the permit received, this route might be done in reverse.
Traverse a section of the famous, mesmerizing John Muir Trail, including a memorable ascent to Glenn Pass, where panoramic views await.
Spend two nights wild camping amid the breathtaking scenery flanking Rae Lakes—fall asleep to natural songs of the outdoors!
Enjoy a montage of scenery playing before your eyes as you hike, such as waterfalls, lakes, creeks and rivers, and the “Golden Gate of the Sierra.”
Hike to the spellbinding 60 Lake Basin without the weight of your bags during your stay at Rae Lakes.
Trip map for John Muir Trail to Rae Lakes Tour
Barbara C.
Amalfi Coast Bicycle Tour
We went through 10Adventures not familiar with them at all, and it was the best decision we ever made!
Allyson K.
Everest Base Camp
Just an amazing experience. Absolutely lifechanging!
Amy D.
XC Skiing in the Dolomites
It was a fantastic trip and Nadine was extremely responsive to all of our questions.
Itinerary for John Muir Trail to Rae Lakes Tour
Head to Fresno, California
Check into your hotel at 4 pm and relax before meeting your guide and the rest of the group at 6 pm. Go over an orientation for your upcoming expedition. During this chat, you’ll check your gear and discuss your trip in detail. You are on your own for dinner!
Go to Kings Canyon National Park
Consume a complimentary breakfast before travelling via a private shuttle for 2.5 hours to the Road’s End Trailhead. Leave your daily woes behind as the beauty surrounding Kings Canyon National Park swallows you. You’ll meander along Bubb’s Creek Trail before setting up at camp at the junction of two rivers at Charlotte Creek.
Hike to Charlotte Lake
Enjoy walking upstream, along Bubb’s Creek Trail, until you reach the renowned John Muir Trail in Vidette Meadow. You’ll then embark on a remarkable ascent below the Kearsarge Needles. Eventually, you’ll reach Charlotte Lake, where you can relax and swim.
Ascend Glen Pass
Get ready for a challenging day! Today you will head up Glenn Pass, one of the most famous passes on the John Muir Trail. You’ll get a chance to bask in the views before descending to the picturesque Rae Lakes Basin. Spend the rest of the day chilling and admiring the scenery!
Discover 60 Lake Basin
Explore without the weight of your backpacks today. Leave Rae Lakes behind for a few hours and hike to the 60 Lake Basin. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon once you’re back at Rae Lakes!
Head to Woods Creek
Admire the sunrise painting the sky golden—if you’re awake—before packing up camp and heading towards Woods Creek and the “Golden Gate of the Sierra,” a long suspension bridge that takes you across the creek. Say goodbye to the John Muir Trail as you head towards Paradise Valley. You’ll camp somewhere along Woods Creek!
Hike through Paradise Valley
Spend your last of this rugged, exciting backpacking adventure hiking through Paradise Valley towards the Kings River's South Fork. Enjoy your last night of camping in the wild before re-entering society tomorrow.
Final day of hiking
Pack up camp before embarking on your final hours of hiking. Soak in the stunning views of the waterfalls and the river as you make your way to the trailhead. Upon arrival, a private shuttle will pick you up, provide you lunch, and transfer you back to Fresno, where the tour ends.
Reviews
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
Dates and prices for John Muir Trail to Rae Lakes Tour
This guided tour in the Kings Canyon is always run as a fixed-departure tour where you would be joining a group, therefore the price is fixed and only depends on the number of people sharing the room or a tent.
The prices below are per person:
| Start | Finish | Duration | Places Left | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2025-08-29 Fresno 8 days / 5+ Spaces Left | 2025-09-04 Fresno | 8 | 5+ | $2,995USD | ||
2025-09-07 Fresno 8 days / 5+ Spaces Left | 2025-09-13 Fresno | 8 | 5+ | $2,995USD |
What’s included for John Muir Trail to Rae Lakes Tour
Meals
7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners, and trail snacks along the route are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 1 night in the hotel in Fresno, and for 6 nights of wilderness camping. Accommodations before and after the tour in Fresno are not included.
Transportation during the Tour
Receive a free private shuttle ride from Fresno to the trailhead, and from the ending trailhead back to Fresno.
Also Included
- Guide
- Personal backpacking gear (per request), such as sleeping bags, backpack, sleeping pads, tents, trekking poles
- Group gear, such as stoves, group first aid kit, cooking items, water filters, etc.
- Hot coffee and tea in the mornings
Not Included
- Flights to get to and from Fresno.
- Personal clothing and shoes
- Accommodations before and after the adventure tour in Fresno
- Dinner on Day 1
- Personal expenses + gratuities (recommended 10-20% for excellent service)
- Evacuations
- Insurance
Optional Extras
- You can upgrade to a single occupancy in the hotel for an additional fee
- Extra night in Fresno before or after the tour
Accommodation for John Muir Trail to Rae Lakes Tour
This backpacking adventure will have you staying in a cozy hotel one night. The hotel has modern necessities that will keep you comfy and relaxed. Keep in mind that rooms are double occupancy, but you can always upgrade to single occupancy for an additional fee. Single travellers are also required to pay a supplement. You will spend the remaining 6 nights backcountry camping.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may be swapped for other similar accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement of $110 to have a private room in a hotel. We can match the single travellers up, however, in case there aren’t any matches, you’ll have to pay a supplement of $55.
Non-Standard Cancellation
- 64 days or more prior to departure: the cancellation fee will be 50% of the total trip cost.
- Between 34 and 62 days prior to departure: the cancellation fee will be 75% of the total trip cost.
- 33 days or less prior to departure: the cancellation fee will be 100% of the total trip cost.
Frequently asked questions for John Muir Trail to Rae Lakes Tour
How hard is the Rae Lakes Loop Backpacking Tour?
This tour is rated as 4 / 5, as it has you hiking moderate to challenging routes every day. You also need to be comfortable with camping in the wild for 6 nights.
Do I need a Visa to travel to the United States?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on the Rae Lakes Loop Backpacking Tour?
7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners, and trail snacks along the route are included.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have Health and Medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to Fresno to start this tour?
You can fly to Fresno Yosemite International Airport.
Is the Rae Lakes Loop Backpacking Tour in English?
Yes, the tour guide speaks English.
Where does the Rae Lakes Loop Backpacking Tour end?
The tour ends in Fresno, California.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to the United States?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for the United States?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
When is the best time to travel to California for this tour?
The best time to travel to California for hiking is during the summer.
Why book with 10 Adventures?
Small Group Adventures
Join like-minded travellers to safely and confidently experience all the things that make our world worth exploring.
Packed with Inclusions
Accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - all taken care of so you can focus on making memories.
World Class Support
Have peace of mind for when travel plans change with our hassle-free booking process and unbeatable support.
Let's start talking about your next adventure!