Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
7
Roads End
to Onion Valley
S
CENERY
:
T
RAIL CONDITION
:
C
HILDREN
:
D
IFFICULTY
:
S
OLITUDE
:
D
ISTANCE
:
35 miles
H
IKING TIME
:
4-5 days
O
UTSTANDING FEATURES
:
Mist Falls, Paradise Valley, Rae Lakes, Glen Pass,
Kearsarge Pass
Much of this section mirrors the venerable Rae Lakes Loop, one of Kings Canyon's
most celebrated hikes. Its popularity is not surprising given that it squeezes nearly
every alpine highlight into a jam-packed 35-mile adventure: waterfalls, wood thick-
ets, riverside valleys, picturesque alpine lakes, high-mountain passes, and stunning
views of jagged peaks. Starting with a moderate climb, rise through lush Paradise
Valley before joining the John Muir Trail as it crosses Woods Creek on a spectacular
suspension bridge. Continue ascending up-canyon to reach the justifiably famed Rae
Lakes, a chain of gorgeous high-altitude lakes sitting below Glen Pass (11,978 feet).
If time allows, plan a layover day at Rae Lakes to loll about in supreme alpine
splendor before summiting the pass. Descending toward Vidette Meadow, continue
south while the Rae Lakes Loop returns west to the trailhead. Leaving the JMT, head
east rising to yet another lofty perch at Kearsarge Pass (11,845 feet) before exiting
the wilderness in Onion Valley.
DIRECTIONS: R
OADS
E
ND TRAILHEAD
—Roads End lies at the head of the canyon
for which the park is named. From Fresno, head 53 miles east on CA 180 to Kings
Canyon's Big Stump Entrance, continue straight through the park, dropping more
than 3,000 feet as the road curves along the South Fork Kings River to Grant Grove
Village. It's another 30 miles to Cedar Grove Village, and Roads End lies another 6
miles east at its terminus.
Public transit is sorely lacking in the park, and your best bet would be to hitch-
hike from Fresno (serviced by Amtrak and Greyhound) or to contact the friendly
folks at Mammoth Shuttle by phone at (760) 934-6588 to arrange for private transit
