Ken, I live in San Francisco. I think the easiest is for me to leave SF on Wed morning early and come down to your house. I'm an early riser and can be at your place any time. One thing... I can get a ride to you in Scotts Valley no problem but I don't own a car. So I can not offer up a vehicle for the drive down south, I hope thats ok.
Last night I pored over that maps and this is going to be a great trip! I'm excited to explore the Rae Lakes area.

Dylan, I was already planning on driving so no worries. We would be leaving around noonish??????

Dylan, keep in mind too, that some of us are older. We will be in cruise mode for most of this hike. I think the last day we are hiking 14 miles back to the trailhead. I'd offer you my Bearvault, but the one that I have is not allowed in the Rae Lakes area due to bears getting into them. Mine is one of the older models. Bear Boxer is perfect. It costs like $29 or so and should be enough for 4 days food

Perfect! I'll plan on being at your place by 11. I ordered a Bare Boxer (small) last night. It's so much easier to justify new gear when you are planning a trip for real.

Ken, I'm 41! Thanks so much for the vote of confidence. 14 miles is plenty far in one day, I'm more of a tortoise than a hare.
Does anyone have a favorite map of the area? I'll be buying one tomorrow, Google maps was fun last night but I like to have a paper version to look at as well.

Dylan, I have the Tom Harrison Kearsarge Pass--Rae Lakes Loop Map. If you plan to be in the area again, buy it.

If you just want to borrow my copy, I'll send it to you.

Tom Harrison has fantastic maps. I have a SEKI one that will have the whole hike on it. I think we might try to get to Woods Crk Crossing on the first day if possible. That way we can cross country in 60 Lakes Basin next to Arrowhead Lake on the next day. From there we could camp in the basin, or make our way into Ray Lakes afterwards. As for age, I am 46 and I think Jack is around our age also. Kat is much younger and more fun to hike with than us! Most of the mileage will be in the 10-12 mile range each day. If we do Woods Crk Crossing in the first day, it will be 13ish with around 3000 feet elevation gain.

Jennifer and Ken, thanks for the info. I'm ordering a map from Tom Harrison right now.

REI Dylan....faster and cheaper!

Dylan I pm'd you my cell #. Dunno what your hiking set up is, or if you need something. Let me know. If you have any questions regarding the trip ask away

Edited by kennyhel77 on 07/09/2010 19:13:53 MDT.

also my buddy cannot attend so his spot is open too Jack

"I think we might try to get to Woods Crk Crossing on the first day if possible."

Last August, two of us left Roads End at 7:45 a.m. (which is tough on a lot of people, depending on where you slept) and arrived at Woods Crossing at 5:00 p.m., totally dead. One problem is that after you leave Paradise Valley, you will be hiking away from the stream, so drinking water will become precious. You could always leave the trail to pick up more water and then return to the trail, but that takes time. By late afternoon, you just want to get to camp and get off your feet.

--B.G.--

Thanks Bob, it has been 10 years since I last did this loop, and I forgot that once you do leave Woods Crk. that water does become scarce until Dollar Lake. Then again I was carrying 70 lbs.....yes really. One thing that can affect the trip too is the heat and flys once you start hiking. 5000 feet is still a pretty low elevation starting point. If we are pooped at Upper Paradise, then so be it. I have always wanted to go into 60 Lakes Basin, but that MIGHT be a tad ambitious. Bummer because Woods Crk. Crossing has some mighty fine campsites!!!!! Regardless, it is better than being at work anyday!


Bob, since you have done this loop and my memory is ahhh faded, at Dollar Lake, it the Baxter Pass trail easy to find. Just curious?????

Edited by kennyhel77 on 07/09/2010 19:56:42 MDT.

If you try to push up to Woods Crossing on the first day, then that dry patch of trail is in the 2-3 miles before you reach Woods Crossing, which is when you would be the tiredest and most in need of water. When I arrived at Woods Crossing last August, I had about 2 oz of water left.

From there up to Dollar Lake, I don't recall it being completely dry. I remember one black bear in a wet stream next to the trail along there.

The Baxter Pass trail is supposed to be at a junction just north of Dollar Lake. However, with all of the snow this year, it would be hard to say what is easy and what is not.

Last August, I had about 20 pounds of pack, plus 10 pounds of camera gear. My friend had about 30 pounds of pack (newbie).

--B.G.--

Ken, yes, it was clearly marked, here's a shot I found


Also, last September the bugs were horrible until at least Mist Falls. There were day hikers in tears trying to get back to their cars. Many of them looked at our headnets, then looked at their companions and said, "That's what we need!"

Alright kids I'll be 50 in Oct. of this year, does that make me the Grandpa. And Bob's right the stretch between Upper Paridise to Woods Crossing is dusty, I thought it was the worst part of the whole hike, if there is a worst part to this hike. I couldn't wait to get to camp, eat, shower and go to bed. I think it's not only the dusty part that gets you but also the continuios up and down in elevation, what a bummer. Make it past this in a day and every thing else seems like a piece of cake, at least in my memory, of course like Ken I was packing way to much and to heavy. That was 4 years ago I had 48lbs and thought I was going lighter, This year my goal is 25lbs and under, really I am shooting for 20-22lbs but will be ok with 25lbs, if it wasn't for the stupid bath tub that they make you carry to keep your food in I could loose 1.5 lbs right there, 1.5 lbs that's almost my whole sleep system

sounds like a great trip guys wish i could go
tarp is still avalible if anyone wants to take it just let me or jack know and ill send it with him i have all guy lines you just need stakes and trekking poles and your all set

have fun guys that includes you jack lol

kevin

Edited by divr6347 on 07/09/2010 23:48:53 MDT.

Jennifer thanks for the photo. I want to hike that trail from the east side entry....I am a sadisst! It just looks cool to do. Same goes for Taboose, Sawmill, and Shepards....

Bob, Jack, I know the stretch you are talking about now. It is the stretch along where Castle Dome is and the meadow and creek down below the trail. I nearly died in that section. Dusty, hot and not fun. I really hit my wall there the time I made it through there. This year will be different!

Jennifer, the stretch between the trailhead to Mist Falls has some of the worst bugs I have ever encountered. I swallowed many little flies or nats and got sick from it. I have my headnet this time! And I am prepared...bring it on bugs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Edited by kennyhel77 on 07/10/2010 09:50:11 MDT.

Oh Ken, you are so kind.I am actually right in your age range, 42. But thanks anyway, maybe it's the small size and the braids. :)

Kat, just speaking the truth! Kevin, bummer that you guys cannot go. This loop is awesome!! Many more trips in the future for all to do!

I don't care what any body says Kat is super human I've seen it first hand, its mind boggling, just my perspective.
She could probably do Mt.Everest in a week.