Rae Lakes Loop – Early Season Sierra Hiking in Kings Canyon
My wife and I hiked the Rae Lakes Loop over Memorial weekend 2026 during the early season and were treated with some of the most breathtaking views I’ve ever seen in the Sierra. The snow was just thin enough to get in & out, but still covered the higher sections mimicking mid June conditions and making for epic scenery. The melt was in full swing… Kings Canyon was coming alive!
26 Comments
One of the most beautiful videos
I really appreciate the effort you put into your videos. The amount of back and forth, just to give us the 'perspective' shots is astounding; thank you! My wife and I both fish with Tenkara when backpacking, but she recently voiced the desire to try spin fishing in order to get farther out. Do you mind sharing your super compact rod/reel combo you use?
Day 1 asking for your wife to narrate a hike.
A beautiful hiking adventure with your wife. Unbelievable how much extra walking to set up the views. Perfect song for you and your wife at the end.
What an awesome hike thanks for sharing
Nicely done – I like the third person with great audio. Good to see you and your wife having a Sierra outing. Keep building and evolving your talents.
John, epic adventure and video. I'll be out there at the end of August, can't wait!! Thanks for sharing! All the best.
I did this hike 3 yrs ago, beautiful hike that I’d love to do again. Thanks for posting.
Beautiful John! One of our favorite areas to hike in the Sierras. I always appreciate how much work you must do to capture the moment and the majesty of hiking in Gods’ wonderful creation. Looking forward to your next adventure.
I love your vids! What an outstanding trip. 🗻💪
John, Thanks for always putting in those extra miles to go back and get the camera after the shots.. Another Great Film. We are heading out from Roads End to do the loop for Americas 250th over July 4th Weekend… Thanks for reaffirming my decision.
3:28 A +10,000 ft bonfire couldn't be manageable it seems.
Great video John. For those of us that can’t be in Sierra backcountry at this time, it gives us a mental time out to just be there.
excellent…been there many times
John, Greetings from Safety Harbor, Fl. I'm seriously blown away on how far you've come making Vids. Thank You for all the hard work!
What a sweet early season treat. And we got to enjoy it without all the hiking in the woods! Your editing properly emphasized the high country you love. Your wife is badass. My wife (watching with me) was noticing her limp got more pronounced as the days went by. Hope her knee came through ok. Thanks as always for taking us along and doing such a great job with the videography and editing! 🙂
Beautiful nature
Love watching your vids & your wife is a badass!!
Nice job on the video. Well done. In particular all the effort you put into crossing Arrow Creek twice. I wouldn't have done that. Too cold!!!
Amazing. Beautiful. Thanks for letting us share your experience ad free.
Stunning. Thank you!
Beautiful scenery and excellent video!
My favorite video of yours yet especially just you and your wife with no narration, just soaking in the beauty. Glad to see water crossing at Upper Paradise did not look too bad but the snow field going up Glen Pass looked ominous; any sketchy moments? Doing the loop from roads end 2nd week of August with my daughter. Thanks for the wonderful early season preview.
That loop never gets old. The Sierra never disappoints. Props to Sarah for that climb up Glen Pass in the snow. I was impressed.
Dang it John…it’s 11pm here on the east coast…on a Sunday night… am I really about to crack a cold freshie and get my dose of new Amorosano?
Yes🍺
Fantastic video! Lovely to see you both out there enjoying the magnificence ✌🏻🩷💙