The Rae Lakes area is reputed to offer some of the finest splendor in the high Sierra. I like loop trips, and also splendor, and as of recently, backpacking, so I gave this one a go. In July 2024 I ventured the Rae Lakes loop as a 4 day, 3 night solo backpacking trip.

Here’s a backpacking trick: open the freeze-dried meals at home, remove the desiccant packets, and add a quarter teaspoon each of salt and msg powder.