Originally Posted By: Jonathan C
Originally Posted By: bruce
I think they have a different quota system for Rae Lakes, as it's only about 9 miles in where the Rae Lakes loop goes left while you go right.
I've gotten a walk-in on Labor Day weekend so it shouldn't be difficult to reserve a permit on a less popular weekend.

I'm nearly positive there's no distinction. The only thing that matters is the trailhead. Anyone doing Rae Lakes has two options since they can go clockwise or counterclockwise. Counterclockwise is the Bubb's Creek permit, which is the one you're referring to.

https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/upload/NoYear-Wilderness-Trip-Planner-Final-3.pdf

I'm not saying it's impossible, but again there are only 5 walkups per day. You can see on their availability page that Bubb's Creek has almost no reservation slots open between July and mid-September: https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/reservation-availability.htm


Wow, I guess you're right. It's been quite a while since I got a permit there.

However there are plenty of spots open for the Franklin Pass traihead. I've taken that route once and I think it's more scenic and it's only about 42 miles to the summit. Franklin Pass is about 11800 and then you follow the Rattlesnake creek trail to the Kern River Canyon. Follow that up Junction Meadow, where you'll turn right to get to the PCT and then Crabtree over to Whitney.