Deep in Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park (SEKI), the 41.4-mile Rae Lakes Loop is a classic California backpacking trip, with all the sights and sensations the Sierra High Country has to offer, rolled into a challenging yet manageable, beginner-friendly hiking excursion. Usually accomplished in three to four days, it's the perfect length to serve as the high point of a week-long vacation in the Sierra. On this trail you'll ford a rushing river, clamber over a swinging suspension bridge, feel the mist of waterfalls on your face, and wander beside multiple blissfully serene alpine lakes. Along the way, you'll hike portions of the John Muir and Pacific Crest Trails. If you're starting at the popular Road's End trailhead, the last 23 miles of your journey by car is along the Kings Canyon National Scenic Byway, one of California's scenic roads that goes deep into a breathtaking canyon.