Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion King's Canyon Advice - late August / Early September

Looking for recommendations on a shorter (2-4 day) backpacking trip/trail for King's Canyon in late August / early September. I have been day hiking out of "Road's End" in the past but am looking for suggestions on a little longer trip.

Note: My g/f and I completed Whitney on a day trip last summer and applied for an overnight permit to complete the backpacking variety this summer, but didn't win the lottery. This is our replacement trip.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated! We are coming up from Los Angeles if that makes a difference.

Thanks!

Have you ever done the Rae Lakes loop out of Road's End? (Mist Falls, Paradise Valley, JMT, Glenn Pass, then down Bubbs Creek)

Rae Lakes is sure a beautiful part of the JMT.

The loop would take a minimum of two nights, but longer would give you time to really enjoy.

Thanks, I've only done the first part up to a little bit past Mist Falls. I have seen a lot about it online and it looks pretty popular. Any experience with permitting aspect? Looks like a lot of days are full, however, it appears they leave 25% of the permits each day open for walk-ups.

Anyone else have any other suggestions?

The Sphinx Lakes also makes a nice trip from Roads End.

Another option would be Onion Valley to Whitney Portal via Mt. Whitney. This way you could still climb Mt. Whitney, and enjoy better scenery, better camping sites, etc.... Check out:
http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php/topics/25745/Onion_Valley_Whitney_Portal_Ju#Post25745. This trip report has lots of pictures, and suggestions about camping spots. It would take 4 days I guess, and you would need to hitch a ride from the Portal back to your car, or from the Portal (where you leave your car) to the trail head.
I'm not sure of the details of the permits, but this would give you a different option. I understand that you do need an exit permit, but I have not idea how difficult they are to obtain.