Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The hike
The walk starts at Mosquito Flat, at the end of Rock Creek Road, about 10 miles above Tom's Place and more than 10,000 feet up. The Little Lakes Valley Trail enters the John Muir Wilderness and passes the turning for Mono Pass and Ruby Lake. It then runs up the open valley past Mack Lake, Marsh Lake, Heart Lake, Box Lake and Long Lake, with Bear Creek Spire at the head of the valley. Beyond the Chickenfoot Lake turning, a signed side trail leaves the main trail, which goes on to Morgan Pass, and climbs to the Gem Lakes. Return the same way.
It is 7.3 miles (11.7 km) round trip with 790 feet (240 m) of climbing; allow about 3½ hours. The grade is Moderate: an easy trail with short climbs, made harder by the altitude.
No permit is needed for a day hike. You start higher than most Sierra walks finish, so go slowly on the first day up from the valley. Campfires are not allowed anywhere in the valley. This is habitat for Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep: keep your distance. In early summer bring insect repellent. The paved lot at the trailhead fills early on summer weekends.
The upper part of Rock Creek Road is closed in winter and reopens in late spring or early summer.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- Starts above 3,100 m, one of the highest trailheads in the Sierra Nevada
- A gentle climb past a string of lakes under Bear Creek Spire
- Early summer lives up to the trailhead's name: bring insect repellent
Getting there
Start: Mosquito Flat Trailhead. 37.43539, -118.74691
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Eastern Sierra: Booking.com → Expedia →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.
