Little Lakes Valley Trail

The easy access to this beautiful chain of lakes make Little Lakes Valley popular for fishing, day hikes and beginning backpackers. Glaciers carved this extensive chain of lakes, both large and small. Wildflowers bloom in the high elevation framed by the spectacular 13,000-foot peaks of Bear Creek Spire, Mt. Dade, Mt. Abbot and Mt. Mills. Some evidence of historical mining equipment can be seen, along with an old road bed at Morgan Pass.

Notes:

Abandon mine road between Morgan Lakes and Pine Creek is impassable do to unstable hillside, exit only via Mosquito Flat.
Active bear area, bear proof containers required to secure your food and refuse.
Check the area map, trips going toward Mono Pass are a different permit.

Common Destinations: Long Lake, Chicken Foot Lake, Gem Lakes, Treasure Lakes

Download area map for trail location.
To purchase more detailed maps or guidebooks of the area, visit sierraforever.org

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	Weather
Reservations:	Reserve up to 6 months in advance at www.Recreation.gov
Rentals & Guides:	Rock Creek Pack Station is located on Rock Creek Road offering day rides and mule pack trips (760) 935-4493 or 760-872-8331
Permit Info:	Wilderness permits are required year round for overnight trips. Day use does not require a permit. May 1 through November 1 quota limits visitors to 25 people per day.
Restrictions:	No campfires anywhere in this valley. Food, trash and scented items must be stored in bear proof containers. Groups cannot be larger than 15 people (includes day use). Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep habitat, do not disturb this recovering species. John Muir Wilderness regulations.
Closest Towns:	Crowley Lake, CA (gas, food) Toms Place, CA (gas, food) Mammoth Lakes, CA (full service, hospital) Bishop, CA (full service, hospital)
Water:	Water from creeks, lakes and springs should be treated before drinking.
Restroom:	Vault toilet at trailhead. Please Leave No Trace. Bury human waste away from water sources.
Operated By:	Forest Service
Information Center:	White Mountain Visitor Center (760) 873-2500 Wilderness Permit Information (760) 873-2483

General Information

Directions:

From Bishop go north on Hwy 395 to Tom's Place. Follow Rock Creek Road to Mosquito Flat, and the end of the road where there is paved hiker parking.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Mountain Climbing

Little Lakes Valley trail accesses routes to Bear Creek Spire, Mt Abbot and Mt Dade. Overnight trips reqire a wilderness permit.

Lake and Pond Fishing

Little Lakes Valley has many species of trout in the lakes and streams along this beautiful valley, Check the Eastern Sierra Back Country Fishing Guide for all the varieties of trout that are available.