Sleep Like a Rock

Rock Creek Lake Hike at Mosquito Flats

No crowds, no cell phone service—now that’s a wilderness getaway! The hugely underrated Rock Creek Lake in the Inyo National Forest of the eastern Sierra is known for its peaceful lake scenery and stunningly beautiful alpine valley hike at Mosquito Flats. Opt for a little-used trail that highlights its primary moniker, Rock Creek. This roughly 6-mile (round-trip) hike parallels the creek and is easy to follow. Descend into a canyon of lodgepole pines and aspens. A boardwalk section leads to a charming bridge over the flowing creek, surrounded by cabins and East Fork Campground (offering more shade and solitude than the lake sites—see BONUS). Head back the way you came, ascending back to Rock Creek Lake.

 

BONUS STAY & EAT: Rock Creek Lake has excellent camping in both Rock Creek Lake Campground and East Fork Campground. There’s also the charming and rustic Rock Creek Lakes Resort, ten secluded cabins owned and operated by the King family since 1979. The lodge headquarters has boat rentals and a delicious breakfast and lunch, including grass-fed burgers with a tasty homemade BBQ sauce, and possibly the most delicious strawberry-rhubarb crumble you’ll ever eat.

rockcreektoeastfork-image-jpeg

To get to the trailhead and parking lot, take either CA-14 or I-15 to U.S. 395 N. Pass through Bishop and, 25 miles further on, at Tom’s Place turn left onto Rock Creek Rd. Follow it up the hill, taking a left at the sign for Rock Creek Lake Campground directly across from the lodge, parking at the first set of spots. Head for the trail on the left of the road, marked by a sign indicating the way to the creek and East Fork Campground. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Taking the Stage: Tyler Ranch

    Hike the recently opened Tyler Ranch Staging Area in Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park, with 18 miles of new trails. This 6.5-mile loop up Sunol Peak is a challenge and rewards with exceptional views of seasonal iridescent hills.

    View
  2. A woman stands at Dante's View in Death Valley, looking out to Telescope Peak and Manly Lake, Badwater Basin below.

    Sunset Hike (and Manly Lake Vista!) at Dante's View

    It’s one of the world’s best places to watch a sunset. Dante’s View is a 5,476-foot vantage of the whole southern basin of Death Valley from the top of the Black Mountains. On clear days you get views of both the highest and lowest points in the contiguous U.S. 

    View
  3. Swing into Spring

    Swing into this 7.1-mile hike in the hills of Half Moon Bay! It’s got gorgeous views, fields of spring wildflowers, and a hidden rustic tree swing.

    View
  4. The Carson Show

    Carson Falls is ready for primetime. This three-tiered, 100-foot stunner is hidden back in a canyon outside of Fairfax and reached on a 3.25-mile (round-trip) hike.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Lava Lava

    Once a land of volcanic activity, Mojave National Preserve shares plenty about its past via a quick yet adventurous hike to the Lava Tube in the Cima Dome Volcanic Field.

    View
  2. Kelso Dunes

    The hike to the top of Kelso Dunes in the Mojave National Preserve is only 3 miles (out and back), but you’ll feel like you’ve hiked much farther by the time you’re done.

    View
  3. William Kenyon Overlook

    Some of the best vistas of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park are easily accessible via a short and sweet 1.25-mile (round-trip) hike just off the CA-78. Enter your next favorite desert viewpoint: the William Kenyon Overlook.

    View
  4. Beaudry Bountiful

    There are no cars allowed on Beaudry Loop, but this 6-mile hike takes you on a wild ride. You’ll be climbing 1,500 feet up the southern Verdugos along a chaparral-lined trail with gorgeous mountain and urban vistas every step of the way.

    View