Distance: ~7 miles

My rating: easy to moderate

AKA Little Lakes Valley. I did this higher elevation hike solo and on what I consider my first big hiking day. I had an Eastern Sierra hike planned, then a Yosemite hike on the way back for a grand total of 14 miles, plus 8 hours of driving.

I woke up at my usual 2 AM, but on a Saturday. I drove on Tioga Pass for the first time and reached Tuolumne Meadows by sunrise. I headed south down 395 to Tom’s Place (cute little resort), and turned right onto Rock Creek Road.

It was the last weekend in September, and it was picture perfect. Leaves were bright yellow and orange, the sky a crisp blue, and the temperature at 8 AM was refreshing.

I love how rugged the Eastern Sierra is. On the west side of the range, it’s a gradual transition from the Central Valley, to the sloping foothills, then the mountains. The Eastside seems to have no transition zone. You go from a high desert to BAM! A wall of rock protrudes from the ground, leading to jagged high altitude peaks, including the highest peak in the contiguous US.

Anyway, I chose this trail because of its abundance of alpine lakes and for its popularity. I tend to hike well-traveled trails when I’m alone. I’ve always been able to avoid the pack and get some solitude along the way, but there are also people close enough if I were to get in trouble. I actually ended up tagging along with two other women for almost a mile. They live in different cities, but have been meeting up for years to hike this area. So awesome.

Take Rock Creek Road to the end, passing numerous campsites along the way. There are pit toilets here. Get there early, as it’s a popular trail and I imagine the lot fills up quickly.

There’s a steady, but gentle incline for the first half mile or so where the trail splits. Right takes you on the Mono Pass Trail, so you’ll want to stay left. You’ll also be at the first lake at this point, which is Mack Lake.

Close to a mile in, the second lake, Marsh Lake, will be on your left. Immediately following Marsh Lake is Heart Lake, then Box Lake. Literally, alpine lake after alpine lake. All in a row. Love it.

Around 2 miles, you’ll reach Long Lake on your right. I had a field day with photos here, settling up my phone’s timer or video and running into the shot for a handstand or touristy pose. The ridge behind the lake still had a hint of snow, and it was the most beautiful backdrop.

After Long Lake, Chickenfoot Lake is on the left, a short hike from the main trail.

Near mile 3, the trail splits. Left takes you through Morgan Pass, right to Gem Lakes. The colors of these lakes are unreal.

Explore the lakes, eat some lunch, and head back when you’ve had enough.

Oh, I kind of forgot to mention. You’ll be between 10,000 ft and 11,000 feet the whole time. Maybe I’m lucky, but I never feel the effects of altitude like some do. If you’re some entities to it, make sure you camp at a higher elevation first to acclimate. Drink water often!

Like I mentioned, the day I hiked this was a time crunched day. I didn’t stop to explore the local eateries after working up my hiking appetite, but I’m sure Tom would enjoy you stopping into his place to say hello.