little lakes valley trail

I'm planning our 3rd multi day trip to the little lakes valley for next August. This IS an amazing part of the world. If you have a time limit for exploring the Sierras and you are looking for the same wow factor you get in Yosemite valley, then the little lakes valley is the place to go. For ease of access day hiking, you would be hard pressed to see more beauty in a 4-6 hour period. For overnight camping, you will need to get a wilderness permit in Mammoth Lakes or Bishop, but after hiking a couple miles from the trail head you will pretty much be by yourself.One thing to keep in mind, This is a very popular area and very easy for even couch potatoes to get out and enjoy, that being said, the trail head parking lot fills up by 10:00am in the summer, on weekends even sooner. Arriving later in the day will mean parking up to 3/4 of a mile further from the trail head. Fishing is good in most of the lakes in the valley. Each evening just before sunset brookies by the several dozen would porpoise trying to eat mosquitos, a truly amazing site to witness.

Picked this one up from TA readers - and boy were they right - this is as good as it gets.. Basically it's a walk/trek along a string of small alpine glacial lakes, each about 1K long, in a stunningly beautiful valley, each lake slightly higher than the other as you get further into the valley. So you can do as much as you want, turning back at any time. Therefore it is suitable for nearly all levels. - I say ''nearly all', as the walk to the first lake (Mack) from the car pk is on a fairly rough path uphill for 1k, and the most 'difficult' bit. . After that the path is fine, gently undullating up the vally past Marsh, Heart, Box & Long Lakes, each being about 1k apart. Some lakes are partly 'filled in' with valley silt creating some beautiful marsh areas also.The next 2 lakes (Chickenfoot & Emerald, just before Morgan Pass) require just a little more effort. Both are worth it if you have the time, effort and inclination. But Emerald lake's pretty side lakes have dried up unfortunately!Being up at 10,000', heat and altitude are not a problem at all - my wife and I at 70 are not regular hikers either, which prooves it. And the elevation gain is less than 1000'. Trainers are fine for footwear.But it is popular, so avoid the weekend. Parking can be a problem - the trail head holds well over 50 places, but is often half occupied by RV,s and 'long trail' overnight hikers, and even by 'dog walkers'! - so GO early. There is parking further back, but of course that means a walk to the trail head of 1k +! Google where it is if you are not sure - 10m off the highway - and bring a picnic with your camers and sunscreen - you could/should be there all day!We forgot to go to the 'pie' shop refered to below (and by others ON the trail) - BEFORE we started - spent too long on the trail! - and therefore missed our pie. BE Warned!

Love, love, love this easy to moderate hike. Beautiful scenery in between a string of gorgeous glacial lakes. Wonderful place to picnic and enjoy what most of us don't ever get to experience in the back country.

Open in the summer for hiking, call the ranger station in Bishop or Mammoth before you go for information on current conditions and wilderness permit requirements. This is a beautiful high elevation trailhead and it's great for day hiking, overnight backpacking, and fishing. It's good for first-time hikers because the elevation change is not huge like some other trails in the area. But it is a high elevation so I recommend staying a night or two nearby to get acclimated before you hike. Also go prepared for changing weather, mosquitos, and with your 10-essentials. And don't forget your camera!

My wife and I are avid hikers and I must say this hike is amazing. Weather you want to backpack in for several days or just day hike, this trail has it all. We went to 10,470 ft elevation to Heart Lake. Passing along the way Mack Lake and Marsh Lake. This place is picture perfect and we took plenty of pictures !John & LynNita Ellis

This was a nice and easy walk taking you into the heart of the mountains! Bring picnic and eat by the shore of one of the little lakes. Keep walking, it gets more beautiful the further into the valley you get! Just beware of road works right before the parking lot (you might need to wait for 20 mins each direction).

This trail is spectacular. We've done it several times, including taking Swiss friends one time. Even they were wowed by the scenery. Best yet, it's an easy hike once you're acclimated to the altitude. Check conditions before you go. No services, so bring along what you want.

My wife and I have hiked this trail maybe 20 times over the years. It is off Hwy. 395, between Bishop and Mammoth Lakes. You drive in off the highway about 10 miles, pass a small cafe and proceed to the roadend. Wear your hiking shoes, wear your hiking clothes, bring water, lunch, a camera and sunscreen and set off down the trail. Give yourself anywhere from 2 to 8 hours. The trail is pretty flat, though it has its minor ups-and-downs. Go in as far as you wish, stop and gaze wherever you want, lay down on a rock next to a lake if it suits you (there are several) and take side jaunts if you feel the desire. The scenery everywhere is glorious. While there will be other day-trippers, there is plenty of room for all. Mosquitoes are an issue usually only in June and July.On the way home, stop in at the cafe for a hamburger and a piece of usually wonderful homemade pie. The rhubarb pie, in season, is fantastic!

This area is called Little Lakes Valley, out of Rock Creek Lake, the Valley is the most scenic you will probably see in California, way better than Yosemite, far less people, The lakes on the hike are beautiful, there are several along the hike, Heart lake is the most scenic, with great places to sit and, enjoy a picnic. After a great day of hiking and, photos, be sure to stop at the Rock Creek Lake Store and, lunch counter, simply the best Pie anywhere in the Sierras! The Apricot Pie is the remains the best I have eaten anywhere! A must see if you only have one day in the Sierras.

We hiked lots of trails in Yosemite in years before. This year we decided to hike some trails just outside Yosemite. We stayed in Mammoth Lakes and from there it will take about an hour to get to the Mosquito Flat Trailhead. Just follow SR 395 south and go right at Tom's Place. From there it is a 10 miles climb to the trailhed parkinglot. Since it is a very popular trailhead you may find the parkinglot full upon arrival. There are some overflow parkinglots located 1 mile from the trailhead. We hiked our way up as far as Morgan Pass. Trail starts with a steep climb buth then gradually climbs up to Long Lake and Chickenfoot Lake (take the detour!). From the jct. to Chickenfoot Lake the trail starts to climb to the jct. to Gem Lakes. The last half mile to Morgan Pass is very steep. Although crowded the scenery is spectacular and all the lakes are beautiful. You have great oppurtunities to take pictures. My favorite lake is Mack Lake, my wife's favorite is Heart Lake. The trail is moderate, but as we are living at sealevel, we had to get used to the height (Morgan Pass is at 11,000 feet).

Sapphire lakes surrounded by high mountains (climbed two of them). This may be the prettiest place in the eastern Sierra.

Fantastic lakes. Brilliant scenery and photos. Highlight of trip up to Tahoe. Even better than Yosemite.

I live in the Eastern Sierra and this is my go-to hike for first time visitors and for my first summer foray into the mountains. It has spectacular scenery from the first step on the trail at Mosquito Flats up to the last of the lakes (ChickenFoot to name one). My only complaint is that the trail is VERY popular. Take lots of photos, hang them in your house and everyone will think you are a professional photographer.

If you look forward to a bit of solitude on your hikes, this is NOT for you. Amusement park crowds may be OK for families but this place is packed - especially on weekends. Otherwise an easy and picturesque hike.

Parking is scarce here so be warned to get there early! There are many lakes to visit up this trail. Off to one side are the Eastern Brook Lakes. They are nestled in wooded bowls and the scenery is magnificent. Is a great fishing spot or for a picnic. Is over a bit of hilly terrain but think most kids could manage it. Is beautiful and worth the hike. On up the main trail you come upon many lakes. After the first grade the trail is pretty gradual and spectacular. The lakes are beautiful and hike up to the end if you can, take your picnic and enjoy the Sierras!