This review is for Little Lakes Valley To Gem Lakes which was a ~7.2 miles round trip that took ~4.5 hours to complete. Trail will take you to 6 different lakes (Mack, Marsh, Heart, Box, Long and Gem Lakes). With an optional detour to a 7th lake called Chickenfoot Lake (located after Long Lake). Trail was mostly a rocky incline towards Gem Lakes. There were some fall colors on the shrubs but not on the trees of this trail. Beware of altitude sickness! The worse symptom for us this time was shortness of breath. Decent sized parking area at the trailhead. However, it was almost full at sunrise. Restrooms are available within a short walk from the start of the trail. The drive towards the parking lot gets narrow and harder to fit two cars. Short video of the hike for those interested! https://youtu.be/lHZW-RvsUXk read more

See all

LITTLE LAKES VALLEY TRAIL - It's a very scenic and fun hike. If you're able, make sure you visit most of the lakes ( I think there are seven total). Reaching Long Lake (5th lake) is a good turnaround point for most people. Be prepared to get your feet wet as several portions of the trail were over a stream. TIPS: This trail is not ideal for those who have mobility issues. A lot of rocks, steps, gravel, and in some cases water and snow. Get to the parking lot by 8:30. The lot will fill up fast, and you'll have to drive down the road to find parking. There's a bathroom in the parking lot. read more

See all

A gorgeous way to experience the foothills of the eastern Sierras. Mosquito Flat Trailhead (aka Rock Creek hike, Little Lakes Valley hike, and others depending on who you ask) is a relatively flat and easy, out and back hike through enticing scenery regardless of the season - everything from peaceful brooks to lake after expansive lake to snow-laced (or snow capped depending on the time of year) craggy mountain peaks. Depending on when you want to turn around, assuming you want to get some good lake vistas in, you can make this anywhere from a 2 mile round trip to definitely over 6-7 miles rounds trip. From the 395 turn west towards the Sierras off of Rock Creek road, an off ramp about 15 minute south of Crowley Lake. This road dead ends after about 10 miles into a parking lot that fills up fast - at 8:30am on a Thursday it was completely full; we literally took the very last spot. But, there is a ton of overflow parking - you'll just have to walk a ways more to get to the trailhead. Despite the abundance of cars, this has nowhere near the popularity of, say, a Yosemite Valley floor hike, and if you start early you'll only see fellow hikers here and there. From the trailhead we went straight in, just to the right of the main map at the beginning. We took a fork early on to Morgan Pass (the other option is Mono Pass, which is a less lake-y trail), which'll take you directly through Little Lakes Valley. Pictures speak for themselves, but essentially you'll comes across several lakes in quick succession, each lake with its own unique blue and green hues and cathedral-like granite faces rising out of the water. Each lake has its own characteristics and special turnouts for a different view - despite an abundance of lakes back to back there is no way you could get bored with the variety of vantage points and perspectives. Continue on this main, well-demarcated path for a ways, and you'll pass Mack Lake, Heart Lake, Box Lake, and Long Lake, and eventually you'll see a turn off for Chickenfoot lake - would highly recommend taking this turnout, which leads down another 1/4 mile path or so to Chickenfoot. All of these lakes are serenely stunning, but if you want to go a little further... Once back on the main trail from the Chickenfoot hike, continue up the small hill (to your right when looking at the Chickenfoot sign from the main path) and head towards Gem Lakes. Interestingly, we saw far fewer hikers after Chickenfoot, making me think Chickenfoot is a common turnaround point. You'll soon pass a sign that says Gem Lakes...keep going along this path. After about a mile or so (perhaps longer, hard to judge) you'll see a makeshift large post (discarded tree branch?) on the right of the trail - this post actually has the word "gem" etched in it and directs you to your right, down a small fork. Take this fork about another half mile to the main Gem Lake - in our opinion, this was BY FAR the most gorgeous lake we spent time at. Very few people, nearly unreal shades of turquoise and cobalt within the water and with plenty of areas to eat lunch and rest in solitude. Total distance round trip from the trailhead to Gem Lake was about 6 miles. Chickenfoot round trip seems to be about in the 4-5 mile ballpark. Generally speaking, the trail is fairly flat, but there are some ups and downs - couple that with the fact that the trailhead itself is about 10,000 in elevation, and Gem Lakes is at ~11,200 I believe. So if you're totally out of shape, I would say that this hike may be doable but still a bit hard due to the elevation. If you're doing the hike in the summer or fall, would highly recommend starting as early as possible and meandering in slowly. The sun at noon was pretty hot and despite sunscreen we both got a little burned. There are fairly clean bathrooms with toilet paper at the trailhead and in the overflow parking lots. Easily a must-do hike of the Eastern Sierras/Mammoth region, especially if you're into iridescent lakes, towering pine forests, and crazy cliffs of granite and all that good stuff. read more

One of my absolute favorite hikes. The trail is BEAUTIFUL throughout and worth every step. If you are in decent shape, this hike will be no problem, and you'll love it. Just bring some good hiking shoes, especially for the muddier areas. And while it is not a "hard" hike, the high elevation and climb will make it something to consider for people, as some of my friends have had to sit this one out or stop part way. Be wary of elevation sickness. Also, it is called mosquito flat for a reason - prepare to be absolutely devoured by mosquitos! Many hikers cover their skin (including faces) before venturing here to help fend them off. If you use insect repellent, you'll need to reapply quite frequently, so covering your skin is a wise option. Despite those two warnings, you can tell how amazing this hike is simply by how busy this trail can get, especially during the summer. You have to try it at least once :) read more

See all

Mosquito Flat is a trailhead to a few trails: the Little Lakes, up to Ruby Lake, Morgan Pass. Maybe others. You can hike a long way in the Sierras if you're committed. The trailhead itself is easy to find: drive to Tom's Place and head west until you can't anymore. There's a large parking lot and an overflow lot a bit back down the road. I've done the Little Lakes Trail and also hiked up to Ruby Lake (as part of a geology field class). More so than maybe any trail into the mountains I've hiked, the trail out from Mosquito Flat is well maintained. And by that, I mean there's a lot of work that's been put into placing rocks so they provide easy stepping. It isn't wheelchair accessible by any means but it's also not what you find on most wilderness trails. As you go further into the mountain, the trail gets less 'maintained'. read more

An easily enjoyable chain of seven lakes in the Little Lakes Valley with only modest elevation gains. We were fortunate to get adverse weather due to a freakish cold front. I know that sounds weird but the valley was dusted with crystalline snow the afternoon before and 10-degree temps remained that froze the tops of many creeks and lakes - a surprise winter wonderland in fall. Rock Creek Road to the trailhead was gently effortless to drive for a mountain road. A family of deer was traveling down the road so be cautious of wildlife when driving. The last mile of the road is one-lane and not meant for RV's and trailers. 0.0 miles/10,240' above sea level: Start at Mosquito Flats with multiple parking lots with multiple outhouses and bear lockers. 0.5 mi/10,450': A sign marks where the trail splits. The more difficult Ruby Lake to Mono Pass goes up a ridge to the right (more on this hike when I try it next year) while the milder Little Lakes Valley to Morgan Pass is to the left. Uneventful Mack Lake soon appears. 1.0 mi/10,400': Junction to Marsh Lake. Reached via a minor side trail, a marsh doesn't sound appealing but the water grasses added character to this small lake. 1.4 mi/10,400': Heart Lake under Mt. Starr with footbridges has many classic attributes of a mountain lake and was my second favorite lake of the hike. 1.7 mi/10,500': Box Lake where the trail runs lengthwise along a rocky ledge. The southern end where Box Lake receives water has the best view. 2.4 mi/10,550': Long Lake is much like Box Lake where the trail stretches the rocky side of the lake and the best view is at the end of the lake. 2.9 mi/10,730': Junction to Chicken Foot Lake. The side trail to this lake was hard to follow. I tracked boot prints that went the wrong direction and used a GPS to trailblaze to the lake. One of the largest lakes but not recommended for the directionally challenged. 3.5 mi/10,900': Junction to a trio of Gem Lakes - the best of the hike. The spur trail is clearly defined with well-placed granite blocks going through the grassy meadows surrounding the lakes. The final Gem Lake was the best but was helped that two inches of ice topped the emerald water. 3.8 mi/11,090': Morgan Pass. I hoped to see the Morgan Lakes from Morgan Pass but the rocky and twisty valley obscured the view. Consequently, I suggest avoid going to the Morgan Pass which makes the hike shorter and less steep. To reach the Morgan Pass plus all seven lakes with side trails was 8.7 miles total with an 850' elevation gain. The wide trail was pleasantly soft and sandy. We didn't use bug spray at Mosquito Flats and didn't get bit but the freezing weather probably helped. read more

Love this trailhead! Leads to two of our favorite hikes in Mammoth. Mosquito flats to Gem lakes is maybe the most beautiful trail we've been on during summertime up here. It's green and lush, plenty and shade for the dogs and waters to fish and swim in. Last time we were up here we tried out Ruby Lake which was beautiful as well! Highly recommend this trailhead! read more

See all

Wow! The Gem Lakes, at the end of the hike - that is if you head to Morgan Pass (as opposed to Mono Pass, well signed) - are worth going miles out of your way to see. Every year is different - in 2013 we were here July 3, and it was an easy hike with well maintained trails and gorgeous flowers. Ann L. says that in 2011 the last leg of the hike, to Gem Lakes, was totally snowed in. We also experienced a lot of mosquitoes in the early a.m. - but on the way back out a bit of a breeze had picked up and they had plenty of other humans to feast on so they were not a problem at all. GO EARLY!!! We started at around 7:30am and were the only ones on the trail on the way out - it was blissful, with only the sounds of birds calling, chipmunks chirping and rushing water - but on the way back the trail was crowded. At a leisurely pace, with plenty of photo ops and a picnic at Gem Lakes, it was about 5 hours. If you were moving quickly you could probably cut that in half. This is truly one of the most spectacular hikes I've ever done. Wish it was in my backyard! read more

See all

Hiking is tough here, but views are awesome. We went July 2 & 3, 2011. We did Ruby Lake Sat 7/2/11 in the afternoon - tons of mosquitoes! Spray DEET all over yourself. Sun 7/3/11 did almost the same hike, but at a junction went left, not right. Lots of lakes heading to Gem Lakes: Mack, Mtn, Marsh, Heart, Box, Chickenfoot, & Gem. More if you like hiking in the snow & backpacking. Gem Lakes is hard to find this yr and trail is 100% snow. I liked Chickenfoot Lake better, mostly frozen but 1 mile less work to get there. Down the road is Rock Creek Lakes Resort - pie is suppose to be available 10:30am-1pm or when sold out. read more

Mosquito Flat (a.k.a. Rock Creek or Little Lakes Valley) ranks among the top in my all-time favorite trailheads. It's high elevation (10,300 ft.) supports fine views of sparkling blue lakes and stark granite peaks with relatively little effort. As a result the trailhead is used heavily by fishermen, hikers, backcountry skiers, and climbers. That being said, if you're willing to walk a few miles (or go off-season) you'll be rewarded with solitude. There are bear boxes and restrooms at the trailhead as well as excellent pie at Rock Creek Lake Resort just down the road (go early for the best selection). read more

See all

Such a beautiful hiking trail. I went on October and it was full of fall colored leaves, golden grasses with snow and clear water stream!!!! read more

See all

Disclaimer: I did this hike immediately after hiking to Ruby Lake (a 3 miles and 1000' of altitude hike) OK! To the point, THIS WAS NOT FLAT!! LOL It wasn't bad, but after doing Ruby Lake, it wasn't exactly easy either. There is a gradual incline and there are SMALL hills you walk over, but overall, definitely an easy hike with a beautiful scenic backdrop. Came here Labor Day weekend and it wasn't too hot and there weren't too many bugs... (THANK GOD!) Recommended to my fellow laid back hikers! read more

Mosquito Flat Trailhead - Box Lake? - Hiking Near Me

Easy, calm hike with well-maintained trails leading to one beautiful lake after another. We hiked out to Chickenfoot Lake and back, which is I believe about six miles round trip. Heart Lake is especially beautiful, in my opinion, but they're all gorgeous, and so are the mountains, meadows, rocks, wetlands, and everything else. We've actually been on this hike twice. In August, there were a lot of mosquitos, while this time in June, there were almost none. It's my duty to mention this since it is, after all, called Mosquito Flat Trailhead. read more

One of the most beautiful hikes we've done up in the sierras. There was road construction and we had to wait about 20 min for an escort truck, but no worries-we're on vacation and in no hurry. We got to the parking lot around 930 on a weekday and there was plenty of parking. It was cooler up there so you may want to bring extra clothes just in case. WE took the trail to Morgan pass and it was just beautiful. Never saw so many lakes in such a short distance. We were in mammoth for a few days prior to hiking this lake but the altitude was still a killer. Definitely recommend this hike. Don't forget the bug repellant! read more

Mosquito Flat Trailhead - Hiking Near Me

AMAZING HIKE! It seems like this trail is called the Rock Creek Trail, The Little Lakes Valley Trail, and the Mosquito Flats trail. But whatever the official name is, this was a spectacular hike. (And we saw no mosquitos, since it was early October.) It had snowed the day before, so we weren't sure we would even be able to access the area, but our little rental car did make it to the top of the road (the last parking lot). From there, we bundled up and set out (and we took the trail towards Morgan Pass, which I believe is the shorter/easier of the hikes you can do, and the sign is clear when the trails split). There were very few people there (probably due to the snow and the fact that it was a weekday) and it was simply breathtaking. The lakes we passed were glittering in the sunlight and the snowy mountains all around us were spectacular and majestic. It was absolutely perfect. We were even taking off layers as we hiked, sometimes eating the pristine fresh snow to cool off! The trailhead is at about 10,000 feet and you go up from there. So elevation/altitude sickness is definitely something to be aware of. Although me and my hiking companions are in fairly good shape, we were breathing heavily through all the uphills. Because of this (and our feet slowly getting wet and cold), we only went as far as Long Lake, then decided to turn around. Overall, this was one of the highlights of our trip to the Sierras. I would definitely recommend this trail! And you can get pie at The Rock Creek Resort or Tom's Place afterwards :) read more

So beautiful, and worth the drive from the Bay Area! My boyfriend and I took our border collie, Riley, on a gorgeous 4 mile out-and-back hike through Little Lakes Valley to Chickenfoot Lake. We parked at the Mosquito Flat trailhead, and headed toward Morgan Pass. The first "official" detour we took was to check out Marsh Lake, just a quick offshoot from the main trail. A few minutes later, we were continuing toward Heart Lake, then passing Box Lake, crossing streams and marveling at the unreal views. There were plenty of friendly hikers and other dogs on the trail, but it didn't feel crowded. I was thrilled that I didn't see a single piece of trash on the ground the entire time. Must make time to go back there sometime soon and do the hike to Treasure Lakes. read more

See all

I hiked this trail a Few years ago but will never forget it. One of the most beautiful and peaceful places I've ever been to in the Sierra's, east or west. Planning on going again soon, but the window closes fast up at the10,000 ft level. Well worth the drive. read more

Absolutely loved this hike. The trail is kept in great shape and fairly easy to navigate. Wish their was more parking, but it was a wonderful afternoon! read more

Stunning views of the Eastern Sierras, nicely maintained trails, enjoyable hikes. https://youtu.be/aI1GHnbh4PU Hiking up the trail: https://youtu.be/PjPNedTnlBs Upper Large Lake: https://youtu.be/ecoxlhWudYs read more

Little Lakes Valley (video): https://vimeo.com/90735612 read more

This hike is so beautiful and so much fun. Not extremely challenging, but can be long if you stop and see the gorgeous lakes, so be sure to get there early enough that you don't get stuck on the trail when the suck goes down. Dog-friendly, not too busy either when I was there in November. Enjoy! read more

Amazing hike and trail. Moderate in difficulty - just be sure to bring insect repellent!!

Bring a camera - you can't take a bad photo in this place. The trail is wide and very nicely maintained. We hiked it in August with a 5 year old and 6 year old children. They went all the way to Box Lake, about 1.6 miles one way. But, this is not just a family friendly trail, there were people of all different skill levels on this hike, just depends how far and where you're going. The majority of the hikers were small groups of friends chatting the whole way end enjoying being outside. read more

Seriously in my top 3 places of all time. From here you can really access some amazing places and just get lost for days, literally, if that's what you want to do. And if you don't wanna go for a hike you can just drive to the end of the road and grab some rhubarb pie a la mode and hang out @Rock Creek Lake. read more

We've been hiking this trail for many years. It is the most beautiful place I've seen in the Eastern Sierras. Good for young kids too...not too tough. With a rewarding view at the lakes and picnic by the grassy area, it is totally worth the time! read more

One of the best hikes I've ever done. Gorgeous views and not a difficult hike at all. Family friendly with lakes every half mile. Views are to die for, a must do hike. read more

One of the most beautiful and accessible spots in the Sierras. Catch and release lots af little brookies and native rainbows on fly and bubble. I found some glasses at Box lake. Didn't know where to leave them. Going up again soon and I may leave them at the Rock Creek store. read more