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. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields.

    View
  2. Surfboards and tents for shade are set up on the beach at Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area in the Swim Lagoon Area

    Switchbacks and Swimming Holes

    Hike hard, play hard! This 7-mile out-and-back in Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area is a great workout with payoff vistas and a relaxing post-hike picnic and dip in the water.

    View
  3. Hike the Rainbow

    Catch all the colors of a rainbow at Calero County Park on this 10-mile hike currently showcasing the season’s best blooms.

    View
  4. Hike Purisima Creek Open Space Preserve

    Purisima Charisma

    Hundred-foot redwoods, a shaded canyon, and views overlooking Half Moon Bay. This 10-mile loop hike in Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve is a roller-coaster of uphill and downhill along with easygoing stretches through some of the Bay Area’s most beautiful landscape.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. People on a guided horseback tour with Central Coast Trailrides at Santa Margarita Ranch near Paso Robles

    Saddle Up with Central Coast Trailrides

    Untouched and sweeping, the mountainous scenery and deep valleys of Santa Margarita near Paso Robles are just begging to be explored. So saddle up for a scenic adventure with Central Coast Trailrides (CCT) at the 14,000-acre Santa Margarita Ranch.

    View
  2. A woman on a hiking trail with huge open space and yellow flowers around her at Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks

    Going Wildwood

    Consider this your invitation to get a little untamed. In just one walk through Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks, you can chase the sound of a cascading waterfall, duck into a shadowy cave, and soak in big hillside vistas. The mostly flat 4.25-mile loop makes wild feel wonderfully accessible.

    View
  3. Two people fly fishing on the Truckee River with guides from Reno Fly Shop

    Zen and the Art of Fly Fishing

    Learning to fly fish is one of the most fun and beautiful ways to connect with nature, family, friends, and yourself. It’s also a great way to truly experience the magic of a place. Make that place Reno Tahoe, where a fly fishing adventure with Reno Fly Shop is like being planted in a plein air painting of dreamy outdoors.

    View
  4. A woman on the overlook deck overlooking the Truckee River at Oxbow Nature Study Area in Reno

    This Way to Oxbow and Dickerson Road

    Just west of downtown Reno—tucked right alongside the Truckee River—is a nature haven for wildlife spotting and waterside relaxing. The 22-acre Oxbow Nature Study Area is ideal for those seeking solitude and a short hike. Afterwards, explore the creative hub of Dickerson Road.

    View