Rock Creek Lake - Eastern Sierra Fall Colors
California’s incredible Eastern Sierra Fall colors are peeking along Highway 395, and I shared an overview of 20 incredible spots to see the Autumn leaves on last week’s blog post. This week, however, I’m thrilled to be taking an in-depth look at on of my favorite Fall spots. Join me for a hike around Rock Creek Lake
FAST FACTS
• Distance: 2 miles RT
• Elevation Change: > 50 ft
• Difficulty: Easy
Eastern Sierra Fall colors at Rock Creek Lake
Sunrise at Rock Creek Lake
Location
Located about 20 minutes off Highway 395 inside Inyo National Forest, Rock Creek Canyon offers nearly two dozen miles of pristine lakes and creek-side views in the John Muir Wilderness. Rock Creek Lake sits at just under 10,000 feet in elevation and Rock Creek rushes down the canyon towards the Owens Valley, where the Lower Rock Creek Trail is accessible to hikers near the 395. Rock Creek Lake is situated in between Bishop and Mammoth Lakes, making this a convenient and great excursion if you’re staying in the area. From Mammoth Lakes, drive south on Highway 395 for 13 miles and take the Tom's Place exit. Head west up the canyon for about 10 miles. At the lake, follow the signs to the campground for dock and hiking trail access.
Rock Creek Lake suntrise
Aspen grove Fall colors along Rock Creek Lake Trail
Rock Creek Lake
Rock Creek Lake is one of the highest Sierra lakes easily accessible by vehicle. Both the drive leading to the lake and the shoreline are sprinkled with young and mature aspen that put on an incredible show of golden colors in Autumn. The gurgling creek that runs here and pristine blue waters reflect the area’s natural beauty, and trout fishing is incredibly popular (the largest recorded catch is a 15 1/2 lb brown trout!). The 55-acre lake offers stunning views of the surrounding ridges of the High Sierra and small boats can be launched at the boat ramp. A swimming beach with sandy shores is situated near the family campground, which has 26 campsites that are lined with beautiful aspen.
Hiking the loop around Rock Creek Lake
Aspen grove Fall colors along Rock Creek Lake Trail
Hike Around Rock Creek Lake
The hike around Rock Creek Lake comes in at just under 2 miles and less than 50 feet in elevation change. Day hiker parking can be found by the dock as well as near the camp parking area. Although you can start your hike from multiple spots, I prefer to hike counter clockwise starting near the campgrounds. If you can plan an early morning visit, which I highly recommend, you’ll be treated to the the sun lighting up the mountain ridges and reflecting off the calm water. Heading out from the camping/hiking parking area, the trail starts by tracing the sandy shoreline and then briefly connects with the paved road (watch for oncoming vehicles along this section) before leading to the dock and most popular fishing area. Just before and after the dock area, there are two large aspen groves that line the trail, and it’s a true joy to stroll under their golden canvas here. You start a very minimal ascent above the water and cross the old creek bridges before connecting back with the water.
Rock Creek Lake Fall colors
Trail going in front of large granite formation
Crystal blue waters of Rock Creek Lake
One of my favorite sections of the hike is reaching the large boulder and rock outcropping area. Upon the initial approach, it looks as though you’ll need to climb 100+ ft and scramble over the top, but a very easy and clear single lane trail hugs the waters edge beneath you on one side and the towering rocks above you on the other. As you pass the exposed large rock formations, you enter a small shaded area where you can see the clear blue water at the edge of the path go from just a few inches of water to a sudden drop off. In the mornings, if you sit quietly here, both small and larger trout will swim up in the clear water almost close enough to touch. As you continue your circle, you head towards the main large Rock Creek bridge and camping area (always be respectful of campers as you hike this lakeside trail). Finally, you make your way along the sandy shoreline looking out at the water and towering mountains before reaching the main parking area and completing this loop. You could absolutely make this a quick trek in under a half hour, but I certainly wouldn’t want to rush this adventure…so I’d plan at least and hour or two to take in all the beauty here.
Footbridge over Rock Creek
Fall colors along Rock Creek Lake
Know Before You Go
• The high elevation family camping facility here provides both RV and tent only sites seasonally on the banks of Rock Creek Lake. Some sites can be reserved at Recreation.gov and some by walk up availability. Rock Creek Lakes Resort is also a nearby option for cabin accommodations.
• Fishing, camping, swimming, hiking, and horseback riding at the nearby pack station are popular activities at Rock Creek.
• The nearby Little Lakes Trail, also known as Mosquito Flats Trail, is probably the most popular hike in the area. Beginning at the top of Upper Rock Creek Canyon, you can make the short 2 mile hike to Mack Lake or continue on to Mono Pass for a more challenging day hike.
• Important reminder: This is not the Rock Creek close to Fresno and Yosemite in the nearby Sierra National Forest…the facilities are often confused.
• Dogs are allowed on leash only. Food must always be secured and attended as this is active black bear country. Flush toilets can be found near the camping area.
• Please remember Leave No Trace Principles on all your adventures to keep these incredible spots in nature pristine for generations to come.
Eastern Sierra Fall colors at Rock Creek Lake
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining me this week to see the Fall colors around Rock Creek Lake. For a virtual visit, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog YouTube video at the top of this post. Until next week I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
…and check out these IG Reels below for more Fall colors!
Eastern Sierra Fall colors along the drive up through Rock Creek Canyon
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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