Seven named alpine lakes in under four miles from the highest trailhead in the Eastern Sierra. Maximum scenery, minimum suffering.
Seven named alpine lakes in under 4 miles, starting from the highest trailhead in the Eastern Sierra at 10,215ft. This is the easiest high-alpine lake experience in the region: a gentle, mostly flat trail past one gorgeous lake after another. Families with kids, first-timers, and anyone who wants maximum scenery for minimum suffering.
Start: Mosquito Flat TH (Rock Creek Road)
End: Mosquito Flat TH (Rock Creek Road)
Water: Rock Creek crossings throughout, all named lakes, streams everywhere
You're starting from the highest trailhead in the Eastern Sierra — Mosquito Flat sits at 10,215ft. Pass the Mono Pass junction at 0.6mi (stay left) and work through a chain of lakes: Mack, Marsh, Heart, and Box in the first two miles. Long Lake is the largest, and the trail follows its east shore before reaching Chickenfoot Lake at 3mi. The peninsula campsites here have wide-open views of the Mono Divide. Camp at least 100ft from the water.
Water: Same as Day 1
Leave your packs at camp — today's exploring is much better without them. Head up to the Morgan Lakes first (4mi RT, +700ft): Lower, Middle, and Upper Morgan offer stunning cirque views beneath the Mono Divide crest. Then drop back to Chickenfoot and tack on the flat 1mi round trip to Gem Lakes — an easy, gorgeous detour with almost no gain. Back at camp, have lunch at Chickenfoot before breaking down and hiking the 3mi out to the trailhead. One warning: Mosquito Flat parking fills extremely fast on summer weekends — aim to arrive at the trailhead by 7am or consider camping Friday night at the nearby Rock Creek Lake campground.
Morgan Pass and Gem Lakes (+400ft from Chickenfoot, panoramic views); Mono Pass and Ruby Lake (take right fork at 0.6mi, +2,000ft, more strenuous); Pioneer Basin (cross-country from Mono Pass area, experienced only)
Trail is exposed with almost no shade - bring sun protection and start early in summer. Mosquitoes can be brutal Jun-Jul. Free backpacker campground at trailhead (night before trip only). Parking lot fills by 9am on weekends - arrive early. No campfires. Rock Creek Lakes Resort nearby for post-hike meal. Tom's Place on Hwy 395 for services. Dogs allowed.
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