Little Lakes Basin Backpacking

Updated 2/16/2019

Mild backpacking to fish the beautiful High-Sierra country in the Rock Creek Basin. Little Lakes Valley Backpacking.

If you would like to register for this trip, you must contact Ron Francis at 925-788-3390 to discuss particulars and alternatives to for this trip.  IF THIS TRIP IS FULL, THERE MAYBE SAME DAY WALK IN PERMITS. PLEASE CONTACT RON DIRECTLY IF INTERESTED.

Little Lakes Valley Backpack and Fish Trip

Aug-14-18 (Wed-Sun) Fish master – Ron Francis. We will meet in Mammoth Lakes and stay Wednesday night in modest lodgings there or car camp in a Forest Serviced Campsite up Rock Creek Rd., to help us acclimatize to the 9000-10,000' elevations. Carpooling up and back is encouraged. The next morning we will hike in about 3 miles and set up a base camp (for 2 nights and 3 days fishing) at one of the nearer lakes. From there we will venture out to fish a variety of creeks and lakes. If some people would like a slightly shorter trip, it will be fine for them to walk back out Saturday, but only with a partner. If some want an extra day hiking out on Monday is possible.  For safety, because of high altitude and bears you must partner or travel with the group. Backpacking equipment is required. We will arrange to share food and approved bear storage containers.

The basin is a great place for beginners.  Tons of fish and no waders necessary. The fish are generally small, but include goldens.  The scenery is among the most beautiful in California, in sight of the tree line, in a breathtaking valley.

The easy access to this beautiful chain of lakes make Little Lakes Valley popular for fishing, day hikes and beginning backpackers. Glaciers carved this extensive chain of lakes, both large and small. Wildflowers bloom in the high elevation framed by the spectacular 13,000-foot peaks of Bear Creek Spire, Mt. Dade, Mt. Abbot and Mt. Mills. Some evidence of historical mining equipment can be seen, along with an old road bed at Morgan Pass. This is an active bear area so you must use bear containers to secure your food and refuse.

Click to download the topo map & a trail map

Tight Lines!