National park · United States
Rock Creek Lake
Visit Rock Creek Lake: drive Rock Creek Road from US-395, park at the trailhead, and hike the Little Lakes Valley out-and-back (≈5 h) in summer; no entry fee, bring water and a token for the shower.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
1 km² (0 sq mi)0 sq mi (1 km²)
approximate
Established
2026
Best months
Jun–Sep
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 10Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
- Mono County ↗Tioga Pass (CA-120) into Yosemite is seasonal; check status before routing through it.
- Mono County ↗Bodie is a state park with an entry fee; the last miles are graded dirt, fine for a normal car in dry weather.
- Mono County ↗Most of the county sits above 2,000 m (6,500 ft); give the first day to acclimatise.
At a glance
- Country
- United States
- Area
- 1 km² (0 sq mi)0 sq mi (1 km²)
- Approximate area of the lake and immediate alpine surroundings; figures vary by source.
- Established
- 2026
- Best months
- Jun–Sep
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Mammoth Lakes
Rock Creek Lake offers high‑altitude scenery, a popular Little Lakes Valley day‑hike, and basic camping or cabin accommodation within the Inyo National Forest.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- Special national siteManaged by Inyo National Forest, US Forest Service.
Size and age
1 km² (0 sq mi)0 sq mi (1 km²) · national park since 2026
Approximate area of the lake and immediate alpine surroundings; figures vary by source.
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Mammoth Lakes.
Why go
- High alpine lake with clear water and surrounding peaks.
- Access to the Little Lakes Valley day‑hike with multiple scenic lakes.
- Camping sites and rustic cabins for overnight stays.
When to go
- JanCaution
- FebCaution
- MarCaution
- AprCaution
- MayGo
- JunBest
- JulBest
- AugBest
- SepBest
- OctCaution
- NovCaution
- DecCaution
- JanRoad closed; deep snow.
- FebRoad closed.
- MarRoad usually closed; check conditions.
- AprRoad may open late April; snow and ice likely.
- MayRoad opening; snow possible, trails wet (check).
- JunSnow melt, wildflowers, mild temps.
- JulPeak summer, crowds moderate.
- AugWarm, occasional thunderstorms.
- SepCooler, fewer visitors.
- OctEarly snow possible; road closing.
- NovRoad usually closed.
- DecRoad closed.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mule deer, marmots, pikasMay–Sep · Common in alpine meadows. | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Golden eagles, ptarmiganJun–Aug · Watch from viewpoints. | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Mammoth Lakes, CA
Take US-395 south to the Rock Creek Road turnoff (≈15 km (9.3 mi)), then drive 15 km (9.3 mi) up the winding paved road to the trailhead.Take US-395 south to the Rock Creek Road turnoff (≈9.3 mi (15 km)), then drive 9.3 mi (15 km) up the winding paved road to the trailhead.
≈45 min (check)
Open the page →
From Bishop, CA
Drive north on US-395 to Rock Creek Road, then follow the road to the lake.
≈1 h (check)
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Rock Creek Trailhead | Parking, small store, restrooms, trailhead for Little Lakes Valley. | Open year‑round when road is passable. |
| Little Lakes Valley | Network of alpine lakes and viewpoints. | Hike only; no motorized vehicles. |
| Campground & Cabins | Designated campsites and rustic cabins near the lake. | First‑come, first‑served; no reservation system. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates from Wikidata; approximate for trailhead and lake.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parking at trailhead | Free | vehicle | Free (check). |
| Shower token | US$2 | person | Token purchase at small store. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Day hiking no permit
Overnight camping permit or guide
Park rules
- Pets
- Leashed dogs allowed on trail; must be removed from campsites.
- Fire
- Only use designated fire rings; fire bans may apply in dry season.
- Camping
- Only in designated sites; no backcountry camping without permit.
Where to stay
In the park
Rock Creek Campground
Basic sites with pit toilets, no water.
Near the park
Mammoth Lakes town
Hotels, hostels, and rentals 30 km (19 mi) away.Hotels, hostels, and rentals 19 mi (30 km) away.
Safety
Road closures high
Altitude sickness medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Trailhead parking is vehicle accessible; short paved sections to lake.
- Main loop includes steep and uneven terrain; not wheelchair‑friendly.
Visiting lightly
- Pack out all trash; use refillable water bottles.
- Stay on marked trails to protect fragile alpine vegetation.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Rock Creek Lake?
There is no entrance fee; parking is free. A token for the shower costs about US$2 per person.
What are the best hikes in Rock Creek Lake?
The Little Lakes Valley loop (≈4 h, moderate) is the most popular, plus a short lakeside walk around Rock Creek Lake.
When is the best time to visit Rock Creek Lake?
Late May through early September offers open roads, warm weather, and full trail access.
Is camping allowed at Rock Creek Lake?
Yes, in the designated campground near the lake; cabins are also available.
Do I need a permit for day hikes?
No permit is required for day hikes, but check fire restrictions in dry season.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Rock Creek Lake
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