🌤 Trail Weather — Plan Your Hike
Updated every 6 hrs · Trailhead coords
✅
Good Conditions — Solid Day to Hike
64°F, Clear Sky. Wind 8 mph. Standard 10 Essentials apply.
💨 Wind
8 mph E
Gusts to 23 mph
💧 Humidity
20%
Dry — drink before thirsty
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi
Good visibility
☁️ Cloud Cover
9%
Clear — full sun exposure
🌅 Sunrise
6:52 am
Ideal start time
🌇 Sunset
6:34 pm
Off trail by this
Today — 3-Hour Intervals
5 pm
☀️
64°
Feels 61°
💨 8/23
8 pm
🌙
57°
Feels 54°
💨 3/12
11 pm
🌙
44°
Feels 44°
💨 2/10
5-Day Forecast
💧 Humidity
20% Dry — drink before thirsty
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
9% Clear — full sun exposure
✅
Good Conditions — Go Hike
💧 Humidity
60% Humid — heat feels stronger
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
0% Clear — full sun exposure
🥾
Acceptable — Check Elevation
💧 Humidity
53% Comfortable
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
0% Clear — full sun exposure
🥾
Acceptable — Check Elevation
💧 Humidity
50% Comfortable
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
0% Clear — full sun exposure
🥾
Acceptable — Check Elevation
💧 Humidity
46% Comfortable
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
0% Clear — full sun exposure
🥾
Acceptable — Check Elevation
Trailhead elevation only. Conditions change at altitude. Check weather.gov before heading out.
Oct 4, 4:57 pm
The uncrowded alternative to the always-jammed Little Lakes Valley, accessed from the same Rock Creek Road. A chain of nine alpine lakes in a spectacular granite basin above treeline with views of Bear Creek Spire and Mount Huntington.
Trail Overview
If Little Lakes Valley is at capacity — and on summer weekends it often is — this is the right move. Same access road, similar alpine character, dramatically fewer people. The basin above treeline has outstanding views of the crest. Nine lakes to explore. Mosquitoes can be heavy around Davis Lake in July — bring repellent.
This Hike Is For You If…
Intermediate hikers who want uncrowded alpine lake access. Anglers — the lakes have good trout fishing. Anyone turned away from Mosquito Flat.
Skip This Hike If…
Skip in peak mosquito season (late June through mid-July) without serious repellent.
What to Expect on Trail
Terrain: Good trail with gradual climb. Rocky above treeline. Some route-finding near upper lakes.
Shade: Mostly Exposed
Water: Reliable Year-Round. Hilton Creek and multiple lake sources. Filter all water.
Views: Outstanding
Crowds: Dramatically less crowded than Little Lakes Valley on the same road.
Dogs: Yes, dogs are welcome on this trail.
Best Arrival: Before 9am. Weekdays this lot rarely fills.
This is a Tier 1 sourced review. Trail information is based on published sources and research. Andrew has not personally hiked this trail yet. Photos and firsthand sensory detail will be added when upgraded to Tier 2.
👞
The Trail Report — Real Conditions. No Hype.
40 years on California trails. Biweekly trail conditions, seasonal hike picks,
and June's Dog Report — straight to your inbox. Free.
✅ You're in! Check your inbox to confirm.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Powered by beehiiv.
9.2 miRound Trip
1350 ftElev. Gain
ModerateDifficulty
5-7 hoursEst. Time
10300 ftHighest Point
Out-and-BackRoute Type
YesDogs
NonePermit
Trailhead & Logistics
Address: Hilton Lakes Trailhead, Rock Creek Road, Tom's Place, CA 93514
Parking: Roadside lot across from Rock Creek Lake. Free. Bear boxes and vault toilet on site. From Tom's Place, head 9 miles up Rock Creek Road.
Bathroom: Pit Toilet
Cell Service: None
Best Arrival: Before 9am. Weekdays this lot rarely fills.
Trail Reality Check
If Little Lakes Valley is at capacity — and on summer weekends it often is — this is the right move. Same access road, similar alpine character, dramatically fewer people. The basin above treeline has outstanding views of the crest. Nine lakes to explore. Mosquitoes can be heavy around Davis Lake in July — bring repellent.
Terrain: Good trail with gradual climb. Rocky above treeline. Some route-finding near upper lakes.
Shade: Mostly Exposed
Water: Reliable Year-Round — Hilton Creek and multiple lake sources. Filter all water.
Views: Outstanding
Crowds: Quiet — Dramatically less crowded than Little Lakes Valley on the same road.
Who should do this: Intermediate hikers who want uncrowded alpine lake access. Anglers — the lakes have good trout fishing. Anyone turned away from Mosquito Flat.
Who should skip this: Skip in peak mosquito season (late June through mid-July) without serious repellent.
