🌤 Trail Weather — Plan Your Hike
Updated every 6 hrs · Trailhead coords
✅
Good Conditions — Solid Day to Hike
58°F, Clear Sky. Wind 7 mph. Standard 10 Essentials apply.
💨 Wind
7 mph S
Gusts to 14 mph
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi
Good visibility
☁️ Cloud Cover
1%
Clear — full sun exposure
🌅 Sunrise
6:10 am
Ideal start time
🌇 Sunset
7:49 pm
Off trail by this
Today — 3-Hour Intervals
2 pm
☀️
58°
Feels 56°
💨 9/15
5 pm
☀️
54°
Feels 51°
💨 7/11
8 pm
🌙
45°
Feels 42°
💨 7/7
11 pm
🌙
32°
Feels 25°
💨 8/7
5-Day Forecast
💧 Humidity
42% Comfortable
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
1% Clear — full sun exposure
✅
Good Conditions — Go Hike
💧 Humidity
53% Comfortable
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
0% Clear — full sun exposure
🥾
Acceptable — Check Elevation
💧 Humidity
43% Comfortable
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
0% Clear — full sun exposure
🥾
Acceptable — Check Elevation
💧 Humidity
51% Comfortable
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
0% Clear — full sun exposure
✅
Good Conditions — Go Hike
☁️
Tue, Aug 18
Overcast Clouds
💧 Humidity
48% Comfortable
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
✅
Good Conditions — Go Hike
Trailhead elevation only. Conditions change at altitude. Check weather.gov before heading out.
Aug 14, 1:00 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.
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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.
