Man...this past #camping #trip was in-tents! Haha. I love nature puns a lot. I also love the kind of camping and #backpacking trip where the reward greatly outweighs the risk. In this case, the risk was trying to obtain #wilderness permits for this popular #trail in late August. We were hoping to obtain same-day permits the Saturday morning before our #hike. After reading about how beautiful and popular this hike is, we had to take the chance. And boy, were we glad we did.
Little Lakes Valley to Gem Lake hike is a beautiful 7.32 mile r/t hike in the Eastern Sierra, near the town of Bishop, that takes you through scenic lakes formed by snow melt. It is a moderately strenuous hike, not due of the elevation gain, but because of being above 10000-ft. The trail starts from the Mosquito flat trail head, located at the end of Rock Creek Road, about 10 miles from Hwy 395.
We began our trip Friday evening after work; my friends and I loaded our car and departed for the 5-hr drive to #Bishop. We stayed the 1st night before the hike in Brown’s Town Campground. This campground is popular with RV-ers, but is also available for car and #tent camping. The campground has available restrooms and showers and even a small museum and shop just for the hell of it. We chose this site for the close proximity to the White Mountain Ranger Station in Bishop, where were going to pick up our permits early the following morning.
We woke up early Saturday morning, packed up camp, and drove the 1 mile down the street to ranger station, anticipating a long line for first-come-first-serve wilderness permits. To our pleasant surprise there was only 1 other person ahead of us! We were able to secure permits for same day entry.
The Little Lakes Valley trail is quite easy and short compared to the other moderately strenuous hikes we’ve done in the past, which is why this hike is very popular with day hikers. The ascents are gradual and all along the way there are breathtaking views of streams, lakes, and mountain peaks to stop, rest, and catch your breath.
We chose to set up camp near Chicken Foot Lake where there were more open clearings as well as plenty of trees for shade. From there, it’s an easy little day hike to Gem Lake or Treasure Lake for more exploring and lake viewing.
PRO TIP: Mosquito and insect repellant is a must when camping during the summer months. The area is surrounded by streams and lakes and gets very buggy. You would pretty much be mosquito meat without any.
The Eastern Sierras are my favorite place to explore and she continues to amaze and take my breath away with every visit.
