Hiking & Backpacking the Little Lakes Valley to Gem Lakes Trail (California)

In my opinion, the Little Lakes Valley to Gem Lakes trail is one of the best hikes in California’s Eastern Sierra. Unlike most hikes in the region, this trail is only moderately inclined and has spectacular views the entire time. The Little Lakes Valley hike passes by 6 alpine lakes before ending at the Gem Lakes, a series of 4 small and intensely colored lakes.   

The moderate length and difficulty of this trek caters to hikers of all levels. If you’ve been meaning to try backpacking, this would also be an ideal place to start! 

I really loved this hike, and in this guide to the Little Lakes Valley trail I’ll provide helpful information that will enable you to enjoy it as well. I’ll also recap my trip here, giving you a preview of what lies ahead!

If you need a refresher, check out my guide to day hiking and beginner’s guide to backpacking. Little Lakes Valley would make for a perfect first backpacking trip! For more places to explore in California, browse my California destination guides.

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Little Lakes Valley Hike Trail Report

Little Lakes Valley

The Little Lakes Valley to Gem Lakes trail was my first day hike in California’s Eastern Sierra. Before hiking here, I was honestly skeptical of what to expect. I was not convinced that the trail’s short length and minimal elevation gain would bring me far enough into the mountains to see any spectacular mountain or lake views. 

However, I was very wrong. The entire Little Lakes Valley hike is full of scenic vistas. I took much longer than usual to complete the hike simply because I was making so many stops for photos. 

I did this trail in late September, and while the weather was pleasant I can envision scorching conditions on a summer afternoon. There is limited shade on much of the trail. The first two miles were gently inclined, with the trail progressively steepening in the final mile leading to the Gem Lakes. This trail used to be the service road for a Tungsten mine deep in the mountains, and I passed by the remains of some mining equipment.

Each of the lakes on the Little Lakes Valley hike has a unique charm, and I took my time exploring the side trails tracing their shores. The trail also passes through meadows, providing viewpoints of crystal-clear rivers weaving through expanses of vibrant grass.

Gem Lakes

The trail ends at the Gem Lakes, which live up to their name with their emerald, turquoise, and sapphire hues. I spent a lot of time wandering off-trail around the smaller Gem lakes and spotted many scenic places to camp. I made a note to myself to come back here sometime soon. Next time I hope to convince some friends and family to join me, because this trail seems like the perfect gateway into hiking for beginners.

Trip Planning Information

Little Lakes Valley Map and Trail Information

The Little Lakes Valley hike is lightly strenuous and can easily be completed in half a day. If you get a camping permit, you can stay overnight and take your time exploring the area. The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow.

In total, the trail is 7.2 miles with 1,033 feet elevation gain. However, even if you only want to walk the first 1 – 2 miles of this trail before turning around, you’ll still see several scenic lakes. 

If you have more time to explore or are looking for a challenge, you can add a visit to Morgan Pass and Morgan Lakes. This trail starts at the base of Gem Lakes and adds a total of 3 miles and 600 feet elevation gain. If you’re comfortable navigating cross-country, you can also access Treasure Lakes from Gem Lakes.

Little Lakes Valley Hike Useful Tips

• Limited phone service. Expect limited to no phone service on the road to the trailhead and on the trail itself. Download Google Maps of the area and hiking trail GPS information in advance. 
• Altitude awareness. Altitude sickness can occur above 8,000 ft elevation. The Little Lakes Valley trailhead is at 10,200 ft, and the Gem Lakes are at ~11,000 ft. Take it slow, stay hydrated, and turn around if needed.
• Beat the heat. Start hiking early, especially in summer. Much of the trail is not shaded and can get hot.
• Leave no trace. Let’s do our part in keeping this trail beautiful.

Little Lakes Valley Weather and When to Go

Aim to visit between late spring and early fall. Depending on the year, the Little Lakes Valley trail may have ice and snow from late October into July. Check recent trail reports on AllTrails and call the Inyo National Forest ranger for more information on the trail’s current conditions. 

The Little Lakes Valley trail gets very busy on summer weekends. If you can, visit on a weekday to avoid crowds.

Temperatures on the trail in summer are very hot during the day and cool at night. If you’re hiking in fall, check local conditions first. Fall wildfires are common.

Park Information

The Little Lakes Valley hike is located in the John Muir Wilderness of the Inyo National Forest. There’s no entrance fee or specific opening hours for the trailhead. Dogs are allowed on the trail.

Little Lakes Valley Permits

If you’re doing a Little Lakes Valley day hike, you don’t need a permit.

If you’d like to camp overnight along the Little Lakes Valley trail, a permit is mandatory. From May 1 through November 1, there is a limit of 25 people per day. 60% of the permits are released 6 months in advance, and the remaining 40% are released 2 weeks in advance. Reserve your permit early and have backup dates in mind due to the trail’s popularity.

When you’re ready to reserve your permit, visit the reservation site and select “JM09 Little Lakes Valley”. Remember to print your Little Lakes Valley permit before your trip and bring it with you.

Little Lakes Valley Directions and Parking

Little Lakes Valley is located along Highway 395, on the Eastern side of California’s Sierra mountains. The closest cities are Mammoth Lakes (35 min) and Bishop (45 min). The trailhead is a 5 hour drive from Los Angeles, and 6 hours from the Bay Area.

If you’re coming from the Bay Area, the shortest route will likely be through Tioga Pass. Check that Tioga Road is open for the season. This route passes through Yosemite Park, so be ready to pay the entrance fee and expect heavy traffic on weekends and holidays.

The parking lot is located at the end of Rock Creek road, which is paved. The last portion of the road is a one-lane road that can get very congested, so drive slowly and carefully. Rock Creek Road may close seasonally; check the Mono country road status for more information. 

The Little Lakes Valley parking lot is for both day and overnight use, and additional parking is available earlier along the road. The parking lot has restrooms as well as bear boxes. You should avoid leaving any scented items in your car. Also, arrive early to get a spot! The Little Lakes Valley to Gem Lakes trail is very popular and the lot fills up quickly.

What to Bring to Hike Little Lakes Valley

For a full list of what to bring, refer to my complete day hiking and backpacking checklists. For this hike I would stress the following:

Little Lakes Valley Day Hike Items

• Trail Map. Download the map for offline navigation. 
• Day Hiking Backpack or Backpacking Pack (Women’s, Men’s). Invest in a high-quality and durable pack that will last for years!
• Hiking Shoes. Women’s, Men’s. I do not recommend running or general athletic shoes for this hike. Their lack of traction will cause you to slip.
• Hiking Socks. Women’s, Men’s. Wool is essential to keep your feet dry and blister-free.
• Hiking Pants. Women’s, Men’s. I love these pants because they are lightweight, durable, and have pockets.
• Hiking T-Shirt. Women’s, Men’s. Quick-drying T-Shirts are ideal. Tank tops will cause your skin to rub uncomfortably against your backpack straps.
• Lightweight Long-Sleeve Shirt. Women’s, Men’s. This is the best way to protect yourself from the sun and mosquitos. 
• Swimsuit and Microfiber Towel. You’ll want to swim in these lakes!
• Trekking Poles. These will save your knees on descents and provide stability when crossing streams and rocky terrain.
• Hat. Parts of this hike are very exposed, so protect yourself from the sun.
• Sunscreen.
• Lip Balm with SPF.
• Mosquito spray. I love this all-natural one because it’s very effective and doesn’t contain harmful chemicals.
• Mosquito head net. Mosquitos can be unbearable in some seasons. I use this to prevent them from getting in my eyes and mouth or biting my face.
• Water in a Reservoir or Bottle.  
• Water Filter. Bring a filter so you can carry less water!
• Electrolytes. These help prevent dehydration and fatigue, especially on strenuous hikes in hot weather and high elevation.
• Snacks, Packed Lunch
• Portable Charger and Cable. It’s good to be prepared if your phone battery dies.
• Headlamp and Spare Batteries. Whether or not you plan to camp, this is a safety essential.
• Garmin inReach (optional). Sends your GPS coordinates and calls for help in emergency situations. 
• First-Aid Kit

Little Lakes Valley Backpacking Items

• Bear canister. Bear canisters or bags are required for camping in this area. 
• Tent
• Sleeping Pad
• Sleeping Bag and Compression Sack
• Stove
• Puffy Jacket. Women’s, Men’s. It gets cold at night.

Little Lakes Valley Camping Locations (for Backpackers)

The Gem Lakes are the most popular place to camp along the trail, but you’ll likely share the area with other campers. If you’d like a secluded place to camp that’s not far from the Gem Lakes, try Chickenfoot Lake. Most of the other lakes along the Little Lakes Valley hike have suitable campsites as well.

Backpacking Water Sources

If you’re hiking with a filter there are many places to refill, most of which are reliable late into the season.

Where to Stay

Prior to hiking Little Lakes Valley, it’s a good idea to stay nearby the night before to ensure an early start on the trail and to acclimate to the altitude. I frequently get mild altitude sickness in this area and can attest to the importance of getting a good night’s sleep nearby to adjust.

Little Lakes Valley Camping

There are many National Forest campgrounds along Rock Creek Road that are open seasonally. Some of them are reservable and others are first-come, first-serve. You can make reservations on recreation.gov up to 6 months in advance. Reserve early, as spots go quickly in the high season. 

There are additional Inyo National Forest and BLM campgrounds in the nearby area as well.

If you have a wilderness permit, you may stay at the Mosquito Flat backpacker’s campground (next to the Little Lakes Valley parking lot) for free the night before your trip.

Nearby Accommodation

Little Lakes Valley
Rock Creek Lakes Resort and Rock Creek Lodge offer basic cabins and are located along the road that leads to the trailhead.

Bishop
Budget: The Hostel California. Whether you choose a private room or shared dorm, this is a comfortable place to stay where you’ll likely meet other hikers. The kitchen will come in handy to prepare your hiking snacks.
Mid-Range: Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, Eastside Guesthouse and Bivy

Mammoth Lakes
Mid Range: Juniper Springs Resort
Splurge: The Westin Monache Resort

Things to Do Near Little Lakes Valley

Little Lakes Valley Map of Nearby Attractions

California’s Eastern Sierra region is full of interesting attractions. This area has some of the best hiking in all of California, so I’d recommend checking out some other hikes if you have the time. If not, there are still many places you can visit that involve minimal hiking.

Along Rock Creek Road: Visit Rock Creek Lake. For more hiking check out the Mono Pass trail, which leaves from the same parking lot as the Little Lakes Valley trail. 

North of Little Lakes Valley: Crowley Lake Stone Columns, Hot Creek Geologic Site, Wild Willy’s Hot Springs, Convict Lake, Devil’s Postpile, Mammoth Lakes, June Lake Loop, Mono Lake

South of Little Lakes Valley: Keough’s Hot Springs, Erick Schat’s Bakery, Manzanar National Historic Site, Alabama Hills, Whitney Portal Road

Thanks for reading, and I hope this information inspires you to visit Little Lakes Valley sometime soon. Have you visited California’s Eastern Sierra before? Let me know your thoughts and questions in the comments, I’d love to hear from you.

For more places to explore, check out my guides to other hikes and backpacking trips in California.

Confirm all logistical and safety information before your trip. Also If you buy through links on this site, I may earn an affiliate commission. Thanks for supporting me in creating free content for you to enjoy!

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