Hilton Lakes Backpacking

John Muir Wilderness

Hilton Lakes, John Muir Wilderness, California
Hilton Lakes, John Muir Wilderness, California

Hilton Lakes Backpacking

John Muir Wilderness


Hilton Lakes

John Muir Wilderness

Officially named the Hilton Creek Lakes, the string of nine lakes range in elevation from 9,800 feet to about 11,000 feet. Davis Lake is usually counted as the lowest Hilton Lake. The most popular lakes are easily reached from their Rock Creek trailhead, making them ideal for a relaxed weekend outing. The 4.6-mile trail has about 1,000 feet of climbing mixed in with some downhill sections.

The second lake is the most popular for camping. With its heavily forest shoreline, excellent campsites can be found in several main areas. Although smaller, the third lake offers amazing views of Mt. Huntington and Mt. Stanford (shown above).

Third Hilton Lake, John Muir Wilderness, California

Third Hilton Lake


Hilton Lakes - Key Facts


Location: John Muir Wilderness, southern Mono County, near Toms Place.
Trailhead: Near Rock Creek Lake, elevation 9,850 feet
3rd Hilton Lake elevation: 10,030 feet
Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet
Hiking Distance: 4.6 miles
Best seasons: Mid-summer to fall
Campsites: Comfortable sites at the lower lakes, more exposed sites near the upper lakes

sign to Hilton Lakes, 4.6 miles

Wildlife

Bears are likely, especially around the lower lakes. Bear canisters are a convenient way to protect your food, but the counter-balance method over a well-chosen tree limb works. Deer may wander into view around the lower lakes. Rattlesnakes are rarely seen in the area. Off-trail travel below the tree line, however, warrants caution.

Mosquitoes are at their worst from mid-June to mid-August. The meadow areas around Davis Lake are known mosquito havens. Early in the season stay close to the snow-line and avoid the pests. Rainbow and brook trout are found in the lower lakes while golden trout can be caught in the very highest of the lakes.



Second Hilton Lake, John Muir Wilderness, California

Second Hilton Lake


Trekking Poles





Hilton Lakes - Key Facts


Location: John Muir Wilderness, southern Mono County, near Toms Place.
Trailhead: Near Rock Creek Lake, elevation 9,850 feet
3rd Hilton Lake elevation: 10,030 feet
Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet
Hiking Distance: 4.6 miles
Best seasons: Mid-summer to fall
Campsites: Comfortable sites at the lower lakes, more exposed sites near the upper lakes

sign to Hilton Lakes, 4.6 miles

Hilton Lakes Trailhead:
Rock Creek Road

The Hilton Creek Lakes Trailhead is on Rock Creek Road, 9 miles west of Highway 395 and Tom's Place. Soon after you pass Rock Creek Lake on your left, watch for a small parking lot on the right. Restrooms and information signs are on the left side of the road. The sign for the Hilton Creek Lakes Trailhead is angled so that it is hard to see for anyone coming from Tom's Place. Park in spaces by the trailhead.


Nearby Camping and Lodging


Rock Creek Area Camping

Many National Forest campgrounds are located along the road leading into the trailhead. Another campground is at Rock Creek Lake. You can find out complete details about the best campsites at California's Best Camping - Inyo County.

logo saying California's Best Camping

Lodging

Rock Creek Lakes Resort has rental cabins, boat rentals, a store, and a cafe.

Rock Creek Lodge has rental cabins and a breakfast cafe.