Overview
The Hilton Lakes basin is the Eastern Sierra at its most essential: granite, ice-blue water, sky. Sitting above the Rock Creek drainage at over 11,000 feet in the John Muir Wilderness, the basin holds a chain of glacially carved lakes separated by granite benches and talus fields, with the rocky peaks of the Sierra crest rising behind them to the west. Most visitors to this section of Inyo National Forest know the name Rock Creek for the trout fishing in the lower valley, but the Hilton Lakes above it are a different proposition: higher, wilder, and with better fishing in a more dramatic setting.
The approach from Rock Creek Lake climbs through a compressed 4-mile sequence that covers a lot of Sierra ground: lakeside walking, open granite slopes, subalpine meadows, and finally the basin itself. At 8 miles round trip with 1,600 feet of gain, it's a solid day hike that earns the views without requiring the kind of extreme fitness the longer Bishop Pass or Kearsarge Pass routes demand.
What makes Hilton Lakes worth calling out specifically is the combination of quality fishing and lower visitor pressure. The Bishop Pass corridor draws serious crowds, and Duck Pass out of Mammoth has its own following. The Rock Creek drainage is popular in the lower valley, but fewer people make the full push to the Hilton Lakes basin. The lakes hold brook and rainbow trout, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife stocks them periodically. A California fishing license is required if you plan to fish.
No day permit is required for this trail. Overnight trips into the John Muir Wilderness require a wilderness permit from the White Mountain Ranger Station in Bishop, subject to the daily quota system. For a day hike, you can simply park, pay the day-use fee, and go. Dogs must be on leash.
The Route
Miles 0 to 1: The trail starts at Rock Creek Lake, a reservoir at 9,700 feet at the end of Rock Creek Road. The first mile follows the north shore of the lake and then continues into the upper drainage on a well-worn trail. The terrain here is open, with views up the canyon toward the Sierra crest and the surrounding peaks. Elevation gain in the first mile is gradual, about 200 feet.
Miles 1 to 2.5: The trail climbs more decisively through a series of granite benches above Rock Creek Lake. The creek runs to your left, and the trail gains elevation in steps rather than continuously, with relatively flat sections between steeper pitches. The surrounding peaks, including Mount Morgan and the flanks of the Sierra crest, come into full view through this section. The forest becomes sparse and then disappears as you move above timberline. Above 10,500 feet the landscape is pure granite, talus, and sky.
Miles 2.5 to 4: The final section to the first Hilton Lake gains the remaining elevation to the basin at roughly 11,200 feet. The trail crosses a low granite ridge before the basin opens below. The first lake sits at the base of the ridge, its water a deep blue-green that reflects the surrounding peaks. Beyond it, the chain of lakes extends further into the basin, separated by short rock-hop sections between them. The largest of the Hilton Lakes is the farthest, requiring an additional half mile of relatively flat travel through the basin. Most day hikers spend time at the first lake, then work their way deeper into the basin before returning.
When to Visit
July: Rock Creek Road typically opens in late June, and the Hilton Lakes trail is usually accessible by early July. Snow can linger on the upper basin into mid-July in heavy snow years. Check current conditions with the White Mountain Ranger District before a July visit.
Late July through August: The best window. The basin is fully clear of snow, the days are long, and the wildflowers in the lower trail meadows are at their peak. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible, as they are throughout the High Sierra in summer. Start early (on the trail by 7 AM) and plan to be heading down by early afternoon if storm clouds are building.
September: An excellent month for the Hilton Lakes basin. The crowds that populate the more famous Eastern Sierra destinations thin out after Labor Day, and the basin is likely to feel uncrowded or genuinely empty on weekdays. Water clarity is at its best in September for photography. Snow can arrive by late September, so watch forecasts.
October: Rock Creek Road typically closes in October or November depending on snow. Early October can offer exceptional conditions, but it is a weather gamble.
Practical Details
Parking: Paved parking at Rock Creek Lake Trailhead. America the Beautiful Pass or a $5 Inyo National Forest day-use fee required. The lot fills before 8 AM on summer weekends. Overflow parking is available along Rock Creek Road, adding 0.5 to 1 mile to the hike each way.
Permits: No permit required for day hikes. Overnight trips into the John Muir Wilderness require a permit from the White Mountain Ranger Station (798 N Main Street, Bishop), subject to a daily quota. Permits are available on Recreation.gov (reserve six months in advance) or as walk-ins the morning of your trip.
Dogs: Allowed on leash. The granite terrain above timberline can be rough on paws, particularly on sharp talus. The altitude (starting near 10,000 feet and reaching 11,200+) can affect dogs unaccustomed to high elevation. Watch for signs of altitude distress: lethargy, disorientation, refusal to move.
Water: The creek and lakes are water sources, but carry a filter. In late season, small tributaries above the basin can dry up. Carry at least 2 liters from the trailhead.
Fishing: Brook and rainbow trout. California fishing license required. The lakes are lightly pressured and offer good fishing. The deepest parts of each lake hold the largest fish. Standard Eastern Sierra tactics apply: small spinners, dry flies in the morning, nymphs through the afternoon.
Facilities: Vault toilet at the trailhead. No facilities on the trail.
Getting There
From Bishop, take US-395 North for about 15 miles to the Tom's Place junction (Crowley Lake Drive). Turn left (west) onto Rock Creek Road and follow it for approximately 11 miles to the Rock Creek Lake Trailhead at the end of the road. The drive from Bishop takes about 30 minutes.
From Mammoth Lakes, take US-395 South for approximately 20 miles to the Tom's Place junction. Turn right onto Rock Creek Road and follow the directions above. The drive from Mammoth takes about 30 minutes.
Rock Creek Road is a paved, two-lane road suitable for all passenger vehicles. The road is narrow in places, with some pullouts for passing. The last mile to the trailhead has the tightest curves.
The Bottom Line
The Hilton Lakes basin is one of the best less-crowded day hikes in the Eastern Sierra, delivering the High Sierra granite-and-lake experience that most people associate with longer and more logistically demanding trips. Strong fishing, good altitude, and real solitude make it worth the drive up Rock Creek Road.
From Bishop, Inyo National Forest has several other trails worth pairing with Hilton Lakes on a multi-day Eastern Sierra trip. Mono Pass leaves from the same Rock Creek Road corridor (Mosquito Flat is one mile past Rock Creek Lake), climbing to 12,060 feet with an even more dramatic alpine landscape. Further south, Convict Lake Loop is an easy lakeside walk that provides a scenic low-key contrast. For hikers driving from Los Angeles, see the best hikes near Los Angeles guide for the full range of Eastern Sierra options. Leave No Trace practices are especially important at lightly visited lakes like these, where concentrated use can degrade water quality quickly: see Leave No Trace 7 Principles for specifics.