My mom and I were on the last day of a 4-day adventure at Rock Creek Lake, just south of Mammoth Lakes on the eastern side of the Sierra. After breakfast, we packed up the car, then headed out together for a hike along the trail that mom had taken on the north side of Rock Creek. We thought it would be a great idea to get a little exercise before getting into the car, plus it would time our arrival at Whoa Nellie Deli in time for their world famous fish tacos. She had wanted to show me where she had made it to the day before, the stretch that she called the “Rocky Mountains” and I wanted to show her how to cross that creek to make this hike a loop.
Where: Inyo National Forest As we crossed the bridge on the west side of Rock Creek Lodge, we spotted some nice yellow Aspens. In the four short days that we had been here, we could see these trees changing colors rapidly.
We headed up a nice, easy trail.
A few more rocks started showing up on the trail, requiring you to watch where you were stepping.
Shortly the trail turned into a sturdy wooden path as it passed through a boggy area.
As we headed back down the southern side of Rock Creek, we could catch some reflections in the creek and take in that view.
We loaded up and left our cute little cabin, heading to Whoa Nellie Deli at the Mobile Gas Station in Lee Vining, just as you head up Tioga Road. Our timing was perfect and we were there just as they opened the grill at 11. You know what we ordered, don’t you?
Mom and I had a most excellent adventure at Rock Creek Lake. The people at Rock Creek Lodge were so friendly and it is always a nice, dog-friendly place to stay. Actually everyone we met was very nice. I am pretty sure that Sally had a great time also!
Sources:
http://www.saddlebaglakeresort.com/ Prior Blogs on This Area:
Distance: 2 Miles
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Range: 9,400′ – 9,445′
Date: September 18, 2014
Maps: Mount Morgan Topographic Quad
http://rockcreeklodge.com/
Home » Blogs » Adventures with Candace » Adventure to the East Side of the Sierra with Mom Day 4: Rock Creek and Headed Home