Trail Review: Hilton Lakes, Mammoth CA
DISTANCE: 12+ mi Round Trip / ELEVATION: 2150 ft.
TLDR: A moderate 12+ mile round trip hike at elevation, with a bit of elevation gain over mostly exposed sections of trail, to a series of alpine and subalpine lakes. Can get heavily trafficked during peak season.
Review: One of my favorite hikes in the area, it’s perfect for day hiking, overnighters, or even spending several days tucked away at one of the more remote lakes. Fishing has been excellent the couple times i’ve gone in the past several years. The second lake is the most popular for camping, and availability of sites will heavily depend on time of year.
The hike itself is moderate, with several inclines on exposed sections of the trail headed in. Water is also scarce for the first 4 miles, so bring plenty of water for the way in, as it can get fairly hot mid day. Coupled with the elevation (hike starts at ~9000 ft), inexperienced hikers can quickly be overwhelmed by fatigue and dehydration. The trail itself is well marked. There is a junction about midway to the lakes (continue up/straight), and another just before reaching the second lake (descend to lakes 1-2. Continue up/left to lakes 3-6). Once you’ve reached the lakes, the views are fantastic.
Reservations: Reserve up to 6 months in advance at Recreation.gov
Day use does not require a permit.
Permit Info: Wilderness permits are required for overnight trips into the John Muir Wilderness. Day use does not require a permit. Permits to start on this trail are issued at Inyo National Forest visitor centers.
Usage: Heavy
Restrictions:
No campfires. This includes Hilton Creek Lakes, Davis Lake, and Hilton Creek. see Maps of Campfire Restrictions.
All food, trash and scented items must be stored in bear-proof containers, or counter balanced at least 15 feet above the ground, and 10 feet horizontally from a tree trunk.
Groups cannot be larger than 15 people (includes day use).
Quota of 15 people permitted to start overnight trips each day from May 1 to November 1.
Check the area map for the correct trail name. Trips going toward Mono Pass, Tamarack Lakes or Little Lakes Valley are a different permit.
John Muir Wilderness regulations apply.
Closest Towns: Crowley Lake and Toms Place have gas and limited services. Full services available in Mammoth Lakes or Bishop, CA.
Water: Water from creeks, lakes and springs should be treated before drinking.
Restroom: Vault toilet at trailhead. None at campsites. Please Leave No Trace. Bury human waste away from water sources.
Directions: The trailhead is on Rock Creek Road, ~9 miles west of Highway 395. 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.
Information Center: Wilderness permit information (760) 873-2483
Area information call White Mountain Visitor Center (760) 873-2500
A Wilderness Permit is required for each party camping overnight in the John Muir Wilderness. Since the Hilton Creek Lakes trailhead is in the Inyo National Forest, obtain your permit from them. There are daily quotas for the number of people who may enter at a particular trailhead for overnight camping, so obtaining a wilderness permit reservation is recommended. The trail to Hilton Lakes is allows 15 people per day. Nine of those slots may be reserved ahead of time. The other 6 are set aside as walk-up permits, available after 11am the day before your departure.