How to Get a Little Lakes Valley Permit
The easiest first backpacking trip in the Sierra: a nearly flat chain of lakes under four 13,000-foot peaks.
Check Little Lakes Valley permit availabilityRecreation.gov permit 233262 lists a $6 Inyo reservation fee plus a $5 per-person fee.
Permit Cost
1-3 days
Duration
easy
Difficulty
About Little Lakes Valley
Little Lakes Valley is an Inyo National Forest wilderness entry point at Mosquito Flat in Rock Creek canyon, one of the highest road-accessible trailheads in the Sierra. Inyo's quota season runs May 1 to November 1 in 2026, with reservations opening six months in advance at 7 am Pacific and additional permits released two weeks ahead. Outside that window the trailhead is non-quota with a two-week booking window. Inyo allows backpackers starting on this trail to camp at the trailhead the night before their trip, at 10 walk-in sites. The permit does not include Ruby Lake or Mono Pass, and there is no exit to Pine Creek because the old mine road is impassable after a rock slide.
Inyo National Forest calls this an easy hike to a beautiful chain of lakes, popular for fishing, day hikes and beginning backpackers. Glaciers carved the chain, and the valley is framed by the 13,000-foot peaks of Bear Creek Spire, Mt Dade, Mt. Abbot and Mt. Mills. Nowhere else on the east side gives that much alpine scenery for that little climbing.
The Experience
You step out of the car at over 10,000 feet and walk a valley floor with lakes in a row and big serious peaks at the far end. There is old mining equipment along the way and an abandoned road bed at Morgan Pass, and the whole thing feels bigger than the effort it takes.
The trail runs south from Mosquito Flat up the valley past the lake chain toward Morgan Pass. Inyo notes evidence of historical mining equipment along the way, along with an old road bed at Morgan Pass.
One useful piece of logistics from Inyo: backpackers starting on this trail are allowed to camp at the trailhead the night before their trip, at 10 walk-in sites. At this elevation that is a real acclimatization advantage.
Two boundaries to know. The Little Lakes Valley trail does not include Ruby Lake or Mono Pass, which are separate reservations, and Inyo states the old mine road between Morgan Lakes and Pine Creek is not passable after a massive rock slide caused significant irreparable damage. There is no exit to Pine Creek.
What to Expect
Nearly flat walking on a valley floor above 10,000 feet
A chain of glacially carved lakes under Bear Creek Spire, Mt Dade, Mt. Abbot and Mt. Mills
Ten walk-in sites at the trailhead where permit holders may camp the night before
No Ruby Lake or Mono Pass on this permit
No through route to Pine Creek
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Permit Requirements
No campfires anywhere in this valley
Bear containers are required for storage of food and trash
This permit does not include Ruby Lake or Mono Pass
There is no exit to Pine Creek - the old mine road is not passable after a major rock slide
Maximum group size is 15
John Muir Wilderness regulations apply
Gear & Preparation
Required Gear
- •A bear canister - Inyo requires containers for food and trash here
- •A stove, since campfires are banned throughout the valley
- •Warm layers, because camp is above 10,000 feet even on the easiest night
- •Water treatment
Hazards & Safety
Altitude, which is the one real risk on an otherwise gentle trail
Afternoon thunderstorms over an open valley
Cold nights year-round
Snow lingering at the head of the valley into early summer
Best Time to Visit
The quota season runs May 1 to November 1, and the Rock Creek road governs early access. July through September is the reliable window, with wildflowers at their best in July.
Pro Tips
Use the 10 trailhead walk-in sites the night before - it is the cheapest acclimatization there is
Arrive very early for parking, because Mosquito Flat is small and popular
Carry a stove, since fires are banned the length of the valley
Do not plan a Pine Creek exit, which has been impassable since the rock slide
Camp at the upper lakes if you want quiet, since day hikers turn around low
100+ wilderness permits, extensive backcountry experience
This guide is based on personal experience obtaining wilderness permits and is regularly updated to reflect current policies and strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a Little Lakes Valley permit?
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Little Lakes Valley permits require advance reservations. Book online as soon as reservations open for your desired dates.
When is the best time to visit Little Lakes Valley?
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The quota season runs May 1 to November 1, and the Rock Creek road governs early access. July through September is the reliable window, with wildflowers at their best in July.
How difficult is Little Lakes Valley?
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First-time backpackers, families and anglers, and anyone acclimatizing before a harder Sierra trip.
What gear do I need for Little Lakes Valley?
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Essential gear includes: A bear canister - Inyo requires containers for food and trash here, A stove, since campfires are banned throughout the valley, Warm layers, because camp is above 10,000 feet even on the easiest night, Water treatment.
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