Little Lakes Valley Trail: Hiking to 8 Lakes Off Highway 395

Little Lake Valley is one of the most beautiful trails in the Eastern Sierra. The trail wanders through a valley full of stunning lakes and surrounded by jagged peaks. It is a beautiful spot with fishing and swimming opportunities. We spent the day hiking this 8-mile round trip trail with 1,000 feet of elevation and here is the full video on the hike. This hike leaves from the Mosquito Flats Trailhead near Rock Creek.
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California Through My Lens
5198 Arlington Ave # 937
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[@goodoldrodg9043]

Oh Josh! You are making me feel depressed. I did Rock Creek and Little Lake and Mono Pass in 1957 and 1958 then again in the early 80's (not sure any more). Can no longer tolerate the altitude. Everybody needs to do this at least once. Wish I could again.

[@californiathroughmylens]

I bet it was pristine back then with way less people! I am glad it brought back good memories and i know what you mean about the altitude.

[@NayStouffer]

We’re took our kids here when they were little in 2015. We visit rock creek area each year just haven’t done the hike again. This video brought back so many memories and now we’re are making plans for our next trip. So beautiful there.

[@natlovell122]

The Sierras are by far my favorite place to be. Been hiking in the Sierras for 30 years now and I cherish every moment up there. Feels like my second home.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Agree 100%. I wish I could spend a lot more time up there

[@natlovell122]

@@californiathroughmylens If you ever get the chance to do some hiking in the western Sierras let me know, I live in Fresno and have been hiking for around 30 years. I can give you some tips of where to go. Thanks for all of your videos, they are absolutely beautiful and inspiring. All the best! - Nat

[@SinMore]

Little Lakes Valley was such a special place for my husband and I. Thanks for such a beautiful video. Wow, groups of 30 hikers go into Little Lakes Valley. I never saw that when I went there every summer a few years back. Too bad someone built a circle of rocks underwater at Heart Lake. Leave No Trace please.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Agreed, I was annoyed by the rock circle too, so unnecessary to make that.

[@SinMore]

@@californiathroughmylens My daughter said I was being a "purist" lol. Well, like you said, that circle didn't seem to serve any practical purpose. I love your channel.

[@scotchgod8478]

After seeing so many of your videos, I'm still amazed to see what a wide range of different landscapes California offers. You're really spoiled 😊

[@californiathroughmylens]

Agreed, and I have only scratched the surface in these videos haha

[@RandomRabbit007]

beautiful as always

[@maverickm885]

Very beautiful place!💚💚💚

[@samshepperrd]

Where you have creeks feeding into and connecting lakes, you have self sustaining trout populations, which spawn in the sand beds of running water - just like their cousins steelhead and salmon.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Oh really, that is awesome! Thanks for that info!

[@marlenajoyb]

Lol. The LAST 15 seconds of this video was so worth watching until the end!!! We call that white hot summer! Ha! Lol. Those lakes though. Thumbs up!

[@DovieRuthAuthor]

I've lived in California for decades but have never heard of this. Thanks for sharing!

[@californiathroughmylens]

No problem!

[@Betonrg]

For dure , it is the most beautiful easy trail in California. I did it las week.

[@user-us6ce7me8k]

American lakes are so different from Italian ones. I hope to get there soon though and enjoy the lovely scenery 💚🌄

[@californiathroughmylens]

I would love to visit some Italian lakes as well!

[@maverickm885]

Josh, you really rock!!

[@missyandjeff]

I’ve hiked this trail about 5 times and your video captures it perfectly!!! It’s my favorite hiking trail in the world. So much bang for your buck! I was brave & did actually jump into upper Gem lake one year. Brrrrrrr! Exhilarating for sure! So hard to pick a favorite lake because they are all so beautiful, but I really think the mountain peak reflections in Marsh Lake are hard to beat. The bright green of the marsh grasses contrasted with the white granite pointed peaks is mesmerizing. I can’t wait to go back again one day. Thanks for this awesome video!

[@arxangelmixael]

Thank you

[@californiathroughmylens]

You're welcome

[@samshepperrd]

Rock Creek lakes was the last place my dad who's been gone 3 years) and I hiked and fished. To me, this is really the heart of the Sierras. Along with more crowded Mammoth and June Lake area.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Sorry to hear about you dad passing but that sounds like a great memory for you to have with him in this special area. I am glad the video brought back good memories.

[@iguillo]

Josh, I think me and my group are gonna do this trail in mid-October to catch the Fall colors. Even without Fall colors this seems like a spectacular hike!

[@samshepperrd]

This video is going to increase the logjam of cars at the trailhead. There ought to be a park and ride at the foot of the hill and ab electric tram taking people up to the trailhead. Better than putting up a bigger parking lot up in that paradise at the trailhead. Also, people doing meetups probably need to do more ride-sharing.

[@californiathroughmylens]

I agree that they will have to figure out a better solution like a park and ride. There were so many cars all over the parking area when we left. I hope that meet up groups carpool as well. Thanks for the comment.

[@joekidd3960]

You must to upper Morgan lake, you will have it all to yourself, go there.

[@sheezcute]

New sub and binged on your videos. Engaging without trying too hard. Thank you! 😃

[@tommythimgan7766]

Nice! 15 years ago I backpacked to lower Morgan Lake on that trail...most fun hiking trip ever...too bad Gem Lake was dry for you...it's a beauty. We camped on the shore of lower Morgan Lake and were awakened by the sound of a massive rock slide on the hill behind us, unsure if we were about to be entombed by it or not!

[@carolinenunez3455]

I absolutely love that area. My husband and I hiked there twice; the second time we made it to Chickenfoot Lake, but the first time not that far. It was incredibly gorgeous. We go to the Eastern Sierra in the fall, which is a really nice time to go, with fewer people. Great video!

[@californiathroughmylens]

That is awesome! I would love to see the area in the fall!

[@seanstein8313]

Just got back from a trip to mammoth with my friends. Took all of your advice in many of your videos and it was sooo amazing. Going back to try more soon!! Thanks man

[@californiathroughmylens]

So glad the video helped you have such a fun trip!

[@theultimatecactus1526]

Looks beautiful.... Im too early to have seen the video.... But the picture in the thumbnail looks awesome 😄😄

[@californiathroughmylens]

Thanks for the early comment!

[@HungNguyen-kj5rm]

Great video with great details of the hike. I will be doing this trail late this month and am so glad to watch this video. Thanks heaps!

[@SavageLizard]

Heading up that way next month, glad I saw this video when looking for a hike to do. Hoping the forest opens back up by then. Do you happen to know if the parking lot is a zoo on weekdays, or is it just the weekends?

[@juliorosas-cortes424]

Im planning to go this weekend. I have to do a little more research regarding the fires though. but it looks like this place is actually a go. i was planning sequoia but it looks like its still closed.

[@SavageLizard]

@@juliorosas-cortes424 Cool! I'm shooting for Wednesday or Thursday next week so long as the weather is reasonable.

[@GeneMiller-jd4nl]

The first time i was at GEM lake was 1961, and most recently I've been planning a trip back; after some work out time. Still a beautiful spot. Did you see the cabin?

[@Peregrine_1]

Great Video Joshua. Are you just hand holding your DSLR when walking and filming yourself or just a GoPro?

[@ajaykumar-ye6kv]

Hay josh how i download beautiful photos from your website because they're very stunning. Although great vlog bro.

[@stevesmith756]

It’s sad that because of social media this trail and most others in the Eastern Sierra as so packed. Little lakes valley is over run with day hikers dogs loud kids and strollers. Yes I’ve seen them. Just too many people now

[@joekidd3960]

I would recommend you go to upper Morgan lake, its a little tough to get to, switch backs,you will have all to your self

[@CactusAtlas]

Another beautiful hike! Really makes us wish we were back in that area again!

[@californiathroughmylens]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@stargazer5073]

Can you swim in all lakes?

[@Chance2Explore]

Another great video Josh!!! Thanks for this

[@californiathroughmylens]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@saavedramarcelo]

Hi. What day of the week was it? Thanks.

[@moreno1024]

Love this hike. It's beautiful in early to mid June when there's snow on the peaks. It's a PAIN to hike if youre not used to elevation.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Agreed, the elevation really makes it a lot harder than it should be. I would love to do it earlier in the season as well!

[@joeythebanker]

Sorry dude, you’ve got your mileage and your elevation all wrong.

[@RandomRabbit007]

Cali-life baby

[@doriethatgirl1709]

Have hiked many trails north of Little Lakes in the Mammoth/June Lakes area but after seeing your vid, I will put this on my short list next time I’m in that area.👍🏼 Still, any hike that begins at a trailhead called Mosquito Flats would always give me pause!🤣

[@billcogan7337]

Awesome video!! Heading to Gem in a couple weeks. Question: Did you have any cell reception out there? I own a business to where I am the "emergency line" if needed. Last thing I want is to be on my phone at all...... but I don't have a choice. Excited to get out there!

[@MrfiX725]

I love driving the 395N. I've done it several times. Thank you for showing me a new place to visit on the drive.

[@californiathroughmylens]

No problem 👍

[@Betonrg]

So close to Mammoth Lakes

[@jorel4477]

Amazing video as always. Thanks Josh. Have you ever done a video about Solvang, CA? I don’t remember seeing one..

[@hustleboy562]

Wow such beautiful scenery I wish I would have seen this video sooner I just finished a 5 day camping trip in Convict Lake and I would of loved to do this hike me my girlfriend and daughter were looking for hiking trails to do besides the devils post pile to rainbow falls. Will have to set up another camping trip to definitely do this hike thanks Josh love the vids 👍

[@MarilynSStoner]

Thanks!

[@californiathroughmylens]

Wow!!! Thank you so much for that comment and tip that is very kind of you!!

[@mammothjoe]

I was up there the same day and started at almost the same time! Just made a similar video and you can see the same cars in the parking lot at the beginning lol. Such an amazing place!

[@jacobs.7659]

That's pretty awesome to hike by different lakes!! 😎👍🌅 Another stunning video 📸!!

[@XJarhead360]

One of the better videos of the Sierra. Loved your narration. I was here 15 years ago and am yearning to go back. I'm taking my brother there this summer. He's not a backpacker and has never seen the Sierra. I told him this is one of the most beautiful and non-strenuous hikes in this area.

[@jeffestrellanes7828]

one of my all time fav hikes. been over a decade since coming here but itching to make it back. met a couple on this trail both celebrating their 60th birthday by backpacking 60 miles starting in the little lakes valley through yosemite. thanks for sharing.

[@tomatoomelette5111]

what a coincidence, we ar hiking ruby lakes trail ad little lakes valley trail this weekend! Amazing video!

[@markdavid801]

Can you camp anywhere along this trail?

[@ramzy-6566]

Great video, Thank you.

[@S30Uploads]

Can you swim there?

[@seniorsue]

Beautiful scenery. I think I need to go on that hike. Thanks for sharing.

[@renatemaclaren6689]

Little Lakes Valley is one of our favorite hikes in the eastern Sierra! Hike there at least once a year. Always beautiful.

[@kpadventures2238]

when did u exactly go?

[@hmbv1591]

What month did u go during this video?

[@Pixics]

You are always going somewhere beautiful

[@marigarza9201]

Wow 🤩 Looks so beautiful! Thank you for sharing!

[@LynjasOkey]

A great hiking adventure with spectacular view

[@kevinsantiago8365]

Thank you so much for sharing this! Me and my brother were supposed to backpack to these lakes but because of the wildfires we had last year we couldn’t. Watching this video makes me want to go even for just a day hike. Thank you for the inspiration. Always a great time watching your videos!🧡

[@californiathroughmylens]

I hope you can get a chance to go experience this area, you really will love it even if it is only a day hike.

[@jennysjourney02]

This is absolutely amazing! I love that part of the state, so much beauty. I love hiking but can only go on short and easy trails. I finally invested in hiking shoes which really help a lot, makes hiking easier. This video makes me excited to explore more trails on my next trip. Thanks for sharing this with us.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Glad you enjoyed the video. If you make it to the area you could always do a shorter hike and just stop at one of the earlier lakes too.

[@suzannehannahs6104]

Hi Josh! Do you need a permit for this hike? Thx!

[@LukeGeeTravels]

Question, when you do the talking head shots, are you using a gimbal at all or just hand held? And two, what focal lenght do you use to record yourself?

[@californiathroughmylens]

I just hand hold it and then stabilize a little in Final Cut Pro. I pretty much always use my 16-35 f4 on 16 for those shots

[@LukeGeeTravels]

@@californiathroughmylens oh okay! Awesome, thank's more letting me know! I am planning on getting the Tamron 17-28 f2.8. For now, most of my videos are using a gopro, but trying to up the production lol!

[@violetbf3773]

Random spooky comment… I was thinking on asking if you’ve ever swam in the lakes you’ve visited, and right on clue; you said that you swam at the end of the hike 🤪😁

[@californiathroughmylens]

haha we are on the same wavelength!

[@2-old-Forthischet]

I really enjoyed our trek to Gem lake many years ago. There were only a few people that day on the trail so it was really nice. Another really nice short hike, although very crowded, is Devil's Postpile. That is one unique vista at the top.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Glad you got to experience it! I agree, Devils Postpile is another great spot

[@michelletorres6966]

How long did this take you?

[@valavina5487]

Thanks for bringing some insight to this hiking trail. The wife and I will now definitely consider a visit there. Stay safe and keep the videos coming.👊🏼

[@californiathroughmylens]

No problem! Will do!

[@senderismopacheco7209]

So beautiful. Thanks for share 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@michaelwoodsmccausland5633]

I prefer Levit lakes

[@xweiliable]

are dogs allowed on this trail?

[@VieDeSoleil]

I love this video so much! Thank you for this, I can’t wait to do this trail one day with my kids!

[@californiathroughmylens]

You should!

[@shirleyandrews1152]

So beautiful, Thank you for sharing.

[@tquist61]

One of the more beautiful hikes I've ever done! You're video was great.. thanks for sharing!

[@californiathroughmylens]

No problem, I am glad you got a chance to hike it!

[@angelfigueroa310]

Is that water super cold ?

[@karenabel6218]

How many hours did it take to hike to all 8 lakes?

[@C-TOS]

I just looked at the weather over there. It looks like it has its own ecosystem, nice weather over there.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Yes it was really nice when we went!

[@bonniealvarez5510]

Gor-jelly-us!!! I'd love to jump in that water right now. : )

[@californiathroughmylens]

I would too haha!

[@sasham1280]

Beautiful !!! Love your videos :))

[@AlbertAguilera22]

When did you do this hike? Do water levels stay like this most of the year?

[@californiathroughmylens]

I did this two weeks ago. I am not sure how the water levels are during the rest of the year, but I imagine it is inaccessible because of snow in the winter since the elevation is high.

[@mixeddrinks8100]

surprising amount of people. Summer break or what.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Yea, this area is pretty popular in the summer as the campgrounds were all fully booked too.

[@liztury1434]

This trail is beautiful and I would love to do this one. I liked all the lakes.

[@californiathroughmylens]

You should do it if you get the chance!

[@andyleo8418]

That water looks so crisp and clean. Amazing!

[@californiathroughmylens]

And cold haha :)

[@christophersmith5849]

great video, thank you

[@TheJoepeanut]

Bro...

[@TraceNoOne]

Bring your fishing poles next time

[@californiathroughmylens]

I would love to!

[@travelswithtrekkers1326]

Such a beautiful place!!!

[@roncross1945]

Beautiful, thanks for sharing your hike.

[@californiathroughmylens]

You bet!

[@miahmarieeeeee]

Great video happy Sunday

[@californiathroughmylens]

Thank you! You too!

[@hunglikejesus6097]

Absolutely gorgeous

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

Can’t wait to go!

[@amestoy1418]

Just WOW!

[@petemartinez6717]

Beautiful

[@JayOmayan]

When did you guys took this hike?

[@californiathroughmylens]

Like two weeks ago

[@neverhomepnw]

Do you need a permit?

[@californiathroughmylens]

Only if you are staying overnight

[@anitap2286]

❤️👍🌹🙏

[@angieba6600]

👍😍

[@Рианнон]

thank you)

[@californiathroughmylens]

No problem 😊

[@brianbrumfield3330]

Scary how low the water is!

[@californiathroughmylens]

Really? I have never been so I don't know what it normally looks like

[@brianbrumfield3330]

@@californiathroughmylens When you crossed the stream below Long Lake the stepping rocks are close to being under water if not actually having water run over them. I have never seen Gem Lake without a large area of snow where those people were walking that you pointed out. Usually the whole rocky area there is covered with snow.

[@msglca]

How can you not love the Sierra's - can't wait to get out of this southern CA sewer

[@barrygreenstein2816]

I can’t wait for you to get out of southern Ca also.

[@msglca]

@@barrygreenstein2816 That's the plan - soon!

[@nicoleheisel7456]

I love your channel but Unfortunately I will be boycotting any state that infringes on their citizens rights and I refuse to support them with my vacation money. I will no longer go to CA, WA, OR, NY, DC, etc. On to another topic, you should do some more videos on AZ, TX, and I would love to see NM ones. Also, FL has some neat towns to go to as well, I've gone down there a few times, and I'm sure people would like to see the beauty out in the Everglades or islands.

[@pozee1111]

We just completed the 8 lakes heavenly hike today . 🎉🏞🌄🌳👏👌 Yaaaay