Summary 
| Difficulty | 2-3 Beginner-intermediate to intermediate |
| Length | Up to 13.4 miles round trip |
| Starting Elevation |
8900 feet |
| Cumulative Elevation Change |
Up to +1650, -1650 round trip |
| Navigation | Road, or road and map |
| Time | Up to full day |
| Season | Mid-November through mid-May |
| Snowmobiles Use | Not permitted although Rock Creek Lodge is permitted to use snowmobiles between the trailhead and their lodge. [Please report illegal use of snowmobiles in this area.] |
| USGS Topo | 7.5' series, Mt. Morgan, Mt. Abbot |
| Start | The Sno-Park area on Rock Creek Road, 5.8 miles south of Tom's Place where the road is no longer plowed. |
Description
Rock Creek Road affords easy access to excellent cross-country ski terrain and the dramatic Sierra high country. The road climbs gradually west up a glacial valley toward the base of the Sierra Crest. Beyond the road you can explore many more miles of Little Lakes Valley where you will be surrounded by high Sierra mountains that rise to over 13,000 feet.
Unfortunately; the beauty; the easy access, and the presence of Rock Creek Winter Lodge attract many people. The lodge charges for use of trails which they groom both on and off the road. You do not have to purchase a trail pass as long as you do not use these trails.
Mileage Log
Numbers in parentheses
correspond to mileage points on map
Waypoint 1 to 2
Miles: 0.0 - 1.8
Elevation change: +500
From the trailhead (1), ski south on the snow-covered road 1.8 miles until you reach the turnoff to Rock Creek Winter Lodge (2) on your left. Lodging is available on selected holiday weekends from Christmas through Easter. For information call (760)935-4170 or visit their website.
Waypoint 2 to 3
Miles: 1.8 - 3.1
Elevation change: +400
Continue to ski southwest on the snow-covered road for 1.3 miles until you reach Rock Creek Lake (3). Just before reaching the lake you will pass Rock Creek Lake Resort on your right.
Waypoint 3 to 4
Miles: 3.1 - 4.7
Elevation change: +450
Continue to ski south on the snow-covered road for 1.6 miles until you reach Mosquito Flat (4) and the end of the road. Mosquito Flat is the summer trailhead and where the backcountry skiing really begins.
Waypoint 4 to 5
Miles: 4.7 - 6.7
Elevation change: +300
Ski south following Rock Creek and a succession of lakes located along it for 2.0 miles until you reach Long Lake (5). In this section you will pass Mack Lake, Marsh Lake, Heart Lake, and Box Lake. The route requires that you cross the creek and the lakes at various points. Although they are normally well-frozen throughout the winter, you should always exercise caution when crossing, especially early and late in the season.
While this tour ends at Long Lake, you can continue to explore other lakes as well as some fine alpine bowls. Morgan Pass is an interesting destination because it provides outstanding views of the route skied up Little Lakes Valley.
Return to trailhead
Miles: 6.7 - 13.4
Elevation change: -1650
Retrace the route back to the trailhead (1).
