Summary 
| Difficulty | 4 Intermediate-advanced |
| Length | Up to 9.2 miles round trip |
| Starting Elevation |
8900 feet |
| Cumulative Elevation Change |
Up to +1850, -1850 round trip |
| Navigation | Map |
| Time | Up to full day |
| Season | December through early May |
| Snowmobiles Use | Low |
| USGS Topo | 7.5' series, Mt. Morgan |
| Start | The Sno-Park area on Rock Creek Road, 5.8 miles south of Tom's Place where the road is no longer plowed. At the Sno-Park there is a plowed road to the east (left) that leads to additional parking. The trailhead is at the end of this parking area. |
Description
Since access to the East Fork of Rock Creek drainage is not easy, this beautiful canyon remains a sanctuary for backcountry skiers who possess the curiosity and skills to reach it. This drainage forms a plateau-like canyon which sits over 500' above the main fork. Once you complete the necessary climb, you can explore the canyon.
Keep in mind that this tour does not follow a precise route. Also, the tour should not be attempted when avalanche conditions exist on the steep slope that leads to the canyon.
Mileage Log
Numbers in parentheses
correspond to mileage points on map
Waypoint 1 to 2
Miles: 0.0 - 0.9
Elevation change: +350
From the trailhead (1), ski south and climb gradually for 0.9 mile until you reach the base of the steep slope (2). There is no landmark where this section ends and the steep climb begins.
Waypoint 2 to 3
Miles: 0.9 - 1.7
Elevation change: +700
Ski south and climb at a steep angle for 0.8 mile until you reach the plateau-like area (3). Regardless of your exact route, it will be obvious when you reach the plateau-like area of the drainage.
Waypoint 3 to 4
Miles: 1.7 - 4.0
Elevation change: +600
Ski south and then southeast, climbing gradually up the canyon, for 2.3 miles until you reach Dorothy Lake (4).
Waypoint 4 to 5
Miles: 4.0 - 4.6
Elevation change: +200
Ski south, climbing gradually, for 0.6 mile until you reach the head of the canyon (5). Wherever you ski, keep in mind that the steep slopes surrounding the canyon are subject to avalanche.
Return to trailhead
Miles: 4.6 - 9.2
Elevation change: -1850
Retrace the route for 4.6 miles back to the trailhead (1).
