TR: Hilton Lakes from Rock Creek May 2017

[lvray]

The relatively warm weather and still abundant snow is making for some very scenic early season trips!

With Rock Creek Rd. now open to the corral, my wife and I decided to spend a few days up at Hilton Lakes. We spent a few nights in Little Lakes Valley about 2 weeks ago and were surprised to see how much snow had melted. There is still plenty left, but it seems to be going quick, especially below 8500.

There was nearly 100% snow coverage starting from the trailhead. Lakes 1 (Davis) and 2 were mostly frozen, but had some areas of thaw. Upper lakes still fully frozen. I would say complete snow coverage starts between 8500 and 9000 feet. Temps were generally pleasant, but wind gusts were forecast to be 50 mph Thursday night and Friday and I would say they reached that. Full sun and warmer days made snow conditions very slippery by early afternoon. I would estimate at least 4 to 6 feet of snow in most areas above 10000 feet.

Beautiful area for nice short trip. There was one set of ski tracks that looked to be a few days old, but otherwise that was the only sign of people we saw.

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[Wandering Daisy]

Beautiful! Did you go up the drainage or cut in from the Rock Creek near the end of the road? I have gone in from the end of road but never up the drainage.

[lvray]

We went up and over from Rock Creek trailhead.

Beautiful! Did you go up the drainage or cut in from the Rock Creek near the end of the road? I have gone in from the end of road but never up the drainage.

[TempeScott]

If you had to guess, how long before they open the camp sites along rock creek?
Thanks!

[austex]

Scott PM sent

[acarlon707]

Scott PM sent

I would also like that info if possible.

[austex]

Sent