Name: South Rock Creek Trail #3709
Rating: 3.3

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Features Commonly Backpacked · Lake · Swimming

The usual wilderness area restrictions and regulations apply. Both the trailhead and the trail are usually closed by snow from late October to early June (but the access road is open to snowmobiles in the winter). Expect fierce mosquitos from late June through mid-September. Large parts of this trail was burned by the 2017 North Pelican Fire—so be aware of the possibility of falling trees and limbs.

Description

The Cold Springs Trailhead, the Cold Springs Trail, and the South Rock Creek Trail are the most direct and popular ways to access the lakes at the southern end of the Sky Lakes Basin. This well graded trail runs 1.6 miles northwest from its junction with the Cold Springs Trail #3710 to its end at a junction with the Sky Lakes Trail #3762 between the Heavenly Twin Lakes.

From this junction, you can head west to meet Pacific Crest Trail #2000 (PCT) or northeast on the Sky Lakes Trail towards the Sky Lakes Area. There is a loop option back to the trailhead on the Cold Springs Trail #3710. Note that a portion of the #3709—from its junction with the #3710 to just short of Heavenly Twin Lakes—was burned by the 2017 North Pelican Fire. The trail is currently open and clear but be aware of the possibility of falling trees or limbs in the months and years ahead.