Ruby Lake

Cappie’s Scoop: It’s so cool to have an alpine lake all to yourself and go swimming in it! A lot of hoomans and dogs were hiking towards Gem Lakes but this time mom and I took a right turn at the junction and headed straight up to Ruby Lake. It was scary but cool to see Gem Lakes from high above. This also means you’re hiking uphill a lot but it’s worth it. I think this would be a great spot for us to sleep in a tent too so I can swim two days in a row. We need to plan a trip! Don’t hesitate to add YOUR scoop in the comments below!

Tips: The Little Lakes Valley/Mosquito Flats trailhead is very popular. It’s also the same trailhead that takes you to Gem Lakes or up to Mono Pass where I’ve seen a bunch of backpackers headed. The trail to Ruby Lake splits off to the right from the trail to Gem Lakes. But on the way to Ruby Lake, you have a great view from the top of Gem Lakes. Also every time I’ve been to Ruby Lake, it’s not crowded, the other trail is!

Directions: From the Toms Place exit on 395 (north of Bishop and south of Mammoth), head west on Rock Creek Road. From Toms Place (junction of Lake Crowley Road and Rock Creek Road), continue west for 10.4 miles to the Mosquito Flats Trailhead. Find parking wherever you can; it fills up quickly so get there early!