Backpack to Ruby Lake

At 10,200 feet, the trailhead (Little Lakes Valley) for Ruby Lake is one of the highest (if not the highest) in the Sierra. Meaning you get right to the heart of the mountains quickly. Ruby Lake itself is at 11,200 feet elevation.

How to get there: At Tom's Place off of Hwy 395, turn southwest into the range on the Rock Creek Road, head 10.5 miles until the road ends at Mosquito Flat.

You start the hike heading into Little Lakes Valley, with a view of Bear Creek Spire, Mount Morgan, Mount Dade and Mount Abbot. After about .5 miles, you'll hit a junction where you'll take the trail to the right heading up to Mono Pass.

Follow that for about 1.5 miles and you're at Ruby Lake. Easy! Now you can set up camp and chill or head farther up Mono Pass Trail or back down and into Little Lakes Valley.

There's tons to explore, climb, fish etc. in this area. This area is in the John Muir Wilderness and you'll need a permit to camp. The Forest Service reserves 60 percent for advanced reservations and the other 40 percent for walk-in available 24 hours before day of adventure.