Great Outdoors Orange County/Long Beach presents
Upper Rock Creek Trail Backpack
August 13-17, 2025
Contact: Larry Purtle [email protected] (562) 485-7149
The Perseids Meteor Shower peaks in September and dark skies at night in the Sierras are a great way to see them and also visit a magnificent alpine environ. This is a 5-day 24-mile loop backpacking trip, starting from Horseshoe Meadows along the Cottonwood Lakes trail, up over New Army Pass to Upper Rock Creek, then proceeding along the PCT to Chicken Spring Lake, and return to the trailhead on the Cottonwood Pass trail.
Notes:
Notes:
1. This trip is limited to 5 hikers plus the leader. The online sign-up does NOT guarantee a spot on this trip. The number of people who can participate is limited to the number of permits received, which is 6. Consequently, permit slots will be filled on a first-come-first-served basis, established based on the trip leader receiving a signed registration form and payment. All others will be added to a waiting list.
2. It is a moderate trip because of elevation gain.
3. The date of the trip is subject to change due to the difficulty of obtaining permits.
4. The higher elevations may still have snow so you may need to bring appropriate clothing and gear such
as micro-spikes. We will know better as the date approaches.
5. Sorry, no pets.
Although not part of the official trip, it is essential to drive up on or before Tuesday 8/12 and camp near the trailhead, Cottonwood Lakes Campground, to better acclimatize to the altitude of about 10,000 feet and rest upfor the hike the next day. Campsites cannot be reserved ahead at this location. Diamox prescription medicineis HIGHLY recommended for 3 days prior to avoid altitude sickness.
8/10, Day 1: Hike 5.3 miles to S Fork Lakes, to 11,073’ elevation. Depending on how we feel, we may go on to Long Lake or High Lake in preparation for ascending New Army Pass on day 2.
8/11, Day 2: we will ascend New Army Pass, 12,300’. It has rocky switchbacks that proceed from the South Lakes basin to above the tree line with outstanding views. Our destination will be Upper Rock Creek. It is 6.5 miles from the S Fork Lakes. We can stop early at Soldier Lakes if necessary.
8/12, Day 3: we will go to Chicken Spring Lake 11,258’. 6 miles. Perseids Meteor shower peaking. 8/13, Day 4: rest day at Chicken Spring Lake. We will look for the chicken, or do day hikes to explore the area. Perseids Meteor shower peaking.
8/14, Day 5: Return to Horseshoe Meadows along the Cottonwood Pass trail.
You will need your ten essentials and appropriate backpacking gear. Please request a list if needed. Carpooling is recommended to reduce fuel costs and vehicle emissions.
