The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Bureau of Land Management administers public lands for camping, with an RV or otherwise, and other forms of outdoor recreation, such as hiking, snowshoeing in the winter, and boating. The chief rule at Rock Creek Trail and its surrounding recreation area is "Leave No Trace." Other than that, the entire area is unmaintained. Visitors to this 7.8-mile trail hike, bike, and even ride horses on it. Motorized vehicles are disallowed on trails other than the access road, Breeden Road, and the Towell Falls Road during periods when it's passable, usually just in June and July. Nine of the nation's National Parks are in California. The closest one is Death Valley National Park, the outskirts of which are less than 20 miles away. Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park are between five and six hours away because of the loop necessary to circumvent the mountains. If you are particularly hardy hikers, then you can hike to these places from the town of Aspendell, which is about 15 miles from Bishop. The hikes are through rugged mountains, however, so you should be highly experienced to try it.
In the Rock Creek Trail Area, 20 miles of hiking trails are also suitable for mountain biking. The most popular of these is the moderately brutal Towell Falls from Escure Ranch trail. It's about seven miles long and takes an average of two-and-a-half hours to complete. The trail climbs 530 feet throughout its length. You'll see numerous wildflowers, species of trees, and interesting basalt formations left over from the days when the area was volcanically active. The ranch used to be run by Basque shepherds but has not been active since the 1980s. The other trails vary in length and difficulty, and most are still usable during the winter for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
The area's lakes and streams are stocked with trout and other species. However, you need a fishing license, and the fishing season is from the end of April until November 15. Some of the lakes in the area include Heart Lake, Gem Lake, and Mack Lake. Most of these lakes are small and only accommodate car-top boats, such as canoes, kayaks, and small rowboats or inflatables for fishing. In addition, the speed limit on these lakes is just five mph.
The Sierra Nevada mountains are a veritable stone's throw away from Rock Creek Trail. Both traditional and sports routes are available, with 292 well-mapped courses. There are routes for all skill levels. The two most challenging routes, Strike the Gong and Soulstice, are rated 5.13a and are only for experienced pros with lots of natural talent. Most of these routes are also 9,000 feet up or more, so you should also be acclimatized to that kind of elevation before attempting any of these climbs, even including the beginners' routes.
The area around Rock Creek Trail is wild, and you'll be able to see mule deer, distinct species of elk, and even wild mustangs. Bears roam the site, and so do mountain lions, so if you're going to be away from your campsite for a day or two, it's a clever idea not only to familiarize yourself with predator safety procedures but also to carry the proper equipment with you. You'll also be able to see smaller species like bobcats and jackrabbits. During mating season, you may also experience the duels of male bighorn sheep. You can hear the crack of their heads smashing together a mile away. Be sure to admire from a distance.
The designated picnic area at Rock Creek Trail is adjacent to the parking lot on the east side of the recreation area. Each campsite also has a picnic table. The grounds also have fire rings.
RV Camping at the Rock Creek Trail trailhead is available with six primitive campsites and three additional campsites for tents. There are also dedicated equine campsites that provide wheelbarrows for manure, high-line poles for the horses, and always-running, spring-fed water troughs.
Dispersed camping is allowed in this area, but the rules regarding how long you can stay, whether you can build fires, and how far you must move away from a campsite before camping again vary by the camp and county. Therefore, you should contact the local Bureau of Land Management office, the local ranger station, or both to find out the applicable information. Generally, the rule is that you can stay 14 days in one location and must stay in other places for at least 14 days before being allowed to return to the first location. Additionally, there are rules about how long you can be away from camp before your belongings are considered abandoned, so plan your hikes and other excursions accordingly.
The entire area can be considered "off the beaten path," so if solitude is what you crave, then this is the place for you. The weather in the area is akin to Alpine weather at the same elevation. Most of this area is above 5,000 feet, so the weather can be fussy and change on a dime. Bring appropriate clothing and gear for both hot weather and cold. Often, you will need both sets on the same day. If you plan to go to Death Valley to the national park, brush up on your desert survival knowledge. Ensure you have enough water and items to protect you from the sun. In general, bring along lots of extra socks, food and water for the trails, and insect repellent. If you go deep into the woods on hikes away from your camp, bring appropriate materials to make you and your family safe from predators. Finally, before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
"Leave No Trace" is the guiding principle that you should not take anything with you when you leave the area, nor should you leave anything behind. For example, if you've built fires, eradicate all traces of building a fire. Clean up anything that spills, breaks, or otherwise besmirches the area. It's crucial for the maintenance of the environment.
Starting in Bishop, follow Highway 395 north for about 20 miles. At Lower Rock Creek Road, turn left, which is west. Proceed about a quarter of a mile on Lower Rock Creek Road until you reach the parking lot for the recreation area on the right. Address: Rock Creek Trail, Lower Rock Creek Rd, Bishop, CA 93546 Ready to visit Rock Creek Trail? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night, where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here's a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
