Long Valley Creek

Long Valley Creek (5N01A and 20EV220) is a welcoming out-and-back route that follows a creek (its namesake) as it snakes through a broad alpine valley, steadily gaining elevation until it reaches its quiet end beneath East Flange Rock and the edge of the Emigrant Wilderness. The trail is generally a mellow climb with long, meandering stretches of rough dirt broken up by a couple of short but attention-getting washout sections. These eroded pitches are what give the trail its “moderate” rating, though they’re brief and well within the comfort zone of anyone driving a high-clearance 4WD with basic trail sense.

The scenery is the trail’s real signature. Throughout the drive, you’ll catch impressive views of the surrounding volcanic ridges, particularly The Three Chimneys and East Flange Rock, both of which rise close to 10,000 feet and dominate the skyline. With a dozen dispersed campsites sporting rock-lined fire rings, it’s one of the more camping-rich drainages in this part of the Sierras. These spots vary from shaded creekside pads to open meadow perches with expansive mountain views.

Like most high-elevation routes along Highway 108, Long Valley Creek is usually buried under deep snow in winter, transforming the whole corridor into a playground for skiing and snowmobiling until late spring. In summer, expect some traffic in the broader area as hikers, campers, and reservoir-goers filter through; however, the farther you travel up the valley, the quieter it becomes.