Also known as Mosquito Flats trail, the Little Lakes Valley trail is a beautiful and popular hike at the top of upper Rock Creek Canyon, accessed by the main signed trail leading from the parking lot at the end of Rock Creek Road. The trailhead sits at around 10,000 feet, so plan for thinner air and bring plenty of water for your dog—you’ll want it even in cooler months.

The route is perfect if you’re not ready to commit to a full backpacking trip. Many hikers simply stop to take in the views after reaching one of the lakes along the way: Mack Lake, Marsh Lake, Heart Lake, Box Lake, Long Lake, Gem Lake and Chickenfoot Lake. Each has its own character, and you could easily spend an afternoon at any of them. If you’re feeling ambitious, the trail continues to Mono Pass, four miles and 2,000 feet up from where most people turn around.

What makes this hike special is how much the landscape changes as you go. Spring and early summer bring excellent wildflowers carpeting the meadows, while fall transforms the high country into brilliant reds and golds. The views of surrounding Sierra peaks stay dramatic regardless of season. The trail is popular with fishermen, day hikers and backpackers, so don’t expect solitude in summer months, especially on weekends.

Your dog needs to stay on leash the entire time. I know that feels restrictive on such a wide-open trail, and plenty of people ignore this rule, but loose dogs frighten wildlife, disturb other visitors, and damage the fragile alpine ecosystem. Never leave your dog unattended, even for a short break. The altitude and length combined make this more strenuous than it looks from below—bring that water and take regular breaks. The parking lot can fill up by mid-morning in peak season.