Arrival Procedure

Rock Creek Lodge is located on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada, halfway between Mammoth Lakes and Bishop on a paved road 8 miles uphill from Highway 395 at Tom’s Place. Turn west (uphill) at the Tom’s Place exit and drive 6 miles up Rock Creek Road to the East Fork Campground, a CA Snowpark area. Ensure that you have your CA Snow Park Permit, the cost is $ 5.00 per day or $ 25.00 annually. The annual pass may be purchased at Tom’s Place Store or daily passes may be purchased on site from the drop box beside our red kiosk. You will meet our snow mobile for the final two-mile ride up to the Lodge. Tire chains, a shovel, and antifreeze effective to -20 F are absolutely essential in all vehicles.

Pack all gear in strong moisture resistant containers, Duffle bags, back packs or soft suitcases are best. Please call from Bishop or Lee Vining to confirm your arrival at least an hour before your scheduled snow mobile ride. This will give you time to drive to the Snow Park at East Fork Campground, change into warmer clothes, unload your gear and park your car.

Reservations must be made for your snowmobile ride to the Lodge and confirmed by telephone as stated above. Our snowmobiles only run at the scheduled times and do not run unless we have a telephone confirmation that guests are arriving. The schedule below applies if we are snowed- in to the East Fork parking area. If we are snowed in further down canyon, the schedule will change and there will be a charge of $ 2.00 per person for each additional mile.

Departing East Fork 10:00 am and 4:00 pm daily – by reservation only.

The East Fork parking area is a California Sno-Park site. Permits are required for every car at the site. The permits are available on-site on a daily basis or you may purchase an annual permit from the US Forest Service in Bishop, 8am to 4 pm weekdays. Permits are $ 5.00 per day, or $ 25.00 annually. If you plan to purchase on-site at the Snow Park, please have the exact amount or a personal check ready. You will need a permit valid for each day your car is parked.

Guests staying at the huts may wish to purchase a snowmobile ride to the Lodge. The fee is $ 10.00 per person for this one-way trip. All hut users must meet the 10am snowmobile ride, have a reservation and confirm your arrival an hour in advance.

No Pets Please