From the locked access gate, hike northwest along the dirt road and quickly climb into an unnamed valley, flanked by Basin Mountain and Mount Tom. At Horton Creek, pass through a small meadow protected from the harsh wind that’s common in the valley—a great place to set up camp. The climb continues to 10,000 feet before a short descent to two old miner’s cabins at Hanging Valley Mine. Turn left onto a faint fisherman’s trail and parallel Horton Lake to a campsite near the waters edge (there are several sandy tent spots and a well-used fire pit). Grab your fishing pole and explore the surrounding area before retracing your steps back to the access gate and your car.
Mapped by Rick Schneck
TO TRAILHEAD: From Bishop, Drive on CA 168/W. Line St. In 7.3 mi., turn right onto Buttermilk Rd. Go 5.9 mi., and turn right onto an unnamed dirt road. Park 4.5 mi. in the dirt turnout.
Optional: To start the hike at Waypoint 2, continue 0.4 mile to the locked access gate. A 4WD vehicle required.
Horton Meadow
Location: 37.320408, -118.634453
First Switchback
Location: 37.314888, -118.626991
Hill Near Horton Lake
Location: 37.319878, -118.661514
Ore Chute at Hanging Valley Mine
Location: 37.319645, -118.663101
Hanging Valley Mine Cabins
Location: 37.319702, -118.662216
One of the cabins remains unlocked in case of an emergency.
Valley Views
Location: 37.313011, -118.626526
Reflection Pond
Location: 37.317120, -118.661926
Only full during wet years, this pond is crystal clear.
Horton Creek
Location: 37.321228, -118.634041
Views Near Horton Lake
Location: 37.321228, -118.649010
Horton Lake is just beyond the trees.
Favorite Fishing Spot
Location: 37.315826, -118.665390
Meadow Near Sonny Boy Cabin
Location: 37.321877, -118.631218
Horton Lake
Location: 37.316120, -118.668327
Trailhead
Location: 37.311481, -118.623238
Continue straight through the gate at the trailhead.
Views to Bishop
Location: 37.321228, -118.631340
WPT001
Location: 37.311008, -118.618500
Park in the dirt turnout and begin hiking northwest along the road. Note: It is possible to continue driving further; however, high-clearance vehicles are recommended.
WPT002
Location: 37.311344, -118.622963
A locked access gate marks the boundary of Inyo National Forest. Continue hiking northwest on the road.
WPT003
Location: 37.321682, -118.630905
Sonny Boy Prospect Cabin: This small (and locked) cabin sits adjacent to Horton Creek on the edge of a small meadow. Since the trail can be hot during summer months, weekender's sometimes camp here on Friday night to break up the 5-mile hike.
WPT004
Location: 37.321529, -118.633957
Cross a wood bridge over Horton Creek.
WPT005
Location: 37.322495, -118.633400
Head 100 yards upstream from the wood bridge to find several swimming holes.
WPT006
Location: 37.319901, -118.634567
Follow Horton Creek (home to wild brook trout) upstream into a large meadow.
WPT007
Location: 37.319656, -118.662407
Two cabins from the Hanging Valley Mine are located on the left side of the road. Turn left and parallel the lake hiking on a faint fisherman's trail. Note: One of the cabins remains unlocked in case of an emergency.
WPT008
Location: 37.317829, -118.662155
Continue over the small outlet stream to the campsite.
WPT009
Location: 37.315723, -118.664406
This campsite has sandy soil for tents, shade from the sun, and less bugs than other spots around the lake.
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Tip: Fish from several large rocks at the waters edge. To increase your chances of catching fish, hang red worms two to three feet below a bobber and cast northwest as far out as you can. The deep, calm water is ideal for snagging brook, Rainbow and hybrid trout.
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To return to the car, turn around and follow the same route back down the valley.
