Chickenfoot Lake

About this place

Chickenfoot Lake sits slightly off the main trail through Little Lakes Valley, giving it a quieter and more secluded feel than the lakes encountered earlier in the valley. At roughly 10,800 feet, the lake is surrounded by lodgepole pines, rocky granite slopes, alpine meadows, and the rugged peaks of the Eastern Sierra, with numerous coves and sections of shoreline that make the area especially scenic to explore. Reaching the lake requires a short side trail beyond Long Lake, making it far enough from the trailhead to feel like a true backcountry destination while remaining approachable for a relatively short overnight trip. Chickenfoot Lake is also a convenient base for exploring farther into the valley toward Gem Lakes, Treasure Lakes, and Morgan Pass, while fishing, photography, and relaxing beside the water are worthwhile reasons to stay closer to camp

Campfires & stoves

Campfire rules: Allowed only in designated campground fire pits when fire conditions permit. Fires must remain fully contained, be constantly monitored, and be completely extinguished after use. Bonfires are prohibited, and hot charcoal/wood may not be dumped on the ground or in trash. Gathering firewood anywhere in the park is prohibited. During very high/extreme fire danger or fire season, the park may prohibit wood, charcoal, propane fire pits, or other open flames.
Stove rules: Visitor-provided gas stoves, hibachis, and portable barbecues are approved campground devices. During higher fire danger, the park may require gas stoves only and prohibit other open-flame devices. Keep the device attended and follow the posted fire-danger level.

Human waste

Human waste rules: Bury solid human waste 6–8 inches deep and at least 100 feet from water sources, trails, and campsites.

Dogs

Dogs allowed?: Yes
Dog rules: Dogs are allowed. Keep dogs under control at all times; on wilderness trails they must be under strict leash or voice control, and any leash must be no longer than 6 ft. Leash dogs around packers, horses, and stock animals. Keep dogs in the tent at night. Bury dog waste at least 100 ft from water or trails. Dog food must be stored in a bear-resistant container.

Fishing

Fishing allowed?: Yes
Fishing rules: Open all year. Trout: 5 per day; 10 in possession. Brook trout: open all year; limit 10; size limit less than 10 inches total length. Brook trout bag limits may be taken in addition to statewide trout daily and possession limits.
Fish species: Brook trout; Brown trout; Rainbow trout

Water planning

Water at this camp

Natural water at or near this camp area

Availability

Chickenfoot Lake and Unnamed mapped stream or river are mapped at or near the camp-area marker. This is map evidence, not a real-time flow report.

Drinking safety

Natural water is not verified potable. Filter and disinfect it or boil it according to the linked land-manager guidance before drinking.

Seasonality

Chickenfoot Lake is a mapped waterbody; USGS does not classify it here as seasonal or year-round. Confirm current level, access, and quality. Unnamed mapped stream or river is classified as perennial in USGS hydrography, but current flow still must be confirmed.

Chickenfoot LakeLake or pond · at the camp areaMapped waterbody — level and access can change · Treat before drinking
Official source
Unnamed mapped stream or riverRiver or stream · at the camp areaMapped perennial source — verify current flow · Treat before drinking
Official source

Seasonal access

Closures & seasonal access

High Sierra approaches can be snowbound well into summer, and several roads, shuttles, and remote spurs operate only seasonally

Place closure

No recurring date-based closure of Chickenfoot Lake is published. The source-connected approach conditions below and temporary emergency orders still control access.

Seasonal access

Source-connected approach: Mosquito Flat Trailhead. High Sierra approaches can be snowbound well into summer, and several roads, shuttles, and remote spurs operate only seasonally. Desert and foothill entries may remain physically reachable in winter but can become unsafe in storms, heat, or after washouts.

Before driving

Check the exact county, highway, Forest Service road, gate, and shuttle status immediately before departure; a wilderness permit does not guarantee vehicle access.

Mapped approaches

Choose a trailhead for Chickenfoot Lake camp area

Each option has a sourced trail route to this camp area. Choose one to open its itinerary builder with this destination in context.

Mosquito Flat Trailhead3.2 mi awayBuild from here

Map

Loading map

Latitude: 37.399574° N
Longitude: 118.753014° W

Sources