Lower Rock Creek Canyon is divided into four sections. Section 1 is the highest in elevation and the first one that you'll get to after turning off Highway 395. It's all downhill from here! Lower Rock Creek is popular with springtime mountain bikers who like to ride in and out of the forested sections, which run parallel with the babbling creek and join up with Lower Rock Creek Road at intervals. The first and second sections are the most popular and have an easier rating. Hiking allows a slower approach to stop and listen to the creek flowing by; always be on the lookout for bikers and horseback riders. From Highway 395 access is about 30 miles south of Mammoth and one mile south of Tom's Place (Gorge Road). Lower Rock Creek is at a lower elevation (7,000 feet) than much of the high Sierra, making it relatively snow-free most of the year.