At the end of the four-wheel drive Tinemaha Creek Road, this sign greets you in a small turnout for parking.
The trail is steep and hot as it climbs out of the desert climate of the Owens Valley.
At about 8,300 feet, the terrain shifts and dramatic views of Eastern Sierra cliffs come into focus.
Red Lake Trail is one of the worst maintained in the Sierra, so be prepared for thickets and bushwhacking!
In May, snow frequently begins in earnest around 9,000 feet.
If you get a late start or want to take a break, a stellar bivvy spot sits right off trail at 9,500 feet.
The view of the Owens Valley from 9,500 feet is breathtaking.
Once you reach the cirque that surrounds Red Lake and set up a base camp, a host of mountaineering options open up.