I was unable obtain a permit for Vivian Creek on July 4th weekend, so we decided to try the South Fork trail. The first 6 miles was relatively flat (around 1.5K elevation gain). We ran into a couple rangers near dry creek, and they both suggested to go around the lake then go left towards fish creek trail. One of them stated that it would add another mile and was a nicer route. We went for it. There was one section where we had to gain about 700′ in about .5 miles. Then it was flat and even downhill to the switchbacks. This route ended up being a total of 13+ miles to the summit. We came down the normal dry creek way and it was 11.5 miles. Apparently, the dollar lake trail was the shortest route up (~10 miles), guess we will know that for next time. It was a great hike, and we decided we would be good to go for Whitney in two weeks, at least for distance.  Longest day hike I have done in a day (~25 miles in about 9 hours).