Saddlebag Lake
Lee Vining, California
| Address: | Saddlebag Lake Resort, Saddlebag Lake Rd, Lee Vining, CA 93541, USA |
| GPS: |
37°57'58.2"N 119°16'17.4"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | California |
| Trail Length: | 4.00 miles |
| Trail Type: | Loop |
| Hike Difficulty: | Beginner |
| Elevation Gain: | 311 feet |
| Trails/Routes: | 4.0 mi |
Lakes Trails Pet Friendly Fishing
Camp, Canoe, and Hike
A man-made lake found in the Inyo forest, resting at about 10,008 feet above sea level, Saddlebag Lake is located just outside the Tioga Pass entrance to Yosemite National Park. This lake has some of the best fishing and hiking in the Eastern Sierra. Saddlebag has a water taxi that takes visitors to the opposite end of the lake where there are incredible alpine views and access to the Twenty Lakes Basin, where many people enjoy trout fishing.
There is a 4 mile loop hike that takes you around the perimeter of the lake. There are several areas to stop and fish, as well as views of North Peak, Mount Conness, Excelsior Mountain, and Saddlebag Crest. If you choose to continue the hike to the Twenty Lakes Basin, that distances roughly doubles in size. However, it is not a particularly difficult hike, and it can be completed in a day.
Many visitors choose to camp at one of the campsites outside the lake. Smaller parties choose the campground by the dam, but the Trailhead Group Campsite hosts around 25 people. And for those who would prefer a bed and an alternative to pit toilets, Saddlebag Lake Resort has cabins, a cafe, and more.
More Information
Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read More
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Lee Vining, California
- Head southeast on US-395 S toward 2nd St (0.7 mi)
- Turn right onto CA-120 WParts of this road may be closed at certain times or days(9.9 mi)
- Turn right onto Saddlebag Lake RdDestination will be on the left(2.5 mi)
Trails
Distance ?
4.0 milesElevation Gain ?
-4 feetReal Ascent ?
477 feetReal Descent ?
481 feetAvg Grade (0°)
0%Grade (-18° to 9°)
-32% to 16%Elevation differences are scaled for emphasis. While the numbers are accurate, the cut-away shown here is not to scale.
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