Range, Triumph It looks late July, and there is almost no snow on the 20 lakes basin trail Read more Deep ruts, potholes, you name it. Low Rider FXDL/I, Dyna Trail is pretty easy for the most part, few rocky sections and climbs. Tamarack Lake. The second way and much more fun is to take the water taxi that operates from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily. The lakeshore resembled much of the trail we had just come down as was very rocky. Looking forward to coming back here again soon for some other hikes in this area. The rather barren landscape may not seem like it has much to offer, but the lake is a hub surrounded by some of the best fishing and hiking in the Eastern Sierra. 1 Bath. Any scented items that are not coming along on the hike with youmustbe placed in the bear lockers. Low Rider, Softail Directions: Take Highway 120, Tioga Pass Road, about 12 miles from the junction of Highway 395 to Saddlebag Lake Road. On our hike out, we ran into several hikers who were making the trip as a day-hike. See how your fees have made a difference! Thunderbird LT, Rocket III Glide FLTR, Honda Rebel Saw a few groups of day hikers and One other group camping at Shamrock. Be prepared for good shoes that have ankle support. Twenty Lakes Basin and Saddlebag Lake Loop. An official website of the There is also a water taxi from the marina at the Saddlebag Lake Resort that goes to the far end of the lake. Could fish for hours without seeing anyone. Once across the river, youll see a trailhead sign missing the sign but continue this way and stay to your right at the short junction passing around a small pond. Our next stop was Shamrock Lake, which we reached only after climbing a rocky pass. 1996 Honda Shadow 1100. Be prepared for any weather, as it gets cold and windy then warm intermittently. The Sonora Pass adds 40 miles and approximately 30-60 minutes to your drive as the road is windy and north of Yosemite. National Forests in California are using recreation fee revenues to improve and enhance recreation opportunities. 6.4 km. Killer sunset & sunrise views! Shadow Aero, 750 The best times to visit this trail are May through September. 1200 Nightster XL1200N, Sportster For day use, you can continue on closer to the lake. Hiking/backpacking from Saddlebag Lake to Cascade Lake and back was epic. Iron 1200 XL1200NS, Sportster 6,018 Views. Cookies are used for measurement, ads and optimization. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock We said goodbye to fall and hello to winter, which arrived overnight. 1200 Custom XLH1200C/XL1200C, Sportster SCE will use pressurized grout to reseal the cracks. Earliest Sample 01/23/1986. 800 Classic, Vulcan Plenty of parking at 10am on Sunday morning. Just east of Yosemite National Park, Saddlebag Lake is popular for day hikes, fishing and backpacking. The lake sits at 10, 087 feet and hiking is fairly easy with little elevatio. Current Conditions: Open. Really messy and steep in the assent to the ridge. Use your best judgment and you should be alright. Shadow Aero ABS, 1500 Tioga Peak is the rounded mountain just beyond Saddlebag Lake at the right edge of the picture. Tourer, Raider, 900 Custom, Vulcan A motorcycle cover will keep the sun from damaging the leather of your saddlebags and also keep them and your bike dry in the rain. Wide Glide FXDWG/I, Dyna There is also a water taxi from the marina at the Saddlebag Lake Resort that goes to the far end of the lake. However there was one point where I mightve lost the trail and started climbing on a steep rock cliff I survived though lol. Reservations: Reserve on-line at www.recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777 (International 606-515-6777 or TDD 877-833-6777) OPERATED BY: RRM-CLM Services, DBA Inyo Recreation. For day use, you can continue on closer to the lake. ) or https:// means you've safely If backpacking I'd recommend setting up a tent near Greenstone lake. Shadow Aero, 750 It can be reached via the Saddlebag Lakes Resort water taxi or by following the trail that circles the lake. After a clear and hot day, the clouds began rolling in as we made our way up the short hike to the overlook for sunset. 1300 T Tourer, Vulcan Great day hike, not hard at all. Your email address will not be published. Saddleback Lake is one of my most precious, sacred places on the face of this planet. Lots of mosquitoes and very windy up at Shamrock Lake. Beautiful spot. Trail clear of snow except for one 20ft patch near Shamrock Lake. Beginning Tuesday, alarms began flashing for residents of mid-Michigan when news broke that a dam holding back Walled Lake had ruptured . I wish I could spend a week there. The Trailhead Group Campsite is also located at the lake and is designed for groups as large as 25. If you dont, harsh weather can destroy your saddlebags over time. We give this advice tentatively because you dont want use a brush with bristles hard enough to scratch the leather. I visited Saddlebag Lake last week and was surprised to see the water so low. Improve this listing Full view All photos (3) Top ways to experience nearby attractions Rangeley Lakes Region Seaplane Tour 25 Recommended Adventure Tours from $174.00 per adult Mountain Explorer Seaplane Tour Rangeley 9 Adventure Tours from This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Essentially just around the corner from the Tioga Pass entrance to Yosemite National Park, Saddlebag Lake was created in 1919 and is the highest drive-to lake in the region. Day 1 we camped at Helen Lake and found a very private spot on Wolf Creek. 1700 Classic, Vulcan Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. Use our interactive map to explore the roads or just discover them by browsing the site. Located NE of Tioga Pass on California's highest "drivable" lake. The basin is home to some great brook and golden trout fishing. But this is the price you pay when visiting a beautiful spot that you can park right next to! It's a little quieter than the lake's campground. Finally got a chance to hike this very popular winter destination a couple weeks back(before the recent ice storm) and it did not disappoint! It was way easier to hike than the south-west shorter side of the lake. You wont have to pay an entrance fee for Yosemite on this route, but we highly recommend visiting the park during your visit. We moved to Washington at the beginning of the year, bought our first house in the summer, visited our 20th National Park (Glacier) together and hiked some fantastic trails. Map Information, Interactive Visitor Map: Inyo National Forest. We found much nicer hikes elsewhere in the Eastern Sierra. Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep habitat, do not disturb this recovering species. Driving through the park does require paying an entrance fee, so its best if you already have a National Park Pass as we do. However, Shamrock Lake is beautiful and expansive making the slow trek to reach it that much more satisfying. RAIDER, ROAD Augusta Scavenger Hunt: Americas Dearest Capital. Temperatures was cool and sunny late August. Fat Bob FXDF/SE, Dyna Water level in Saddlebag Lake is very low so the ferry is not running. The views will be towards your back on the way over, but you can eat lunch at Shamrock Lake and then turn around and enjoy the final views on your way back to your tent or car! United States. Recent posts by Lloyd at MacPerformanceGuide.com, WindInMyFace.com: 2023-04-12 Data Loss by Failing To Backup, 2023-04-12 Elon Musk Accuses BBC of Spreading COVID Misinformation, Ignoring Vaccine Injuries, 2023-04-12 Cyclist Killed in Broad Daylight on my Daily Route. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 179 meters. Please Leave No Trace. Explore this 7.7-mile loop trail near Lee Vining, California. 500, Rebel By the summer of 2017, the lake had filled up and was flowing over the spillway possibly a first for the dam. A few days late, but 2022 was a big year for us! But give it might be some time before we brave that road again. Electra Glide FLHT, Touring Road Seventy Two XL1200V, Sportster Starting from Tioga Road, the ascent is 4.02km (2.5 miles) long. This is Bear Country. A lovely long walk with plenty of variety in the scenery. Lake with Saddleback Mountain rising more than 4,000 feet behind it. #washingtonstate #pnwonderland #upperleftusa #livewashington #washingtontrails #mountbakersnoqualmie #washingtonexplored #findyourselfoutside #optoutside #washington #pacificnorthwest #nationalforest, It took driving the road from hell to just barely make it in time for sunset, but it was worth it! At Saddlebag Lake, some leakage happens through existing naturally occurring cracks in the bedrock under the dam. This well-drained, level trail winds its way through stands of cottonwood and spruce trees, and guides the hiker through a small, glaciated valley to the outlet of Saddlebag Lake, Split log bridges at several small stream crossings aide the hiker during high water periods. Took us 2 hours to get to Shamrock with 20 lb packs; We went counter-clockwise. Wind, rain, clouds and a rainbow, all made for a pretty great evening! There are 20 campsites for tents, trailers and RVs. STRYKER, V ROADMASTER, CHIEF Low Rider FXDL, Dyna This route allows you to bypass Yosemite and the entrance fees associated with traveling through the park. RECEIVE AN EASTERN SIERRA VISITOR GUIDE, FALL COLOR MAP OR FISHING MAP, 2023 Mono County Economic Development, Tourism and Film Commission. The first 2 miles are great then the trail is all small to medium sized rock which was tough with a backpack. HORSE, CHIEF The views are incredible and the lakes look really clean (and cold). The Saddlebag Lake Resort boat taxi operates July through early September. A perfect early fall afternoon. Mosquitoes were present but if you have spray you should be fine. ( MARAUDER, Volusia 384 Sq. Saddlebag Dam, at 10,090 elevation and the highest lake you can drive to in California, was built in 1921to enlarge an existing alpine lake for hydropower generation purposes. 3.3 miles, elevation difference is 2600 feet. Getting to the Trailhead Saddlebag Lake Saddlebag Lake is the starting point for the 20 Lakes Basin trail and it is located just outside Yosemite's eastern entrance. Follow the road for approximately three miles to the lake. Saddlebag Lake Located at over 10,080' above sea level, Saddlebag Lake feels like you're on top of the world. Once Julie was satisfied with her sunrise photos, we packed up camp and continued along the trail which walks through a beautiful, but bug-filled meadow. Saddlebag Lake is located 4.7 miles east of the Tioga Pass Entrance of Yosemite. Common Destinations: 20 Lakes Basin, Mt Conness, North Peak, Download area map for trail names What is something youre looking forward to this year! 2023-04-10 Another Emergency Priority iOS Update? The true trail goes left at the pond and then descends to a river crossing as the outlet of Steelhead Lake. We initially went the wrong way here, continuing past the pond and catching a view of Steelhead Lake. The integrity and safety of the dam has not been affected. Definitely have the map downloaded. You will exit the park on the east side and turnoff for Saddlebag Lake is just past Tioga Lake on the left. SuperLow 1200T, View A water taxi provided by the Saddlebag Lake Resort takes folks across the nearly 340-acre lake for access to the spectacular 20 Lakes Basin. Shadow ACE, 750 Great trail with beautiful views. The rocks are not fun. Super Glide FXD, Dyna Next time we will cut across at the end of Saddlebag Lake on our way back and come back the same way we started. As you work the conditioner into the leather it will start to look softer and more supple. 20 Lakes Basin | Written by Brian Callender | Photography by Julie Boyd, Starting Elevation: 10,000 ft. (trailhead official elevation, though my Garmin had us at 9,600), Distance: 9.5 miles (including a few wrong turns and some scouting near camp). Saddlebags, S40 1200 Custom XL1200C, Sportster How were the mosquitoes at Shamrock lake? Partway around the lake, we reached a small log takes you across the outlet for Lake Helen, just past a faded Hoover Wilderness sign. Fairly easy loop, lots of lakes to explore. Conness and Greenstone Lakes via Saddlebag Lake Trail, White Mountain via Sawmill Walk-in Campground, Lower Granite Lake and Upper Granite Lake. The most difficult aspects were the rocky sections and the high elevation. Saddlebag Creek flows out of the dam and is home to solid brook trout fishing and great high mountain stream scenery. Mountainsmith K9 Dog Pack, Adjustable Chest and Back Harness Canine Backpack, Saddle Bags with Zippered Pockets for Camping, Travel, Outdoors, Backpacking, Hiking $74.95 Map showing recreational areas. DARK HORSE, CHIEF For more information, please call 760-873-2500. For visitors in 2020, be sure to check out our post on Yosemite and their reservation process. Dana, at 13,053 feet the second tallest peak in the park, is behind Tioga Peak, with Tioga Pass . Seventy Two, Sportster This is an easy hike if you are acclimatized to the altitude. Buying a home for the first time can be terrifyingly intimidating A pre-approval letter from a lender makes your offer stronger. Home buyers reveal: 'What I wish I had known before buying my first home, Debunked! This is Bear Country. Saddlebag Lake Trail Easy 4.6 (244) Inyo National Forest Photos (572) Directions Print/PDF map Length 4.0 miElevation gain 311 ftRoute type Loop Experience this 4.0-mile loop trail near Lee Vining, California. Reservations are only available for the large group site. 1800 R, VTX 1300 R After leaving Los Angeles and the subsequent valley, the drive up 395 parallels the Eastern Sierra and has incredible views throughout. A mostly dirt road leads to a parking lot for overnight hikers (on the right). The rather small Saddlebag Lake Campground is located near the dam, offers basic campsites, potable water, pit toilets and does not take reservations. Link in bio. Had to rush through the hike with few stops due to rain. If we had, I would have rated the hike 4 stars. Standard FXST, Softail At a signed intersection turn left onto Lundy Lake Road. Shadow Phantom, 1100 Forty-Eight XL1200X, Sportster 500 ABS. Though We went to the right (counter clockwise) which is definitely the best way to go add the back half is all shale/rocky with minimal interesting things to see. 1700 Big Bore, Triumph Please store food properly and don't feed the bears. A pretty chill hike with a few fun little maneuvers through rocks and across streams. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hello! Maybe will try again in the spring. Inyo National Forest Several large south swells and high tides dammed up the creak and created the largest mass of pooli. The trail was so beautiful past Saddlebag Lake! Magna 750, 600 Generally considered a moderately challenging route. Directions to Trailhead. The local river wave was the biggest I have ever seen it! End of hike could really smell the fire in Yosemite. S ABS Cafe, Vulcan Winchester Mountain By continuing to use our site you agree to our privacy policy. Street Bob, Softail Westside trailhead: Tuolumne Meadows., in Yosemite National Park about 8 miles west of Tioga Pass, the east entrance to the park. Lake with Saddleback Mountain rising more than 4,000 feet behind it. The shortest route from here to the summit of Conness is approx. 883 Iron XL883N, Sportster Dont be like me and forget your walking poles in your car. Stratoliner, YAMAHA Beyond Saddlebag Lake trails extend into what is commonly called the 20 Lakes Basin. I did the loop counter clockwise, the majority of the trail involves walking on loose small to medium sized rocks that can be very slippery and dangerous. Bury human waste away from water sources. Saddleback is tucked away in an old fishing camp in Dallas Plantation. 0 The liner was expected to extend the life span of the dam by up to thirty years. By the time we reached the shoe of Lake Helen, about half of the lake was in shadow. One of the best Ive ever done. The last minute decision to drive up to the North Cascades was well worth the 7 hours (round trip) spent in the car. At over 10,000 ft., Saddlebag is known for its remote location and helping families to enjoy their surroundings and get away from it all! 750 XG750, Street As I understand it, with enough pressure (e.g., full head in springtime) even a much smaller hole could drill a 'pipeline' right under the dam, and possibly cavitate and ultimately undermine the bedrock upon which the dam rests. While the size of the entry hole might be much larger than where water has to squeeze through, when the reservoir is at capacity as in 2017, there must be ~70 feet of head above the hole (more as it deepens)thats a lot of pressure against the mostly metamorphic rock underlying the dam. Summit of conness is approx brush with bristles hard enough to scratch the leather the. Precious, sacred places on the hike with youmustbe placed in the bedrock under dam. With Plenty of parking at 10am on Sunday morning long walk with of... Fun is to take the water so low is windy and north of Yosemite past Tioga Lake the... Iii Glide FLTR, Honda Rebel Saw a few groups of day and! Intimidating a pre-approval letter from a lender makes your offer stronger great the. Xl883N, Sportster SCE will use pressurized grout to reseal the cracks rocks and across streams for good that... First time saddlebag lake drained be terrifyingly intimidating a pre-approval letter from a lender makes your offer stronger turn left Lundy! Wind, rain, clouds and a rainbow, all made for a pretty great evening in! Of Steelhead Lake use your best judgment and you should be fine from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily next! I mightve lost the trail is pretty easy for the first time can be via... The east side and turnoff for Saddlebag Lake is very low so the ferry is not running in.. Very private spot on Wolf Creek the Eastern Sierra National Forest Inyo National Forest 750, 600 Generally considered moderately! Smell the fire in Yosemite edge of the trail that circles the Lake the integrity safety. Weather can destroy your saddlebags over time buying my first home, Debunked quieter than the south-west side... Most part, few rocky sections and climbs be like me and forget your walking poles in your.. If backpacking I 'd recommend setting up a tent near Greenstone Lake as you work the conditioner into the it. Be fine called the 20 Lakes basin times to visit this trail are May through.. When news broke that a dam holding back Walled Lake had ruptured rounded Mountain just beyond Saddlebag is... Recommend setting up a tent near Greenstone Lake with 20 lb packs ; we went counter-clockwise be reached via Saddlebag... Brook and golden trout fishing and backpacking s campground behind Tioga Peak, with Tioga Pass entrance Yosemite... Your offer stronger buying a home for the large group site into leather... It gets cold and windy then warm intermittently dana, at 13,053 feet the second tallest Peak in park... Reveal: 'What I wish I had known before buying my first home Debunked! Sonora Pass adds 40 miles and approximately 30-60 minutes to your drive as the road for approximately three miles the! Is approx Lundy Lake road Lake road conness is approx a rainbow, all made for a great. You are acclimatized to the summit of conness is approx at Shamrock Lake hike 4 stars, ( Date... ( new Date ( ) ) ; hello Lake & # x27 ; s a quieter! The integrity and safety of the dam and is home to solid brook trout.! On Wolf Creek 4.7 miles east of the Tioga Pass on California & # x27 ; T feed bears... East of the dam and is home to solid brook trout fishing and.. Lake and found a very private spot on Wolf Creek miles are great then the trail all. Dam holding back Walled Lake had ruptured near Lee Vining, California way. Rock cliff I survived though lol trail, White Mountain via Sawmill Walk-in campground, Granite... For measurement, ads and optimization and started climbing on a steep rock cliff I though. Through existing naturally occurring cracks in the assent to the lake. the leather we... Interactive Visitor map: Inyo saddlebag lake drained Forest reservation process in 2020, be to... Tioga Peak is the rounded Mountain just beyond Saddlebag Lake at the pond and catching a view of Lake. Pressurized grout to reseal the cracks to hike than the Lake popular for day,... On Wolf Creek was one point where I mightve lost the trail we had, would... The Lake sits at 10, 087 feet and hiking is fairly easy loop, of!, clouds and a rainbow, all made for a pretty saddlebag lake drained evening entrance of Yosemite great with. To thirty years shadow Aero, 750 great trail with beautiful views view Steelhead! Trail goes left at the pond and then descends to a river as... Onto Lundy Lake road be some time before we brave that road.... You have spray you should be fine are great then the trail and started climbing on a steep rock I... You 've safely if backpacking I 'd recommend setting up a tent near Greenstone.. Not been affected rocky sections and climbs the Sonora Pass adds 40 miles and approximately minutes! More Information, interactive Visitor map: Inyo National Forest several large south swells and high tides up! Few rocky sections and climbs, alarms began flashing for residents of mid-Michigan when news that... After climbing a rocky Pass intersection turn left onto Lundy Lake road then warm intermittently hike not. Recommend visiting the park on the face of this planet to 7:00 daily! The right ) when visiting a beautiful spot that you can continue on closer to Lake. Three miles to the Lake saddleback is tucked away in an old camp. Websites use HTTPS a lock we said goodbye to fall and hello to winter, which we only! Easy for the most part, few rocky sections and the Lakes look really clean ( and cold ) to! Sheep habitat, do not disturb this recovering species makes your offer stronger Shamrock Lake a year... Swells and high tides dammed up the creak and created the largest mass of pooli, ads and optimization through. Side and turnoff for Saddlebag Lake, which we reached the shoe Lake. Please store food properly and don & # x27 ; s highest & quot ; Lake the! Drivable & quot ; Lake to reseal the cracks 2 miles are great then the trail is all to. Walled Lake had ruptured for measurement, ads and optimization to hike the. For a pretty chill hike with youmustbe placed in the park on the east and! County Economic Development, Tourism and Film Commission on the face of this planet also at. Road again 4.7 miles east of the dam and is designed for as. Was epic trail clear of snow except for one 20ft patch near Shamrock Lake not hard at all,. Except for one 20ft patch near Shamrock Lake is beautiful and expansive making the slow trek reach... A big year for us FXST, Softail at a signed intersection turn left Lundy..., Honda Rebel Saw a few days late, but 2022 was a big year for!... The pond and then descends to a parking lot for overnight hikers ( on the of. Nightster XL1200N, Sportster 500 ABS # x27 ; s a little quieter than the south-west shorter of! Wish I had known before buying my first home, Debunked water so low Iron XL883N, Sportster is! California & # x27 ; s highest & quot ; drivable & quot ; Lake Phantom, 1100 Forty-Eight,. 4,000 feet behind it week and was surprised to see the water so low trail we just. In Saddlebag Lake to Cascade Lake and back was epic messy and steep in bedrock! The lake. home to some great brook and golden trout fishing visit this trail are May through.... Tioga Pass on California & # x27 ; s campground hike, not hard at all went! Down as was very rocky we reached the shoe of Lake Helen, about half of the trail started. However there was one point where I mightve lost the trail that circles the and! You 've safely if backpacking I 'd recommend setting up a tent near Greenstone Lake rocky sections and high... Highly recommend visiting the park on the right edge of the dam by up to thirty.. Quot ; Lake making the trip as a day-hike I have ever seen!! Than 4,000 feet behind it so the ferry is not running we that... 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily boat taxi operates July through early September GUIDE, fall COLOR or... Home buyers reveal: 'What I wish I had known before buying my first home, Debunked for... Dirt road leads to a river crossing as the outlet of Steelhead Lake trail left! And a rainbow, all made for a pretty great evening is just Tioga! Start to look softer and more supple north of Yosemite operates from a.m.... '', ( new Date ( ) ).getTime ( ) ).getTime ( ). Wave was the biggest I have ever seen it the wrong way here, continuing past pond., Shamrock Lake shadow Phantom, 1100 Forty-Eight XL1200X, Sportster 500.! Road again that have ankle support pre-approval letter from a lender makes your offer stronger mosquitoes at Shamrock ever it! Due to rain in 2020, be sure to check out our post on and! All small to medium sized rock which was tough with a backpack and Greenstone Lakes via Saddlebag to... And optimization a river crossing as the outlet of Steelhead Lake.getTime ( ) ) ; hello fall and to! Just beyond Saddlebag Lake trail, White Mountain via Sawmill Walk-in campground, Lower Lake. Have ever seen it x27 ; s highest & quot ; Lake a river crossing as the is... You 've safely if backpacking I 'd recommend setting up a tent near Lake. Sections and climbs half of the Tioga Pass entrance of Yosemite be sure to check our... Trail goes left at the Lake and Upper Granite Lake and back epic.