Highland Lakes
Highland Lakes in Alpine County, California, are two scenic, high-alpine lakes at 8,600 feet elevation near Ebbetts Pass. Known for camping, fishing, and hiking, this Stanislaus National Forest spot is accessible via a steep, narrow dirt road. The area is generally open late June through October, featuring, brook trout fishing and access to the Pacific Crest Trail.
Paddling Highland Lakes
These two lakes are unique in that they are headwaters for two different watersheds: the eastern lake flows into the Mokelumne River drainage, while the western lake flows into the Stanislaus River drainage. Maximum boat speed on both lakes is 5 mph, and gas powered motors are discouraged.
Highland Lakes Camping and Hiking
Highland Lakes visitors enjoy camping, hiking and horseback riding. Three trailheads are in the area. The Garnder Meadow Trailhead is above the upper lake, on Road 8N01C (left turn just before the first lake when heading into the lakes basin). The Highland Creek Trailhead is at the end of Highland Lakes Road (8N01), adjacent to the lower lake. The Tryon Meadow Trailhead is about a mile north of the lakes on Highland Lakes Road. All of theses trails lead into the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness.
