Highland Lakes
This page is for the Highland Lakes area; visit the Highland Lakes Campground page to view campground status.
The lakes are set in a spectacular high alpine valley, close to the top of Ebbetts Pass at an elevation of 8,600 feet. 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 visitors enjoy camping, hiking and horseback riding.
Highland Lakes
General Information
No garbage service or dumpster; Pack it in, Pack it out.
Three trailheads are in the area. The Garder 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.
No fee for day use. Fee for camping.
Getting There
Directions
Highland Lakes are located at the end of Highland Lakes Road, five miles off Highway 4. Highland Lakes Road is a narrow, steep and winding dirt route where safe travel speeds average 20 mph or less.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
