Saddlebag Lake Trail


Wasco Lake

Just east of Yosemite National Park, Saddlebag Lake is popular for day hikes, fishing and backpacking. A loop trail goes around the lake for fishing and hiking. There is also a water taxi from the marina at the Saddlebag Lake Resort that goes to the far end of the lake.

Beyond Saddlebag Lake trails extend into what is commonly called the 20 Lakes Basin. Backpackers must go past the end of Saddlebag Lake, to Greenstone Lake or farther into the 20 lakes basin area in order to stay overnight. Camping around Saddlebag Lake is limited to the campground near the resort.

Common Destinations: 20 Lakes Basin, Mt Conness, North Peak

Download area map for trail names
To purchase more detailed maps or guidebooks of the area, visit sierraforever.org

At a Glance

Reservations: Reserve up to 2 weeks in advance at www.Recreation.gov
Rentals & Guides: Guiding in Hoover wilderness is by Yosemite Mountaineering School.
Permit Info:
  • Wilderness permit required year round for overnight trips. 
  • Day use does not require a permit.
Restrictions:
  • No campfires in 20 Lakes Basin or Hall Natural area.
  • Harvey Monroe Hall Natural Area includes Mt. Conness and North Peak; this area is day use only. 
  • No camping at Greenstone Lake (south side), Saddlebag Lake, Conness Lakes, Wasco, Alpine, Green Treble, Maul, Big Horn, Finger, Spuller, Fantail, Shell Lakes, no caping near Bennettville or the Great Sierra Mine.
  • Food, trash and scented items must be stored in bear proof containers or counter balanced.
  • Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep habitat, do not disturb this recovering species.
  • Hoover Wilderness regulations.
Closest Towns:
  • Lee Vining, Ca (food, fuel, lodging)
  • Mammoth Lakes, CA (full service, hospital)
Water: Water from creeks, lakes and springs should be treated before drinking.
Restroom: Vault toilet at campground. Please Leave No Trace. Bury human waste away from water sources.
Operated By: Forest Service
Information Center:

General Information

Directions:

Leave Hwy 395 at Hwy 120. Follow Tioga Pass Road toward Yosemite. Turn North onto well marked dirt road to Saddlebag Lake. Trailhead parking is a dirt lot at the end of the road. Trail starts near Saddlebag Lake campground and dam. In the summer season tickets can be purchased for a water taxi from Saddlebag Lake Resort that goes to the end of the lake.


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Lake and Pond Fishing

Saddlebag Lake is known for it's Brown, Rainbow and Brook Trout, Greenstone and Hummingbird Lakes try for Brook Trout, Conness Lake catch Golden Trout. Check the Eastern Sierra Back Country Fishing Guide for Trout species in the numerous lakes in this area.

River and Stream Fishing

Brook and Rainbow Trout are common in the streams in this area.

Day Hiking

Backpacking

Quick Links

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Related Links

Location

 
  Latitude : 
37.9658

  Longitude : 
-119.2705

  Elevation : 
10,128ft at trailhead

 

This poster talks about the need to dispose of human waste properly.

Please dispose of human waste properly