Picnicking
Just about any of the side roads that lead off the main highways and canyon entries provide ample opportunities to pull off, pick a scenic site and enjoy your time here on the forest. However there are designated sites built just for picnicking, as listed below.
Please use fires only in the metal fire rings/barbeques unless in a remote location, in which case a California Campfire permit would be required. Please be sure to remove all of your trash, keep vehicles on designated roads and parking areas and be sure your fire is dead out if you have one - check for fire restrictions first.
Picnicking - Single
Mono and June Lake Regions:
- Mono County Park at the north end of Mono Lake
- Grant Lake
- Gull Lake Boat Launch
Mammoth Lakes Region:
- Minaret Vista west of Mammoth Lakes
- Rainbow Falls Trailhead (Reds Meadow)
- McGee Creek Trailhead (this area is about 15 minutes south of Mammoth)
Rock Creek Region:
- Rock Creek Lake shoreline
- Mosquito Flat Trailhead (also known as Little Lakes Trailhead)
Bishop Region:
- South Lake Trailhead
- Sabrina Lake Trailhead
- North Lake shoreline
- La Hupp Picnic Site along the South Fork of Bishop Creek
Big Pine Region:
- The fishing pond at the end of the Big Pine Canyon Road
Whitney Portal Region:
- At the ponds and waterfall near the store
White Mountains Region:
- Pinyon Picnic Area on White Mountain Road
- Schulman and Patriarch Groves within the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
Search for Picnicking Opportunities
Reds Meadow Road
Site Open
Spectacular views from Minaret Vista survey this canyon full of recreational opportunities. Camp, fish, hike and explore Devils Postpile National Monument, Reds Meadow Resort and Agnew Meadows.…
Rock Creek Area
Site Open
Rock Creek Lake and the nearby area attract visitors from all over the world. Rock Creek Lake is a traditional alpine lake surrounded by Jeffrey pines. Recreation ranges from winter backcountry…
Saddlebag Day Use Site
Site Open
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. Trails extend into what is commonly…
Schulman Grove
The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Visitor Center is at Schulman Grove with a picnic area and three self-guided trails to explore. The trails begin and end at the visitor center parking area and…
Sherwin Creek Picnic Site
Site Open
Small picnic site near Sherwin Creek Campground.
Silver Lake Day Use Site
Site Open
A great stop along the June Lake Loop to take a break right at the shore of Silver Lake. Restrooms, trash receptacle, and picnic tables available.
Sotcher Lake Picnic Site
Site Open
Limited access due to construction. See the Reds Meadow Road Reconstruction Project page.Sotcher Lake Picnic Area is near Reds Meadow and Devils Post Pile. Named for "Red" Sotcher as in Reds Meadow.
South Tufa
Site Open
South Tufa at Mono LakeInyo National Forest – Mono Basin National Forest Scenic AreaStep into a landscape like no other—where limestone towers rise from salty waters, looking like something out…
Starkweather Lake
Site Open
Limited access due to construction. See the Reds Meadow Road Reconstruction Project page.Rainbow Trout are present in this lake named for a miner in the area in the 1920's.
Twin Falls Picnic Site
Site Open
A small picnic site near Twin Lakes.