Eastern Sierra Lakes – US Hwy 395
A grouping of small lakes on the Eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountains near Bridgeport, California. Camping & fishing are the main attractions here, along with a high elevation trailhead. Awesome back country access for the backpackers who love hiking the Hoover Mountain Wilderness.
Aspen trees turn golden colors as freezing temps lower in Autumn, and can be breathtaking in October. Sometimes the window of opportunity is very short, as the first snow of the season usually falls at the same time of year.
mountain lakes next to tall granite peaks, inside Toiyabe National Forest, Eastern Sierra, right off US Hwy 395.
location:
Eastern Sierra California
Mono County
W off US Hwy 395
on Virginia Lakes Road
Just south of Bridgeport, CA
elevation: 9500′
inside this Eastern Sierra canyon:
Virginia Creek
Trumbull Lake
Virginia Lake
Blue Lake
Red Lake
Cooney Lake
Moat Lake
Frog Lakes
Burro Lake
Virginia Lakes Trailhead
Virginia Lakes Road (snow may close in winter)
Virginia Creek Rd #32139
Dunderberg Road #020
area activities:
- Autumn Colors
- Back Roads
- Backpacking
- Boating
- Bodie Historic Ghost Town
- Camping
- Equestrian / Pack Station
- Fishing
- Green Creek
- Hiking Trails
- Hoover Wilderness
- Horseback Riding/Camping
- Kayaking
- Lundy Lake
- Mono Lake
- Primitive Camping
- Snow
- Toiyabe National Forest
Eastern Sierra Camping:
Lake Campgrounds, Primitive Camping,
Dispersed Creek Camp Sites
- Trumbull Lake Campground
- East Lower Virginia Creek Dispersed Area
- Lower Virginia Creek Primitive Campground
- Upper Virginia Creek Primitive Camping
- West Virginia Creek Dispersed Camping
nearby towns:
wilderness trail maps:
Desert
May through October is the best months to try this road trip, but be aware that there is a monsoon season here: Thunderstorms and flash floods are possible late summer into autumn.
