Ellery Lake is one of the most picturesque lakes
situated outside the eastern entrance of
Yosemite National Park on Highway 120. Set in
Upper Lee Vining Canyon, just miles from
Yosemite National Park’s east entrance, Ellery
Lake offers outdoor enthusiasts breathtaking
alpine scenery, outstanding paddling and fishing
opportunities.
It’s nearly impossible to miss Ellery Lake
on the drive up the Tioga Pass Road; its
beauty will stop you dead in your tracks.
Ellery Lake is located about an hour north
of Mammoth Lakes, 6-miles west of Lee
Vining. It is also just around the corner
from the equally stunning Tioga Lake and
Yosemite Valley where the breathtaking
Ribbon and Bridalveil waterfalls and the
magnificent El Capitan and Cathedral Rocks
are located.
For those who prefer paddling remote
destination, with fewer crowds, camping
creek side, ample fishing, and access to
Yosemite National Park, this is the perfect
getaway for you. Ellery Lake rests at an
elevation of 9538 feet, and is surrounded by
majestic mountains and groves of towering
pine trees. Due to the high elevation, the
best time of year to enjoy camping and
paddling at this small 50 surface acre,
natural lake, is from early mid-May to early
October, depending on the early or late snow
fall and road closures. Highway 120 is
subject to winter closures.
In addition to excellent kayaking
opportunities, Ellery Lake provides a wide
range of recreational activities, including
fishing, climbing, photographing, camping,
wildlife viewing, and hiking. After you have
completed the short leisurely paddle around
Lake Ellery, there are some fabulous hiking
trails right at your fingertips with
the beauty of the Sierras that provide eye
candy along the way. There’s no
official
trail around Ellery Lake, but hikers can
make their own way.So what are you waiting
for? It is truly a paddler’s paradise!
