Tucked just east of Tioga Pass along Tioga Road, Ellery Lake is a sparkling alpine gem perfect for fishing, camping, and soaking in mountain views.
Inyo National Forest, California
30 Minutes
Spring, Summer, Fall
Free
Overview
Ellery Lake is one of those places you stumble upon and instantly wonder why it’s not more famous—until you realize locals might be keeping it a secret. Perched high in Mono County on the east side of Yosemite National Park, this alpine lake glistens in the shadow of rugged peaks, with Ellery Lake Falls cascading nearby and the Lee Vining Creek winding its way down the canyon. Whether you’re here for excellent fishing, an overnight at Ellery Campground, or just to take in the fresh mountain air, the surrounding area offers plenty to explore, from Mono Lake to Virginia Lakes. It’s a very popular place during the summer, yet still feels like a peaceful hideaway if you time it right.
Ellery Lake and its surrounding lands in Inyo National Forest have long been valued for both recreation and their role as a gateway to Yosemite’s east entrance. The lake sits along Tioga Pass Road—part of the historic Tioga Road route built in the late 1800s as a mining access road before becoming one of the most scenic drives in the United States. Over the years, Ellery Lake became known as a stop for travelers heading between the west side and east side of the Sierra Nevada, a place to rest, fish for wild rainbows or rainbow trout, and enjoy alpine scenery before the final climb into Yosemite.
Tyler, Stephanie, Justin, and Ryan at Ellery Lake
No matter what angle you look at the lake, the views are breathtaking
Ellery Lake Plan
We first spotted Ellery Lake while driving from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite along Tioga Pass Road, and it was too beautiful to just pass by. We found a small dirt road pull-off that led us closer to the water, and from there, it was just a short scramble down to the lake’s edge. It turned out to be the perfect place to stop, stretch our legs, and take in the alpine scenery before continuing on to the park. Best of all, we had the entire shoreline to ourselves, with nothing but the sound of the water and the crisp mountain air for company.
Ripples in the water in the middle of the lake
Looking back up the small cliffside that we had to scramble down to get from the parking area to the lakeside
Getting There
Location
Ellery Lake is located in Inyo National Forest, just east of Tioga Pass and the park boundary of Yosemite National Park. You’ll find it right off Tioga Pass Road (Highway 120), about 12 miles west of the small town of Lee Vining and just past Tioga Lake if you’re coming from the east. This stretch of the road winds through Lee Vining Canyon, passing roaring waterfalls and dramatic granite cliffs. The lake sits at an elevation of over 9,000 feet, making it a cool escape in the summer months.
Best Time to Go
The peak months for visiting Ellery Lake are late June through early October, depending on Tioga Pass Road’s opening and closing dates. Late September and early October are particularly stunning, with crisp air, fewer crowds, and bursts of autumn color in the surrounding area. Keep in mind that snow can arrive early, and the road closes for the winter season, usually in late fall. Summer brings warmer days and is prime for camping and fishing, but it can get busy—especially on weekends.
The weather was perfect for a day at the lakeside
Ellery Lake has many colored stones just under the water making it a beautiful sight
Ellery Lake in the Inyo National Forest
Who Can Go?
Ellery Lake is accessible to nearly everyone. Families, solo travelers, couples, and groups of friends can all enjoy the area. The nearby Ellery Lake Campground – Lee Vining offers tent sites, tent pads, and space for small trailers, plus bear boxes for food storage and fire rings at most camp sites. There are also picnic tables for day visitors, making it an easy stop for those traveling along Tioga Road or exploring the east entrance of Yosemite National Park.
What You'll See
Expect dramatic alpine scenery, with rocky peaks reflecting in the lake’s clear waters. If you explore beyond the shoreline, you may find the official trail leading to views of Ellery Lake Falls or spot the rushing waters of Ellery Creek feeding the lake. Anglers will love the chance to catch wild rainbows and rainbow trout. Wildlife viewing is common here—marmots, pikas, and birds frequent the area, and lucky visitors might glimpse deer in the nearby forest. The surrounding area also includes easy access to Mono Lake, June Lake, Tioga Lake, and Virginia Lakes.
The boys (little and big) had fun learning how to skip rocks on the crystal clear lake
California desert shrubs surround the lake
What to Bring & Wear
Bring layers, even in summer, as the high elevation can mean chilly mornings and evenings. A warm jacket, hat, and gloves are essential outside of peak summer months. If you’re camping, pack a sturdy tent, sleeping bag rated for cooler temperatures, and cooking gear. Anglers should bring fishing rods, tackle, and any required permits. Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, a reusable water bottle, and snacks. For overnight stays, store food in bear boxes to protect both you and the wildlife.
Where to Go
Most people visiting Ellery Lake head straight to the Ellery Campground or the shoreline pull-offs along Tioga Pass Road. There are parking spurs for day use, plus short walks to the water. If you have extra time, check out nearby Tioga Lake just to the east, or take a scenic drive to Mono Lake. The Bridgeport Reservoir Marina and the McCloud Arm of Shasta Lake are farther afield but offer more fishing opportunities if you’re making a longer road trip through the United States’ Sierra Nevada and Northern California region.
We enjoyed taking a break from driving to stop at the serene Ellery Lake
Across the lake, we could see the trees that make up the Inyo National Forest
How Long Does it Take?
If you’re just stopping for photos or a picnic, you could enjoy Ellery Lake in as little as 30 minutes. However, fishing, hiking, and camping can easily fill a day—or several nights—especially if you’re exploring other spots along Tioga Road or in Inyo National Forest.
Cost
There’s no fee to visit Ellery Lake itself, but camping at Ellery Lake Campground comes with a nightly fee (check the official Inyo National Forest website for current rates). Fishing may require a valid California fishing license.
Tips for Ellery Lake
- Arrive early in the day during peak months to secure a camp site or parking spot.
- Be prepared for high elevation—pace yourself if hiking.
- Use bear boxes and follow Leave No Trace principles.
- Bring extra layers, even in summer.
- Keep your camera ready for wildlife sightings.
- Always check Tioga Pass Road conditions before heading out—closures can happen quickly.