Saddlebag Lake Resort
Now closed for the season.
Will reopen Father’s Day weekend!
Cashless, accepts credit cards
Saddlebag Lake Resort
Our water taxi connects you to the backcountry in minutes. Rent a kayak, bring your dog, or book a guided experience across pristine alpine waters
$18 – ONE WAY
$25 – ROUND TRIP
Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP)
Stable boards, great for flat water cruising.
- 1 Life jacket (PFD)
- Paddle
- Basic orientation
Canoe
Classic canoe, great for exploring the shoreline
- 1 Life jacket (PFD)
- Paddle
- Basic orientation
Best for fishing
Rental Fishing Boat
Motorized aluminum ‘John’ boats, ready to fish.
- Life jackets (PFDs)
- Oars
- Anchor
- Basic orientation
Group friendly
Pontoon Boat
Spacious pontoon: rent the whole boat for the day. Good for family BBQs or all-day fishing.
- Life jackets (PFDs)
- 2 Paddles
- Capacity up to 8 passengers
Email for reservations:
Gateway to Yosemite
Saddlebag Lake Resort
Saddlebag Lake — connected by the high country, restored with care, and here to make your Sierra experience unforgettable.
Fishing
High-alpine trout fishing on Saddlebag Lake and the 20 Lakes Basin. Quick shore session, full day boat, family outing, or tackle the Sierra Grand Slam.
- Canoe, ‘John’, and Pontoon boat available for rental
Hiking
World-class mountain trails at high altitude. From easy lakeshore walks to challenging alpine hikes.
- Explore the 20 Lakes Basin, a stunning network of alpine lakes all stocked with trout and connected by trail
- Our Water Taxi drops you off at the far end of Saddlebag Lake, saving you 1.5 miles each way
- Overnight permits can be obtained at the Mono County Visitors Center in Lee Vining or at Tuolumne Meadows Ranger Station
- Permits are not available at Saddlebag Lake Resort
Camping
Granite peaks, alpine lakes, and starry nights above 10,000 feet.
- Saddlebag Lake Campground: 10,000 ft · Inyo National Forest
- Lower Lee Vining Campground: 7,300 ft · Lee Vining area
- Ellery Lake Campground: 9,650 ft · Highway 120 west
- Tuolumne Meadows Campground: 8,600 ft · Yosemite National Park
Group friendly
Water Taxi
Cross the lake in about 15–20 minutes and access routes toward the Hoover Wilderness. Classic, efficient, and wildly scenic.
$18 – ONE WAY
$25 – ROUND TRIP
- Thursday – Sunday, 7:30am – 5pm
- Boats depart every hour on the hour
- Boarding 10 min before departure
- Check in at the boathouse
- Pick one-way or round trip
- Dogs & big packs welcome
- Return whenever you’re ready (within operating hours)
Now available
Rentals
Walk up to the boathouse and get on the water. We’ll do a quick orientation and send you off.
- Life jackets (PFDs)
- Hourly & daily rentals
- Return on time — we’ll help you dock
Shop
Gear, apparel, and local merch.