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Barney Lake


Highlights:

Aspen groves and distant snow-capped peaks.
Near:Bridgeport, CA
Scenery:
Distance:8 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:1173 ft
Hike Time:4 hours
Difficulty:Easy
Trail Condition:Well maintained trail
HikeType:Out and Back


Summary: This is a nice hike that takes you from the bustling "city" of the Mono Village Resort to semi-solitude in roughly four easy miles. There is a small stream to cross early in the hike, but nothing that can't usually be jumped across. Half way to the lake you will pass through some Aspen groves just outside the Hoover Wilderness. The final climb to the lake can seem tedius, but the rewards are well worth effort. Be sure to bring the camera and plenty of film!

For more details and photos of my backpacking trip there visit my website The Backcountry: Barney Lake.

Trailhead: From the town of Bridgeport on Highway 395, head west on Twin Lakes Road to the entrance of Mono Village. The trailhead can be somewhat difficult to find with all of the RV's and dirt roads in Mono Village. There are signs throughout the resort pointing to the trail to Barney Lake which officially starts at the end of a half mile dirt road. (Lat:38.14044 Lon:-119.43808)
Trail Guides for Barney Lake:
Yosemite National Park
by Jeffrey P. Schaffer  (Wilderness Press)

California Hiking
by Tom Stienstra & Ann Marie Brown  (Foghorn Press)

Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer,
User Groups: Hikers, Horses,
Ranger Contact: Bridgeport Ranger District, (760) 932-7070
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Mike Matenkosky, who has posted  18 other hikes on this site
Trail Reviews  Page 1 of 2   Submit your own review
Reviewed by Christie on 7/25/2007
We did this hike on 7/22/07 and it was spectacular. Starting at Annetts Mono Village you go through a forest of large pines that then opens to a very large meadow. While hiking the meadow you see beautiful aspen groves, snow capped mountain tops, sage valleys, and a beautiful variety of trees and landscape. The switchbacks through the aspen grove near the end was a bit tough, and warm in the afternoon sun. Reaching the end to see Barney Lake was amazing, the lake is surrounded by granite rock formations and it has a nice sand beach at one end. Bring bug spray! Ending back at Annett's Mono Village at sunset was amazing! We did this hike in 1.5 hours each way, at a moderate pace.

Reviewed by macall on 3/24/2007
I did this hike with my 12 yr old nephew in the summer last year. If you would like to enjoy a beautiful scenery in the morning, this would be an amazing hike to make. Once you reach the lake, the lake mirrors the mountains around you and you'll enjoy the sight of jumping fish which will make it all even more rewarding. I would definitely make this hike again!!

Reviewed by bob on 1/7/2007
A beautiful place to be.

Reviewed by Sue on 7/10/2006
I just did this hike (7/6/06) with 2-11 year old girls; and we all absolutely loved it. The views, the flowers, the waterfalls, all amazing. It took us about 4 hours, but that was stopping and swimming at the Lake and having a snack before heading back down. I would definately do this hike again and again.

Reviewed by Rod on 10/19/2005
A group of four of us hiked to Barney on 10-14-05. This was my third time, and the trail head is still a bit difficult to find. The rating of this hike as easy is a little misleading I think, though anyone in average shape should be able to master it. The lake is well worth the hike

Reviewed by Scott on 10/12/2005
We did this hike on October 8th, 2005. It was a bit intimidating to find the trailhead within the confines of the RV park until we thought to ask the people at the main entrance to Mono Village. They pointed it right out. The hike was spectacular... golden and red aspens, mule deer, clark's nutcrackers, juniper trees... we ate lunch at Barney lake with no one else in sight. Hiked out as the sun was going down. I LOVED this hike and I highly recommend it!

Reviewed by Gary on 9/15/2005
What a beautiful hike. My wife Angie and I did a quick day hike from Annett's Mono Village campground to Barney Lake on 9/13/05 and had a great time. We did have a brush with a bear, but it crashed through the bushes to get away from us. Plenty of deer as well. That whole area is spectacular. Maybe I shouldn't be saying this, because part of what I like is getting away from people and having a little solitude.

Reviewed by Cornejo on 7/11/2005
I've been hiking to Barney for about 15 years. This was the most spectacular its ever been. With all the rains, the meadows are full of wonderful wild flowers. It is absolutely gorgeous! I doubt I'll see it like this for a long time. The snow is still melting so the streams are roaring. If you're in the area, this is a must do hike.


Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Mono County Hiking, Mono County Trails, Mono County Hikes

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