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Highland Lakes

Lake·Arnold·Inland lakes·No reviews yet
Type
Two alpine lakes
Elevation
8,600 ft
Speed limit
5 mph; gas motors discouraged
Day use
Free
1 / 1
  • Kayak & SUP
  • Fishing
  • Camping

About this lake

Highland Lakes are two alpine lakes at 8,600 feet near the top of Ebbetts Pass in the Stanislaus National Forest, at the end of Highland Lakes Road, about 5 miles off Highway 4. One drains to the Mokelumne River, the other to the Stanislaus.

On the water

The maximum boat speed on both lakes is 5 mph, and gas-powered motors are discouraged. The Forest Service lists non-motorized boating and fishing. Day use is free.

Camping

Highland Lakes Campground has 35 sites at $30 a night in two areas by the lower lake, with drinking water and food lockers. There's no garbage service, so pack out your trash.

The road

Highland Lakes Road is narrow, steep and winding dirt; plan on 20 mph or less. Trailheads at Gardner Meadow, Highland Creek and Tryon Meadow lead into the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness.

Getting there & access

Getting there

Turn off Highway 4 near Ebbetts Pass onto Highland Lakes Road and drive about 5 miles of narrow dirt road.

Golden mussels

The Forest Service asks every boater to clean, drain and dry boats, trailers and gear, never drain bilge or ballast into the lake, and check the lake's launching rules before visiting. California also requires a Mussel Fee Sticker on motorized boats used in fresh water.

Campground
35 sites, $30/night
Ranger district
(209) 795-1381

What's here

  • Kayaking

    Non-motorized boating

  • Fishing

    Lake fishing

  • Camping

    Highland Lakes Campground, 35 sites

  • Trails

    Trailheads into the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness

Rules & official resources

  • California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025dbw.parks.ca.gov ↗
  • Maximum boat speed 5 mph on both lakes; gas-powered motors discouragedfs.usda.gov ↗
  • No garbage service; pack out trashfs.usda.gov ↗
  • The Forest Service asks boaters to clean, drain and dry boats and gear and to contact each lake's managing agency for its launching and inspection rules before visiting; it lists no inspection station for this lakefs.usda.gov ↗

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Questions boaters ask

Gas motors are discouraged, and the speed limit on both lakes is 5 mph.

No. It's about 5 miles of narrow, steep, winding dirt road.

Yes. Highland Lakes Campground has 35 sites at $30 a night.

The Forest Service doesn't list an inspection station for this lake. It asks boaters to clean, drain and dry and to check launching rules before visiting.
Sources: fs.usda.gov · fs.usda.gov · fs.usda.gov · Last checked Oct 13, 2026 ·
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