Hello fellow wanderers!
In October 2020 we researched trails near Bridgeport, CA. It is about a 1.5 hour drive from our house and we came across the Barney Lake Trail. We started to search on YouTube to see what we could find and most videos just did not show enough information and some of the reviews of the trail were negative due to the fact that you have to park at Mono Village and walk through the campground to get to the Barney Lake Trailhead. So with that known, we decided to wander off anyways and check out this trail. And... we are so glad we did!
We took Highway 395 South from Nevada to Bridgeport, CA. You Take a right onto Twin Lakes Rd. right as you enter the town of Bridgeport. Follow it around to Twin lakes and make sure you get out and explore these lakes as well as they are also beautiful. The road ends at Mono Village which is where you will park.
The trail is 9.3 miles round trip with an elevation gain of about 1200-1300'. The hike is beautiful as you make your way through the campground full of deer and pines. Of course, it was fall and during the pandemic so the campground was pretty much empty and we were the only ones there day hiking. We did see a group of guys that were headed out to go backcountry camping. I personally think they were crazy because it was cold during the day so I cannot imagine trying to stay warm at night and fires are not allowed in this area.
As you make your way up and through the meadows full of fall colors, you will see the jagged mountains and lots of black bear scat. We always carry bear spray with us on every single hike, because you just never know what you might run into. Although, we have only ever seen a bear in Yosemite and nowhere else as of yet. You can watch that video of Tuolumne Grove on YouTube if you want to see the mama and her two cubs.
Once you get to the top where Barney Lake is, stop and take in the pure beauty of the entire area. It is absolutely gorgeous there and you have a perfect sandy beach to relax on. On the right side of the lake, the trail keeps going and connects to several other lakes and I believe it connects into the Yosemite trail system. There is an old grove of Bristlecone Pine trees on the other side of the lake that is a must see! Our 9.3 miles did include hiking to the other side of Barney Lake.
Let us know if you need any other information on this trail. We highly recommend it especially during the fall for the seasonal colors! Please watch our Barney Lake video on our YouTube channel - Wandered Off.
Thanks again for wandering off with us!
Chris and Brandi
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