Lower Blue Lake Campground

Lower Blue Lake Campground by Carson Pass draws many visitors because most of the campsites are lakeside and the fishing is amazing.

Blue Lakes Adventures

Lower Blue Lake and Upper Blue Lake are part of a cluster of lakes in the Eastern Sierra south of the Carson Pass Highway 88. Lower Blue Lake has an unimproved boat ramp while 2 others are in the larger upper lake, adequate for the many anglers who appear in the June as soon as the Blue Lake Road is cleared of snow.

A challenging OHV route extends from the south end of Lower Blue Lake toward Clover Valley. Known as the Deer Valley OHV Route, it works its way south over rugged terrain to Hermit Valley on Highway 4, east of Ebbetts Pass. The lakes south of Lower Blue Lake in Indian Valley are connctd by a spiderweb of dirt roads and trails, great for mountain bikers.

Lower Blue Lake Campground

Lower Blue Lake Campground, neighboring campgrounds, and the Blue Lakes themselves are owned by Pacific Gas & Electric. Lower Blue Lake Campground has 17 campsites along the shoreline. Nearly every campsite is lakefront. Campsites can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents.

Reservations can be made online as late as 3 days prior to arrival. Watch below for the dates PG&E opens reservations; the dates change every year. Sites 15-17 are first-come, first served. A 2-night stay is required for those making reservations.

Directions to Blue Lakes

The Blue Lakes Road leaves Highway 88 in the Hope Valley and extends south for 12 miles to the Blue Lakes. Keep track of when the Blue Lakes Road opens at Alpine County Road Department.

Fishing Blue Lakes and Beyond

Rainbow trout, Lahontan cutthroat, and brook trout are well-established in the lakes. With steep drop-offs from the shore, fishing from the banks is especially good. Neighboring lakes such as Twin Lake and Meadow Lake draw attention from the more adventurous, while a short drive to the south are a bounty of lakes and ponds.

Exploring Beyond Blue Lakes on Foot

Little Granite Lake makes an interesting half day hike from Blue Lakes. Start out at the Middle Creek Campground and head west up the trail, passing a tiny unnamed lake along the way. From Granite Lake you have nice views back down on Upper Blue Lake. Fishing is good in Granite Lake for Lahontan cutthroat trout.

Locate the Pacific Crest Trail trailhead just east of Lower Blue Lake and stroll south. The trail winds for 3 miles past a series of shallow lakes - Tamarack, Sunset, and Wet Meadows. You may want to poke around along the way, so the overall hike could easily turn into a full 8 miles round trip.