California Highway 395 -- Day 3, Bishop to Silver Lake
May 19, 2021 (Wednesday)
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This morning, we left the RV park in Bishop next to the bakery at around 9:30 in the morning. Our plan was to go to the two lakes up in the mountains about 20 miles west of Bishop. There are many lakes of different sizes up in the Sierra mountains, but most of them are not accessible and with our RV, we can get to the two that are reachable with good roads.
After driving about 15 miles, we arrived at the little resort town of Aspendell. We did not make a stop there but about a mile up, we spotted a pretty village down in the valley. A turn-off was right by the roadside, making it a good spot for our views.
Such pretty sights!
The village down in the valley with a lake nearby.
Bishop Creek
We reached the trail head of Lake Sabrina at around 16 miles from Bishop. In front of us was a bridge with signs and we were not sure if we should drive over to the other side. We thought maybe we should just walk the rest of the way to the lake. But, we realized that it was way too far for a walk up there and the bridge looked OK for the RV. Right by the trailhead is the beautiful Bishop Creek, where we spent a few minutes admiring the serene surrounding with colorful birds.
Such a serene place to be!
Lake Sabrina
Yes, it was alright for us to drive up to the parking lot and there were plenty of parking spaces since it was not a holiday or weekend. In fact, there are two parking lots which seemed to be sufficient to hold all the vehicles that would be there even on busy days.
The lake did look dried up because of the drought and a couple of people also arrived to do some fishing. The trail was not visible from where we were and we had no idea where we should go except to walk up to the dam. The water from the lake would provide water-power for the hydraulic system here but not sure what they would do since there is not much water left this year.
I am sure the lake would be much prettier when it is filled with water.
There is a restaurant/cafe/gift shop type of set up by the parking lot. We later found the trail which is behind the trailers parked next to the cafe.
Spacious parking lot.
Only a small part of Lake Sabrina.
Still beautiful!
Looking down from the dam.
We finally found the trail where we could get closer and higher up.
Looking back at the dam from the trail.
It was a little disappointing to see the lake in such condition but not regretting our visit there. After a short hike on the trail, which was a little challenging for us, we decided to get on our way to the next destination--South Lake.
We saw the huge sign for the turn onto South Lake Road when coming up from Bishop, and expecting the same sign would be on the opposite direction also. Not so! There was no such sign as we drove past South Lake Road and missed that turn. Fortunately, there was a turn-out not to far away for us to make an easy turnaround. From that turn-out by the road side, we could see an amazing campground down there which I believe is a government managed dry-camping area. There were hardly anyone there. It must be awfully nice to be camping in such a place. It just that we do not usually dry camp, we need our water, electricity and sewer systems even on the road.
Making a turn around here.
A beautiful campground below.
South Lake
Apparently, South Lake is a favorite spot for fishermen! I have considered staying at a RV park on South Lake Road which is frequent by fishermen. Then decided that it wouldn't be as convenient as staying in town and what if we arrive here in the dark? That would make things even more complicated.
It was a slow climb for the RV going up to South Lake, which is at the elevation of over 9,000 feet. Fortunately, there were not much traffic and we were not slowing down anyone. The sight was beautiful all along the way as we were chugging along.
Finally, after passing by a couple of smaller parking areas, we arrived at the top parking lot with spacious parking for everyone. It was kind of quiet on that day with only a few visitors.
Huge parking lot.
I suppose people come here to see wildlife at night?
Signs at the trail head. I was particularly cautious of the 'Bear' warnings. This is bear country and I just prayed for no bear sightings while on this hike.
After a short hike, we stopped here for the gorgeous view of the lake.
This is the trail that I believe wraps around the lake.
These mountains are over 10,000 feet.
Just loved this sight!
A good hike that we could handle.
Enjoying our lunch of sandwiches made with fresh bread from Schat's Bakkery.
Exceptionally fresh and delicious!
Lunch with a view!
After lunch and taking a short nap inside the RV, we continued our drive back to Bishop. Filled our tank and headed up north on 395. We will be spending the night at the Silver Lake Resort/RV park on the June Lake Loop this evening.
Stopping at the view point by the road side for the breathtaking views of the mountains.
Another stop at Crowley Lake Lookout.
There are unbelievable stone columns at Crowley Lake but it's located in an area where it is very difficult to get to. Not attempting to get there in our RV!
Lake Crowley
Continuing our drive to June Lake Loop.
Silver Lake Resort
There are four lakes on the June Lake Loop drive. Once we turned onto June Lake Loop (Highway 158), we reached June Lake about two miles in. We decided not to make any stop since we were not interested in shopping or seeing anything particular in the village. Gull Lake is right next to June Lake, which is the smallest of the four. Then we arrived at Silver Lake where we would be spending the night.
We made the mistaking of turning into the resort but were able to get to the RV park just a couple of yards down the road.
Silver Lake Resort is a 100-year old family-owned and run resort right across from Silver Lake. Again, it seemed like that it's a favorite for the fishermen. We saw people coming back with good catches early the next morning even before we started our day! It's a convenient spot to spend the night close to the lake.
Cute sign probably with lots of history.
Entrance to the park.
One side of the RV park.
Sign on the other side.
June Lake Loop, Hwy 158
Boat launch just across the highway from the RV park.
This is one beautiful lake!
It was cold and windy because of the wind storm that day.
Quite wavy!
We did not stay out too long that afternoon and evening because of the cold wind. After enjoying a nice 'home-cooked' dinner, we called it a day. We will drive around June Lake Loop tomorrow and then continue on visiting some amazing sites!
"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin." -- Matthew 6:28
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