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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 3 Submit your own review This was our 2nd trip up to Barney Lake 1st time was awesome but the 2nd time was disappointing. The hike there is great but when we got there we were attacked by mesquites it was real bad. The fishing was real good. We were there July 19th 2009. Note*check with the kiosk before taking the hike. I did this hike last year and this year both as part of a backpack trip to Yosemite. I've always envied those doing it for a day hike. It's very popular probably because it's right next to Mono Village. It winds from Pine Forest uphill gently through 3 Aspen Groves and then an uphill section with some switchbacks lead to Barney Lake. The trail has several points with wonderful views back down the valley. Barney Lake has the best beach for resting and sunbathing that I've ever seen in the mountains. Further, it beckon's one onto the higher lakes in Hoover Wilderness and Yosemite. My wife and I did the round trip in 5 hours in early August...Lots of Mosquitoes the switchbacks for the last mile up to the lake seemed like an eternity. The water was too cold to totally jump in, got cold up to my knees.It was just ok... The hike to Parker Lake in the June Lakes area is way nicer! Our family has been making the journey to Twin Lakes for as long as I can remember. Barney Lake is by far the most scenic in the area with wild flowers, wild life and amazing view of glaciers when you arrive. Recommend starting very early in the morning so the switchbacks can be done before it gets too hot and to allow time to spend exploring around the beautiful mirror lake. WONDEROUS I take this hike every year in August. When we arrive at Barney Lake I jump into the lake to celebrate my birthday and have a picnic. It is the most beautiful place on earth. I love this hike. You get to see lots of Aspens and I can only dream how beautiful this would be in fall. I had a bit of a tough time finding the trail because you have to walk through the Mono campground. I did this hike in June...so as one reviewer said, bring your bug spray!! I cannot stress this enough. 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. 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!! 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||