Top 4 Lakes around Mono
Best lakes around Mono feature a diverse range of aquatic environments, offering varied recreational opportunities amidst natural landscapes. This region provides distinct geological formations and ecosystems, making it a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can explore a variety of lakes, from those with extensive trail systems to smaller, serene ponds. Many family-friendly lakes Mono County offers provide activities for all ages.
Best lakes around Mono
- The most popular lakes is Island Lake Conservation Area, a lake that is a man-made lake created by a dam on the Credit River. This area is well-maintained and offers activities year-round, including an 11 km circle trail.
- Another must-see spot is Earl Rowe Lake, a lake with a beach. This lake is set within its own provincial park and provides a wide variety of recreational activities, including canoeing and kayaking.
- Visitors also love Glen Haffy Fishing Ponds, a lake. These ponds are stocked with rainbow trout and are suitable for both beginners and experienced anglers.
- Mono is known for its conservation areas, provincial parks, and diverse ponds. Visitors can explore lakes suitable for fishing, paddling, and hiking, offering a range of experiences.
- The lakes around Mono are appreciated by the komoot community, with 10 upvotes and 8 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: August 9, 2026
Island Lake Conservation Area
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Circle trail around the lake is 11 km but there are many smaller side trails.
In the summer you can rent kayaks and canoes. In the winter you can rent ice fishing hut and equipment. Also available in the winter are ice skating pads, on the frozen lake, that you can rent on hourly basis for $20/h.
If you are coming with the car to the main entrance there would be a fee, $6.50 per person.
You can access the park for free if you park outside and walk in through many other entrances.
Enjoy and respect.
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Glen Haffy Fishing Ponds
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Earl Rowe Lake
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Honey Palgrave Pond
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View of the Pine River
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Visitors may spot brook trout habitats, wetlands, ponds, and wildlife along the river corridor, making the view both visually appealing and ecologically significant. The combination of rolling hills, forested slopes, and the gently flowing Pine River creates one of the most beautiful natural scenes along the trail.
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Set at the centre of its own provincial park, this lake offers a wide variety of recreational activities. The lake is open for canoeing and kayaking, and has trails around the perimeter to access the lakeside picnic areas and beaches.
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Great for beginners and welcoming to experienced anglers as well, the ponds at Glen Haffy Conservation Area are stocked with rainbow trout from the park's own hatchery. Bait is available for purchase, and please observe the "no live bait" policy in order to keep invasive species out of the waterways.
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The forest breaks, and in the middle of a beautiful meadow sits the Honey Palgrave Pond, sometimes also called the Humphrey Palgrave Pond. The pond changes with the seasons; in winter it will ice over, while in summer and spring the water is moss-covered and dotted with lily pads.
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Right in the Orangeville, small city in south Ontario, you can enjoy this beautiful park. It is man made lake created by the dam on the Credit River. Whole area is controlled and preserved by the Conservation Authorities and it is real gem. Very well maintained and enjoyable all year around. Circle trail around the lake is 11 km but there are many smaller side trails. In the summer you can rent kayaks and canoes. In the winter you can rent ice fishing hut and equipment. Also available in the winter are ice skating pads, on the frozen lake, that you can rent on hourly basis for $20/h. If you are coming with the car to the main entrance there would be a fee, $6.50 per person. You can access the park for free if you park outside and walk in through many other entrances. Enjoy and respect.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Mono Lake unique among the lakes in Mono County?
Mono Lake is an ancient saline lake, over a million years old, with a salinity 2.5 times that of the ocean. Its most distinctive features are the eerie tufa towers, limestone structures formed by freshwater springs. This unique environment supports trillions of brine shrimp and alkali flies, attracting millions of migratory birds, making it a prime spot for birdwatching. You can learn more about its ecosystem and history at the Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center.
What is the June Lake Loop, and what lakes does it include?
The June Lake Loop is a picturesque 16-mile scenic drive (Highway 158) often called the "Switzerland of the Sierra." It encompasses four stunning alpine lakes: June Lake, Gull Lake, Silver Lake, and Grant Lake. Each offers unique recreational opportunities and breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada mountains. For more information, you can visit Visit California's June Lake Loop page.
Which lakes in Mono County are best for scenic views and photography?
Many lakes in Mono County offer stunning scenery. Mono Lake is famous for its tufa towers and dramatic sunrises/sunsets. The June Lake Loop lakes—June Lake, Gull Lake, and Silver Lake—are renowned for their crystal-clear waters and serrated Sierra Nevada backdrops, especially from Oh Ridge at June Lake or with Carson's Peak overlooking Gull Lake. Silver Lake is often considered particularly beautiful by visitors. Convict Lake and Virginia Lakes also provide exceptionally photogenic alpine settings.
Which lakes are best for fishing in Mono County?
Mono County offers excellent fishing opportunities. June Lake, Gull Lake, and Silver Lake are popular for trout fishing, with Silver Lake being exceptionally well-stocked and home to the region's oldest fishing retreat. Grant Lake is known for producing some of the biggest brown trout in the Sierra. Convict Lake is also a renowned fishing destination. For a family-friendly fishing experience, the Glen Haffy Fishing Ponds are stocked with rainbow trout and welcome anglers of all ages.
Where can I enjoy water sports like water skiing or jet skiing?
Grant Lake, the largest lake on the June Lake Loop, is the only lake in the loop that permits water skiing, wakeboarding, and jet skiing after 10 AM, making it a popular summer water sports destination.
Are there opportunities for kayaking or canoeing on the lakes?
Yes, kayaking and canoeing are popular activities on several lakes. You can enjoy these on Mono Lake, June Lake, Silver Lake, and Island Lake Conservation Area. Earl Rowe Lake also welcomes canoeing and kayaking. Rentals are often available at marinas on the June Lake Loop.
What hiking trails are available around the lakes in Mono County?
Many lakes offer excellent hiking. Mono Lake has interpretive trails, and the June Lake Loop lakes are surrounded by numerous trails, including a 2.5-mile loop around Convict Lake. The Virginia Lakes trail leads to several beautiful alpine lakes, and Lundy Lake offers trails known for spectacular fall foliage. For more detailed hiking options, explore the Hiking around Mono guide, which includes routes like the Split Rock Trail loop and the Mono Cliffs Lookout loop.
Which lakes are particularly family-friendly?
June Lake is a premium family vacation destination with sandy beaches and nearby June Mountain for skiing. Gull Lake is also very family-friendly, featuring a popular playground and picnic spots. Earl Rowe Lake and Island Lake Conservation Area offer a wide variety of recreational activities suitable for families. Additionally, the Glen Haffy Fishing Ponds are great for beginner anglers of all ages. You can find family-friendly hiking options in the Family-friendly hikes around Mono guide.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes in Mono County?
The best time to visit depends on your desired activities. Summer (June-August) is ideal for water sports, swimming, and hiking, with warm weather. Fall (September-October) offers spectacular foliage, especially around Lundy Lake. Spring (April-May) brings wildflowers and fewer crowds, though some higher elevation areas may still have snow. Winter (November-March) allows for cross-country skiing at Mono Lake and skiing/snowboarding at June Mountain, with ice skating and ice fishing available at Island Lake Conservation Area.
Are there any less-known or 'hidden gem' lakes worth visiting?
Beyond the main attractions, Convict Lake, located just outside Mammoth Lakes, is a beautiful spot known for its fishing and hiking. The Virginia Lakes trail, between Bridgeport and Lee Vining, leads to several stunning lakes like Blue Lake, Cooney Lake, and Frog Lakes, offering a more secluded alpine experience. Lundy Lake in Lundy Canyon is another gem, particularly beautiful during the fall foliage season.
Can I find places to eat or stay near the lakes?
Yes, the town of June Lake, nestled on the western side of June Lake, offers hotels, restaurants, and amenities. Gull Lake Marina is also a central spot with easy access to local establishments. Camping facilities are available near many lakes, including Silver Lake Campground and sites around Grant Lake.
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