Mosquito Lakes Photos – Tip Top HWY 4 Scenery

I’ll never forget driving the gorgeous stretch of Ebbetts Pass, between Lake Alpine and the summit. The scenery already had me blissed out, but when I suddenly stumbled on these wildly picturesque alpine lakes, I could barely believe my eyes. Here are my favorite Mosquito Lakes photos…

A Particularly Dazzling Lakeside Sunset - Mosquito Lakes photos — A Particularly Dazzling Mosquito Lakes Sunset

It was probably about 4pm by the time I made it up here. The first lake featured some beautiful reflections, and was surrounded by vibrant green grass and thick forest trees.

Mosquito Lakes in Summertime – Highway 4, California

I noticed some hikers around the lake, but did not explore the trails for myself. This is a destination I will no doubt be returning to in the future.

Floating yellow "water lily" flower with pads in the lake — Floating yellow “water lily” flower in the lake

Forest Service Cabins

These scenic cabins across the water were the icing on the cake. This looked like something straight out of an old Disney wildlife special from the 60s. While the entire lakeshore is publicly accessible, these picturesque lakeside cabins are private property. Apparently they’re “National Forest Recreation Residences”…whatever that means.

Charming summertime cabin on the lake — Charming summertime cabin

In any case, photographers and high Sierra lovers will go gaga over this place. It’s really beautiful. I actually don’t think my pictures do it justice…though the sunset photos further down the page get pretty darn close…

Campsites

There are campsites right near the lake. The photo below shows you can even get one with a nice view!

View of forest service cabins from campsite

I was here in early July, and was quite shocked to see that this site was still available. I believe they are first come, first served.

A Scenic Lake view Campsite with picnic table and firepit. — A nice, scenic campsite

On the lake itself, I noticed a family with kids playing around the water. Soon after, the dad and his two little boys piled in their canoe and started paddling around the lake. Lucky kids…I hope they never forget this place.

Camper family boating on the lake in summertime — Family outing on the water

While there are campsites here, there are virtually no services that I know of…so don’t get your hopes up about renting a canoe of your own. I imagine you need to bring one for yourself.

Sunset – Mosquito Lakes Photos

Pink sunset cloud reflections - Mosquito Lakes photos — Pink sunset cloud reflections

I waited around for a few hours, taking various long exposure photos. As usual, I had planned my trip around the rare occurrence of summer clouds. I hoped they would make for a nice sunset at this location. Well as you can see, my planning paid off!

Long exposure lake sunset, with forest tree reflections - Mosquito Lakes photos — Long exposure lake sunset

I loved watching the various color hues wash over the sky, and reflect in the water below. Truly a stunning High Sierra destination.

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About My Photos

The images on this website are available for licensing and/or sale as framed prints. If you’d like to purchase them for a blog, news article, or gift, feel free to contact me with the specifics. This way you’re supporting photographers such as me directly (as opposed to buying from a faceless stock photo corporation).

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– Nathan Allen

About Me

I’m Nathan Allen, photographer / creator of YosemiteParkPhotos.com (Yosemite Photos) and international travel site I Dreamed Of This. In truth, I lived in San Francisco, New York, & Singapore…but nothing compares to life in the mountains. I share my experiences HERE.