Lundy Lake Resort, A place for Tradition

Located in the high plains of the eastern Sierra, north of Mono Lake, California on Highway 395, there is a resort nestled in a canyon where the influence of cell towers and microwave repeaters fades away, creating a timeless atmosphere.

Lundy Lake Resort is situated in a picturesque setting, with towering canyon walls enclosing the former gold mining town of Lundy. The town has been transformed into a small lake, thanks to an earthen dam that retains the snowmelt from the surrounding mountain peaks, which in turn sustains nearby Yosemite National Park. This idyllic location truly feels like a piece of paradise on earth.

Throughout its history, the resort has been under the ownership of a few individuals who have successfully preserved its charm amidst the modern trend of vacation spots offering all the conveniences of home. Unlike those places, this resort maintains a semi-primitive atmosphere reminiscent of traditional campgrounds, featuring basic amenities such as a small store, clean bathrooms with a few showers, fish cleaning stations, a dock, and boat rentals. Lundy Lake Resort stands out as one of the rare hassle-free destinations where visitors can unwind and allow the natural beauty of the surroundings to awaken their inner rustic camper, hiker, or fishing enthusiast.

Operating since 1930, The Resort has been a part of my annual September trips since 1981. Along with my fellow campers, known as the Lake Lundy Lunkers, we have chosen this destination as our favorite spot since 1968.

Due to anonymity concerns, I am unable to disclose my experiences with the Lunker group. However, I can assure you that this tradition is a unique and highly respected one, unlike many others.

Nevertheless, I will share my own camping and fishing advice if you choose to include this in your list of places to stay while traveling along Highway 395 in California.

Although the resort mainly consists of private cabins, there are also numerous small campsites with firepits, a small trailer park that can accommodate around 6 trailers, and a group area suitable for larger groups like the Lunkers. The rates are reasonable, the restroom and shower facilities are well-maintained, and the staff is incredibly welcoming and friendly.

Hiking enthusiasts have access to numerous destinations from Lundy Lake Resort. A trail up the northern canyon face leads to an old gold mine and Saddle Bag Lake within Yosemite National Park.

Walking along the road towards the resort, passing by the store and continuing up to the stunning beaver ponds of Mill Creek, will take you to the starting point of the Lundy Canyon trail. This trail will lead you to a waterfall and provide breathtaking views of the landscape that many visitors to Yosemite never get to experience.

When it comes to fishing, the lake is home to a variety of natural brook and brown trout, while the California Department of Fish and Game regularly releases abundant amounts of rainbow trout during the season.

When I go fishing, I enjoy spending time in the inlet area near Mill Creek that flows into the lake. This spot is usually bustling with anchored boats and fly fishermen catching their limits, especially on calm days with stable weather conditions. If the weather is not favorable, I prefer trolling along the channel that runs from the Mill Creek inlet towards the dam at a diagonal angle. To increase your chances of catching fish, use a leader with small silver flashers and a Super Duper lure or a simple nightcrawler placed about 2 feet behind the flasher rig. You can achieve a depth of 10 to 15 feet by adding a 1/8 oz or 1/4 oz barrel sinker and maintaining an idle speed on your boat. For a potentially larger catch, consider using a downrigger to reach depths of 20 to 25 feet. However, it is important to note that the underwater terrain and contours of the rock falls require a good understanding of the channel for this technique to be successful.

For those who appreciate wildlife, the resort is home to Deer, Chipmunks, Eagles, Hawks, Beavers and even Bears. Bears can pose a problem if you fail to safeguard your food from potential Yogi and Boo Boo encounters. While bears are not aggressive and are generally more afraid of you than you are of them, it is important not to feed them and to avoid approaching bear cubs.

There are numerous wonderful aspects to Lundy Lake, and I have only just begun to explore the exciting adventures that await you at one of my preferred destinations. Perhaps, when you visit, you will discover a tradition that you and your family or group can cherish for a lifetime.