Sierra National Forest

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Name of Lake

Lake Thomas A. Edison

Elevation

7,300'

Setting

Edison Lake serves as a popular backcountry destination that offers camping, boating, hiking and fishing.

Directions

Take Hwy 168 east from Clovis to Huntington Lake. At Huntington Lake take the Kaiser Pass Road (road not recommended for RV’s or large trailers) east 17 miles to the Edison Lake turnoff. Turn left and travel 7 miles to the lake. Travel time from Clovis is 2 1/2 hours. Kaiser Pass Road is accessible late May through November.

Maps

Interactive Map

[Map]: Thumbnail of map with link to vicinity map.

Vicinity Map
(Graveyard Peak Quad)

Boating

Free public boat launching facilities are located at Edison Lake. Sailing is not recommended due to inconsistent winds. Canoeing and kayaking are best done close to shorelines. There is a 15 mile per hour speed limit on the lake.

Camping

Camping is available at Vermillion Campground and Mono Creek. Advanced reservations are available for both campgrounds by contacting www.recreation.gov or at 1.877.444.6777. Reservations must be made up to 3 day in advance of arrival. There are active bears in the area so please use the food storage boxes provided in the campgrounds.

Fishing

Edison Lake is an ultimate destination for avid anglers looking to hook up a German brown, rainbow or eastern brook trout. The limit is 5 per day, 10 in possession. A public boat launching facility is available at the south end of the lake, no fees or permits are required. State fishing regulations apply.

Hiking and Equestrian Trails

Edison Lake is surrounded by the John Muir and Ansel Adams Wildernesses. One-mile east of the Lake are the popular John Muir and Pacific Crest hiking trails. Wilderness permits are required for overnight stay. Shuttle Service is provided by the Vermillion Valley Resort for hikers who wish to cross the lake and start their journey into the wilderness at the east end of lake.

Horseback riding and guided pack services are available nearby.

OHV Trails

Northwest of Edison Lake is the Onion Springs OHV trail. This route is 5 miles long and is classified as Easiest. It takes 2 hours to drive. This route serves as a trailhead to the John Muir Wilderness.

Services

Lodging, tent cabins, store, showers are available at the Vermillion Valley Resort located on Edison Lake. Also, hikers will find backpacking supplies, including white gas by the ounce, food, and limited clothing available, as well as telephone, and high-speed Internet access. The Resort also offers a Re-supply Package Service for hikers traveling the John Muir Trail/Pacific Crest Trail.

History of Thomas A. Edison Lake

Like many lakes in the Sierra, Lake Thomas A. Edison was developed for the purposes of water storage and hydroelectric power generation. Lake Thomas A. Edison was completed in 1954 with the construction of Vermillion Dam across Mono Creek, a tributary of the South Fork of the San Joaquin River. The project was completed on the 75th anniversary of the invention of the electric light and the name of Thomas Alva Edison was given to the lake in honor of the inventor. Water impounded in this lake travels down Mono Creek into the Mono-Bear Siphon which diverts the water to Ward Tunnel and then into Huntington Lake.

More Information

Contact the High Sierra Ranger Station at 559.855.5355 or during the summer you can contact the High Sierra Visitor Information Station at 559.877.7173.

Related Information

Is the water safe to drink?

Safe Food Storage

Campgrounds

Picnic Areas

Pets in the Sierra National Forest

Recreation Report - get the latest info on which campgrounds, roads and picnic areas are open!

Trip Planning

Leave No Trace

Recreation - Lake Thomas A. Edison