You can't help but stop to take in the beauty of Mosquito Lakes in the Stanislaus National Forest along the mesmerizing Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway. Approximately 4 miles past Cape Horn and 8 miles east of Lake Alpine, you'll come across two reflective shallow alpine lakes - Mosquito Lakes.

Find a parking space among the granite boulders, bring a chair or picnic blanket, and most definitely, your camera. For anglers, this is a popular fishing site, as well. When the wind is calm, the reflection of the two rustic summer hunting cabins against the granite outcroppings, tall forest and bright blue sky creates a life memory documented on film. There is limited camping, with 11 sites with picnic tables. Vault toilet facility, but no drinking water.

Motorized boating is not recommended. These two small alpine lakes lie within a few feet of Highway 4 and anglers often are tempted to fish from the roadside. This practice is unsafe and strongly discouraged. The summer cabins on the south side are National Forest Recreation Residences. Visitors are free to use the entire shoreline so long as they respect the cabins themselves as private property. Like Highland Lakes, Mosquito Lakes also drain into two different watersheds.

Mosquito Lakes visitors enjoy camping, hiking and horseback riding.

June through October.

Dogs on leashes are welcome.