What Happened to Saddlebag Lake Resort?

By Michael Ferguson

Saddlebag Lake Resort was once a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a peaceful retreat in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. However, in recent years, the resort has been closed to the public, leaving many wondering what happened.

The History of Saddlebag Lake Resort:
Located in Mono County, California, Saddlebag Lake Resort was established in 1884 as a mining camp. The resort grew in popularity during the early 20th century as more people discovered the beauty of the surrounding wilderness and sought out an escape from city life.

Over the years, Saddlebag Lake Resort evolved into a full-service vacation destination offering cabins, boat rentals, and fishing supplies. The resort also became a base camp for hikers and backpackers exploring nearby trails.

The Decline of Saddlebag Lake Resort:
Despite its popularity, Saddlebag Lake Resort began to decline in the 1990s due to several factors. One major issue was the aging infrastructure of the resort’s buildings and facilities.

The cost of upkeep became too high for the owners to maintain. Additionally, increased regulations from local and federal agencies made it more difficult for small businesses like Saddlebag Lake Resort to operate.

In 2015, after over 130 years of operation, Saddlebag Lake Resort closed its doors permanently. The owners cited financial struggles and an inability to keep up with maintenance as reasons for their decision.

  • What Happened to the Property?

After closing down, Saddlebag Lake Resort was put up for sale. However, finding a buyer proved difficult due to various challenges such as environmental regulations that limit development in the area.

Currently, there are no plans for redevelopment or restoration of Saddlebag Lake Resort. The property remains closed off to visitors and is slowly deteriorating over time.

The Future of Saddlebag Lake Resort:

Many people who have fond memories of visiting Saddlebag Lake Resort hope that one day it will be restored and reopened to the public. However, the reality is that this may never happen.

Without significant investment and a viable plan for operation, it’s unlikely that Saddlebag Lake Resort will come back to life. In the meantime, visitors can still enjoy the beauty of the surrounding area by hiking in nearby Yosemite National Park or camping in one of Mono County’s many other campgrounds.

In Conclusion:

Saddlebag Lake Resort was once a beloved vacation destination, but its closure serves as a reminder of how difficult it can be to sustain businesses in remote areas. While it’s sad to see such an iconic property fall into disrepair, we can take comfort in knowing that the surrounding wilderness remains untouched and ready to be explored by future generations.