Highland Lakes are located at the end of Highland Lakes Road, seven mile off Highway 4. Highland Lakes Road is narrow, steep and winding dirt route where safe travel speeds average 20 mph or less.

The lakes are set in a spectacular high alpine valley, close to the top of Ebbetts Pass at an elevation of 8,600 feet. These two lakes are unique in that they are headwaters for two different watersheds: the eastern lake flows into the Mokelumne River drainage, while the western lake flows into the Stanislaus River drainage. Maximum boat speed on both lakes is 5 mph, and gas powered motors are discouraged. Open late June to October.

Highland Lakes visitors enjoy camping, hiking and horseback riding.