The June Lake Loop is a scenic 16-mile stretch of Route 158 that encircles four beautiful lakes located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains at the southernmost rim of Mono Basin. Like the nearby Mammoth Lakes, the June Lake Loop boasts stunning views and numerous outdoor outdoor options.
From skiing during the winter at June Mountain to fishing in the lakes during the summer, the June Lake Loop has plenty to offer the nature enthusiast.
June Lake: A Small Town With a Big Lake
June Lake is a perfect destination for those seeking a relaxed and low-key adventure experience throughout the year. The town has maintained its small-town charm while offering top-notch outdoor activities. June Lake is the most significant town in the area, boasting various quaint shops, restaurants, lodges, and taverns.
The lake has two marinas where visitors can rent boats or launch their own. Other popular activities include swimming and sailing.
Gull Lake: A Favorite Fishing Spot
The campgrounds at Gull Lake are considered the best in the area and are especially popular among fishermen. While the lake has a good population of crayfish and Sacramento perch, the plentiful and sizeable trout makes it such a draw for anglers. It’s such a draw for anglers.
Silver Lake Hiking and Horseback Riding
Hikers exploring the backcountry will find Silver Lake the most appealing of all the lakes. The Rush Creek Trailhead, located north of the lake, leads to the Rush Creek Basin, Yosemite National Park, and the Ansel Adams Wilderness. Additionally, it connects to the Pacific Crest Trail system and the John Muir Trail, offering various options for hiking enthusiasts.
The Frontier Pack Station, located next to the trailhead, offers one-day and multi-day horseback riding excursions as an alternative to exploring the area on foot.
Grant Lake Marina and Campground
Grant Lake may have only a marina and a campground, but it’s the largest lake on the loop. Those who visit the lake will be pleased to discover that it’s an excellent spot for morning fishing and the best option for water skiing, jet skiing, and wakeboarding among all the lakes in the area.
For those who aren’t interested in camping, Grant Lake is easily accessible from the wealth of accommodations at June Lake and Lee Vining.
If you are looking for an adrenaline rush, climbing is also famous for visitors to the June Lake Loop. The North Face of Carson Peak and East Face of Banner Peak offer advanced climbing opportunities.
The North Face of Mt Ritter features less demanding climbs. During the winter, June Mountain offers excellent snow conditions, seven chairlifts, a 2,500-foot vertical, and excellent backcountry skiing and snowboarding that will keep the entire family entertained and challenged.
It may not be as big a mountain as nearby Mammoth Mountain, but it is an excellent, low-key, family-friendly alternative. It also has plenty of opportunities for Nordic skiing and snowmobiling.
June Lake Loop History
During the late 19th-century gold rush, the June Lake Loop was ignored mainly – seen merely as a recreational area with no access roads. When the interest in gold declined. However, interest in hydroelectric energy increased.
The early decades of the 20th century saw the building of two dams, the Rush Creek Power House, a roadway connecting to US 395, and numerous private resorts.
Once the roads and resorts were built, the June Lake Loop became a popular vacation spot for those visiting Yosemite National Park or enjoying the many outdoor activities on and around the lakes. Famous faces among the early vacationers included Clark Gable, Frank Capra, Betty Grable, and Charlie Chaplin.
Through the mid-1900s, the June Lake Loop community swelled with the construction of water aqueducts, new hydroelectric plants, and a ski resort. However, with the development and continued popularity of nearby Mammoth Lakes in the late 1900s, the June Lake Loop’s heyday ended.
Where is June Lake Loop
Take Interstate 80 E or US 50 E from northern California towards Reno. Then turn onto US 395 S and drive for about 150 miles. The June Lake Loop is along Route 158 off of US 395. The drive from the Bay Area is about six hours long.
To reach the June Lake Loop from the Los Angeles area, take I-5 at Sylmar to Route 14 N. At Inyokern, turn off onto 395 N. The trip should take five to six hours. Campground Reservations:
Some sections of the June Lake Loop look amazingly similar to the Yosemite Valley.