Overview
The June Lake Loop (Highway 158) is a 16-mile scenic byway that branches off US-395 in Mono County, California, curving past four lakes — Grant, Silver, Gull, and June — before rejoining the highway. Set at roughly 7,600–7,700 feet elevation on the eastern escarpment of the Sierra Nevada, the loop offers some of the most accessible alpine scenery in California without requiring a long backcountry hike.
The area is a quieter, less commercialized alternative to nearby Mammoth Lakes, though it sits only about 15 miles to the north. The town of June Lake serves as the de facto hub, with a handful of small businesses, lodges, and the June Mountain ski area visible on the ridgeline above. The surrounding Inyo National Forest and the Ansel Adams Wilderness border the loop, giving hikers and anglers direct access to serious mountain terrain.
The landscape is defined by volcanic and glacial geology — rugged ridgelines, talus slopes, and clear, cold lakes occupying glacially excavated basins. Carson Peak (10,909 ft) looms over the eastern side of the loop and is one of the most photographed peaks in the Eastern Sierra. Autumn color, driven largely by aspen groves, typically peaks in late September to mid-October and draws significant visitor traffic.
Before You Go
Entry Requirements
The June Lake Loop is within the United States; no passport or visa is required for US citizens or permanent residents. International visitors should check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the US Citizenship and Immigration Services website (uscis.gov) for current entry requirements.
Elevation and Acclimatization
The loop sits above 7,500 feet. Visitors arriving from sea level may notice reduced exercise tolerance, mild headaches, or fatigue for the first day or two. Stay hydrated, limit alcohol initially, and allow a day to acclimatize before strenuous hikes.
Road Access and Seasonal Closures
- Highway 158 (the loop road) is generally open from late spring through early winter, but portions can close temporarily due to snow. Verify conditions with Caltrans (conditions.dot.ca.gov) before traveling.
- US-395, the main access corridor, is kept open year-round when possible, but winter storms can cause temporary closures over Conway Summit to the north. Check road conditions before departure in any shoulder season.
- Four-wheel drive or all-season tires are advisable from November onward; snow chains may be required.
What to Pack
- Layers — temperatures can drop sharply after sunset even in summer
- Sunscreen and sunglasses (high UV at altitude)
- A California fishing license if you plan to fish (available online at wildlife.ca.gov)
- Bear canister or bear box awareness — black bears are active in the area; store food securely
Getting There
By Car
The June Lake Loop is most practically reached by car. From Los Angeles, take US-395 north through the Owens Valley — the drive is approximately 4.5 to 5 hours depending on traffic. From the San Francisco Bay Area, take I-80 east to US-395 south via Reno, or cross the Sierra via Highway 120 (Tioga Pass) when it is open — roughly 5 to 6 hours. The northern turnoff for Highway 158 is near the June Lake Junction, well signed from US-395.
By Air
The closest commercial airport with regular service is Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH) in Mammoth Lakes, approximately 20 miles south. Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) is a common alternative for those willing to drive roughly 2.5 to 3 hours south on US-395. Los Angeles International (LAX) is a viable option if you plan to drive the scenic US-395 corridor.
By Bus
Eastern Sierra Transit Authority (ESTA) operates scheduled bus service along the US-395 corridor connecting Mammoth Lakes and Bishop with stops in the region. Verify current schedules and stops at estransit.com, as service frequency and routing can change seasonally. There is no direct scheduled bus service into the loop itself; a car is needed once in the area.
Getting Around
A personal vehicle is effectively required to explore the June Lake Loop fully. The loop road (Highway 158) is a paved, two-lane road in good condition during summer, and most visitors drive it at a leisurely pace, stopping at pullouts along the lakes. The full 16-mile loop takes under 30 minutes to drive without stops, but allow several hours if you want to walk, fish, or photograph.
There are no ride-share services reliably operating within the loop, and taxis are not available locally. Cyclists do use the loop road, though the shoulder is narrow in places and traffic increases in summer — ride with high-visibility gear and be cautious.
Within the town of June Lake village, most services are walkable from each other. Trailheads for popular hikes such as Rush Creek and Parker Lake are reachable by short drives from the main road.
Where to Stay
Accommodation in the June Lake Loop is deliberately small-scale — expect independent motels, cabin clusters, and vacation rentals rather than large hotel chains. Several lakefront lodges and cabin resorts operate on or near June Lake itself; many have been family-run for decades. Reservations are strongly recommended for summer weekends and the fall color season (late September–early October), which can book out weeks in advance.
Campgrounds in the area are managed by the US Forest Service under Inyo National Forest. Options include sites near Silver Lake, Gull Lake, and June Lake. Reservations for popular USFS campgrounds are made through recreation.gov; some sites are first-come, first-served. Verify availability and any reservation windows directly on that site, as they change seasonally.
Vacation rental platforms list privately owned cabins and homes throughout the loop, offering a good option for groups or extended stays. If you are visiting for ski season at June Mountain, confirm whether your lodging is open — some properties close between the late-fall shoulder season and ski season opening.
Things to See & Do
Fishing
The four loop lakes — Grant, Silver, Gull, and June — are among the most productive trout-fishing waters in the Eastern Sierra. Rainbow and brown trout are stocked regularly and also reproduce naturally in some waters. A valid California fishing license is required; regulations and catch limits are set by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (wildlife.ca.gov). Silver Lake and June Lake have public fishing access along their shores.
Hiking
- Rush Creek Trail: A classic route climbing from Silver Lake into the Ansel Adams Wilderness, passing Gem Lake and Waugh Lake. Moderate to strenuous depending on distance.
- Parker Lake Trail: A relatively gentle out-and-back hike (roughly 3.8 miles round trip) leading to a scenic alpine lake beneath Parker Peak. Accessible from a trailhead on the north side of the loop.
- Reversed Peak: A short but steep scramble offering panoramic views of the loop lakes and Carson Peak.
- Trails into the Ansel Adams Wilderness require a free wilderness permit for overnight trips; day hikes generally do not. Verify current permit requirements with Inyo National Forest (fs.usda.gov/inyo).
June Mountain Ski Area
June Mountain is a mid-size ski area on the western ridge above the loop, with terrain suited to beginners through advanced intermediates. It is commonly regarded as a mellower, less crowded alternative to Mammoth Mountain. Operating dates and lift ticket prices vary annually — check the resort's official website before planning a ski trip. The area has historically had variable seasons depending on snowpack.
Photography and Scenic Driving
The loop road itself is a photographic subject. Carson Peak reflecting in June Lake, aspen groves in peak fall color, and alpenglow on the Sierra crest are among the most frequently captured scenes. Early morning light and the golden hour before sunset are optimal. Pull-outs are available at multiple points around the lake shores.
Kayaking and Non-Motorized Boating
Several of the lakes permit non-motorized and low-horsepower watercraft. Kayak and canoe rentals have historically been available locally in summer — verify current availability on arrival. Check with Inyo National Forest for any restrictions on individual lakes.
Food & Drink
Dining options within the June Lake Loop are limited but functional for a small mountain community. The village of June Lake has a small number of casual restaurants and a bar or two oriented toward locals and outdoor visitors. Expect comfort food, burgers, pizza, and basic American fare rather than diverse cuisine. Opening days and hours shift significantly between summer and winter — call ahead or verify locally before relying on a specific restaurant being open.
A small general store in June Lake carries groceries, bait, and basic supplies. For a wider selection of groceries, specialty foods, or wine, Mammoth Lakes (approximately 20 miles south on US-395) has a better-stocked supermarket and more varied dining options.
If you are staying in a cabin with kitchen facilities, stocking up before arrival from Mammoth Lakes or Bishop (roughly 60 miles south) is a practical approach. Lee Vining, about 15 miles north on US-395, has a small store and a few dining options and serves as a convenient stop if you are arriving via Tioga Pass.
Practical Information
Cell Service and Internet
Cell coverage in the June Lake Loop is limited and inconsistent, particularly around Silver Lake and on trails. Major US carriers have partial coverage in the main village; do not rely on data connectivity in the backcountry. Download offline maps (such as Gaia GPS or Google Maps offline) before arriving. Wi-Fi may be available at your lodging — confirm with the property.
Medical and Emergency Services
The nearest hospital with emergency services is Mammoth Hospital in Mammoth Lakes. For wilderness emergencies, call 911 if signal permits; Mono County Sheriff's Search and Rescue responds to backcountry incidents. Carry a personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite communicator (such as a Garmin inReach) for remote hikes where cell service is unavailable.
Money
The June Lake area operates on cash and card, but acceptance of cards at smaller businesses can be inconsistent. Carry some cash. The nearest ATMs are likely in Mammoth Lakes — verify locally.
Pets
Dogs are generally allowed on national forest trails when leashed. Check specific trailhead and campground rules, as some sites restrict pets. Bears and other wildlife are present — keep pets under control at all times.
Leave No Trace
The Eastern Sierra receives heavy visitation pressure in summer. Pack out all trash, stay on established trails, use established fire rings or check current fire restrictions (which can prohibit campfires entirely during dry conditions), and avoid trampling sensitive riparian vegetation near lake shores.
Safety
Wildlife
Black bears are present throughout the area. Never leave food or scented items in vehicles (bears routinely break into cars) or unsecured at campsites. Use bear boxes provided at campgrounds or a bear canister for backcountry trips. Mountain lions inhabit the area but sightings are uncommon. Rattlesnakes are possible at lower elevations and on sunny rocky slopes — watch where you step and place your hands.
Afternoon Thunderstorms
In summer, afternoon thunderstorms develop rapidly over the Sierra crest, sometimes producing lightning at exposed elevations. Plan hikes to summit areas or ridgelines for morning departures, aiming to be below treeline before early afternoon. If caught in a storm above treeline, descend immediately and avoid lone trees, ridgelines, and water.
Sun and Altitude
At over 7,500 feet, UV radiation is significantly stronger than at sea level. Sunburn occurs faster than visitors expect, even on overcast days. Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen and reapply regularly.
Water
Do not drink directly from streams or lakes without treating the water — Giardia and other pathogens are present. Use a filter, purification tablets, or boil water for at least one minute.
