June Lake Loop - Eastern Sierra Fall Colors
Hi friends and happy Monday! The California Fall colors are progressing beautifully this year (see Friday’s YouTube video for a live up-to-date Bishop Fall foliage report). This week I want to share a wonderful Autumn spot to visit located just twenty miles north of Mammoth Lakes...join me as we explore the June Lake Loop.
Aspen grove with Fall colors near Silver Lake
Location & History
The June Lake Loop is a scenic 16 mile drive along State Route 158, which has been affectionally called the “Switzerland of California”. It is located against the southern rim of the Mono Basin, 12.5 miles south of Lee Vining. It takes you besides crystal blue alpine lakes, towering granite peaks, and through groves of aspen that are radiant this time of year. Four beautiful lakes along this drive offer unique settings and a variety of activities depending on the season. The horseshoe-shaped canyon found here was formed by glacial activity and is reminiscent of nearby Yosemite National Park’s beauty. The June Lake Loop has been attracting fishermen, hunters, and hikers since the late 19th Century, but it was long inhabited by the Paiute Indians of the Mono Basin long before that.
Fall colors along June Lake Loop
Leaves in the Loop l Festival
This is a particularly special time because June Lake is celebrating the annual Leaves in the Loop Autumn Festival this coming weekend. Held annually since 2019 in mid-October, every year the June Lake Chamber of Commerce and local businesses provide a variety of activities, including photography hikes, painting workshops, a guided historical walk, and an online photography contest. This year’s 2023 event will be held October 13-15 in Gull Lake Park...special “Leaves in the Loop” merchandise, brochures and maps will be available at the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center and at the LITL booth at the Gull Lake Park during the weekend.
June Lake overlook
June Lake lined with Fall foliage
Legend of June Lake Slot Machines plaque
June Lake
The first lake you’ll encounter (if you’re starting at the southern entrance of the loop) is June Lake. Covering around 320 acres, this is one of the larger lakes in the region. It is popular for canoeing, kayaking, sailing and fishing, especially trolling as you head out from one of the boat ramps or marinas. This is a top spot to land a “Sierra Grand Slam”—a rainbow, brown, brook and cutthroat trout all in one day. June Lake also offers arguably one of the best beaches in the Eastern Sierra. The beach along the east side of the lake holds soft sand and a swimming area. Also on the east side of the lake is an overlook with a historic plaque regarding the Legend of June Lake. After years of illegal gambling in the area during the 1930s, it’s rumored that several slot machines were hastily dropped to the bottom of the lake in the middle of the night prior to authorities arriving, and legend says they still sit at the bottom of the lake. A popular photogenic overlook at “Oh Ridge” showcases where North Shore Drive meets the main highway with magnificent views, especially during the Fall season when you can see the aspen leaves turning vibrant golden color.
Gull Lake Marina along June Lake Loop
Gull Lake lined with Fall colors
June Mountain Fall colors
Gull Lake, The Village & June Mountain
After enjoying the area’s namesake, head through the wonderful little mountain town. The main village is situated between the southwestern end of June Lake and the smaller Gull Lake. The village offers wonderful lodging, shopping and dining options, so make sure to stop off, grab a treat, and support these local small businesses as you head to Gull Lake. On the other side of this wonderful little town is Gull Lake. One of the easiest places to find ample parking is at Gull Lake Park. It is a beautiful place to take your picnic or enjoy sunset over the Sierra Crest. Although this is the smallest lake along the loop, this spot is known to have some of the largest trout caught in the area, and the Fall colors really shine along this lake.
When you head out from Gull Lake you pass the June Mountain ski area. June Mountain operates 7 ski lifts and is a popular Winter spot...but June Mountain also offers chair lift rides to the chalet in the Summer and has hiking trails that are accessible throughout the Summer months. The Sierra Crest skyline is highlighted by Carson Peak and June Mountain with many hiking trails for great day hikes. Access to backcountry exploration such as the Pacific Crest Trail and the John Muir Trail are only 3 miles as the crow flies from the Loop. A fun June Mountain bonus during the Fall months is enjoying the hills light up with the Autumn leaf colors.
Silver Lake lined with Fall foliage
Silver Lake Resort along June Lake Loop
Silver Lake
The next stop along our journey today is Silver Lake, which might just be my favorite spot along this drive for Fall colors. At the southern edge of this lake is a small pulloff with a large aspen grove that is sure to impress. You encounter some of the most beautiful scenic driving in the area along this section of the loop as well. Here the road is lined with quaking aspen trees that absolutely glow in the Autumn sunlight for a few wonderful weeks every year. At the north end of the lake is the historic Silver Lake Resort, which has been welcoming guests and anglers since 1916 and is one of the oldest “fishing retreats” in the region. Not only is Silver Lake home to some of the best fishing and boating along the loop, but it’s also where you’ll find trailheads for some incredible hiking. The Rush Creek Trail takes you up to more alpine lake views, and even provides access to the John Muir Trail and Pacific Crest Trail.
Grant Lake along June Lake Loop
Grant Lake
The last stop along our adventure today is Grant Lake. This is the largest of the 4 lakes and is also a reservoir on the Los Angeles Aqueduct System. Created in 1916 when Rush Creek was dammed, this is a great spot for water sports. Because of the 3 miles in length, it is ideal for water skiing, jet skiing, wakeboarding, and as you might have guessed, fishing is also a popular activity here. In fact, Grant Lake is home to some of the largest rainbows in the region.
Situated 8 miles from the hustle and bustle of June Lake, the shores of manmade Grant Lake are fairly barren of trees, so you won’t do much Fall leaf peeping here, but Grant is definitely a nice spot to enjoy the lake’s impressive views of 12,000 ft Mount Wood and the High Sierra.
Fall foliage lining June Lake Loop
Know Before You Go
• June Lake Loop is a wonderful vacation destination all year long, offering four distinct seasons for outdoor adventurers.
• Winter recreation includes downhill skiing and snowboarding on June Mountain. There is also cross country skiing and snowmobile groomed trails available nearby. In the warmer months, the snow-capped mountains melt away, revealing beautiful wildflowers as the lakes & valleys transform into a Summer playground for camping, RVing, hiking, biking, backpacking, horseback riding, fishing and boating. Fall is the perfect time to enjoy mild weather and golden aspen groves.
• Considered a fishermen’s paradise, the fishing season opener, known as “Fishmas”, happens on the last Saturday in April.
• There are four marinas along the loop with boat rentals and launches. There are also six trailheads on the loop with varying distances and levels of difficulty, so there is something for everyone.
• Wildlife is abundant here, so please drive cautiously along the loop as deer often cross the road. In fact, spotting a black bear or deer can be as simple as looking out your window. Bobcats, coyotes, foxes, deer, black bear and mountain lions all roam the more remote areas of the loop, so please be bear aware and never approach or attempt to feed the wildlife.
• Please remember to Leave No Trace Principles and Mountain Manners on your adventures here to keep this wonderful area pristine.
Silver Lake Fall colors along June Lake Loop
Fall colors along June Lake Loop
In Summary
Thank you so much for joining me this week along the June Lake Loop. For a virtual visit, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog YouTube video at the top of this post. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
Eastern Sierra Fall colors along June Lake Loop
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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