June Lake Loop
The June Lake Loop is a classic high-Sierra recreation destination nestled along the scenic State Route 158 corridor. A blend of glacial lakes, rigged peaks, and subalpine forests provides outstanding opportunities for hiking, backpacking, wildlife viewing, fishing, and scenic exploration in the front country and the Ansel Adams wilderness. Trails from several trailheads take visitors from gentle day hikes to extended backcountry routes.
Trailheads along the Loop (off CA-158) generally offer day-use access with signage and primitive parking; facilities vary and water/restrooms are limited at many trailheads.
Pit Toilets are available at Rush Creek Trail Head, Silver Lake Boat Launch, Silver Lake Day Use, and Gull Lake Boat Launch.
Naturalist History Snapshot:
The June Lake Loop landscape was shaped by glacial activity and uplifted Sierra granite over millions of years. The lakes occupy steep canyons carved by ice, fed by snowmelt and high-elevation streams. Vegetation zones range from mixed aspen-pine forests at lake rims to alpine communities near 11,000–12,000 ft peaks. Wildlife includes mule deer, black bear, pika, marmots, and myriad bird species. The area has a long human history of Indigenous use, followed by mining and tourism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which helped establish the Loop as a recreation destination.
If you want more detailed trail descriptions, maps, or current USFS conditions and alerts visit the Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area Visitor Center.
Resources:
https://junelakeloop.com/welcome_june_lake_california
https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232268
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/inyo/recreation/june-lake-region
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/june-lake-loop-trail
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/june-lake-yost-creek-and-fern-lake-trail
General Information
Trails & Trailheads
Parker Lake Trailhead:
Located off a graded dirt road west of Highway 395 near the June Lake Loop junction, this trailhead provides access to the Parker Lake Trail—a moderate approximately 3.6-4 mile round-trip hike following Parker Creek into a scenic subalpine lake basin beneath Sierra peaks. It’s a popular option for fishing, picnicking and day hiking.
Parker Bench Area:
The Parker Bench route connects from the Parker Lake approach toward higher terrain above Silver, Grant, and Mono Lakes. The Parker Bench segment climbs out of the Parker Creek drainage and can serve as a longer route linking the Parker Lake and Rush Creek trail corridors. This rolling bench offers mid-elevation views and subalpine meadows before reaching connections toward Rush Creek routes.
Rush Creek Trailhead (Silver Lake):
Located at the north end of Silver Lake along Highway 158, this trailhead provides access to the Rush Creek Trail, which climbs steeply up Rush Creek Canyon and serves as a backbone route toward high country destinations like Agnew and Gem Lakes. Longer hikes lead into the John Muir Trail and Pacific Crest Trail corridor. Wilderness permits are required for overnight travel above the trailhead.
Reversed Peak Trailhead(s):
Access points for the Reversed Peak loop and summit hike are found near June Lake Village — often near the Northshore Drive area or community access points such as the baseball field/parking — providing routes up onto higher ground with panoramic views of the June Lake Loop lakes and surrounding Sierra crest. These trailheads support moderate loop hikes and summit options
Yost Creek & Fern Lake Trail:
Longer backcountry access (~13 mi round trip) up towards Fern Lake and alpine meadows, popular for birding and solitude.
Gull Lake Boat Launch:
Provide access to paddle craft and shoreline paths around Gull and Silver Lakes.
June Lake Loop Trail:
A multi-use trail (~4–5 mi) linking views of June and Gull Lakes above the Loop and connecting with local trail networks; moderate terrain with some steep sections.
Trailheads along the Loop (off CA-158) generally offer day-use access with signage and primitive parking; facilities vary and water/restrooms are limited at many trailheads.
Campgrounds (Inyo National Forest):
Developed campgrounds like June Lake Campground and Silver Lake Campground typically require reservations and fees through Recreation.gov (standard per-night site fees; additional vehicle fees may apply).
Wilderness Permits:
Overnight travel into the Ansel Adams Wilderness via trailheads may require wilderness permits; check current USFS Inyo Forest guidelines before your trip.
June Lake Beach Day Use Fee:
A day use fee of $10 is charged at June Lake Beach to support staffing, restrooms, and maintenance during peak season, with an optional seasonal pass available for frequent visitors.
Address: 1 Visitor Center Dr Lee Vining, CA 93541
Phone: (760) 647-3044
Hours: 9am - 5pm
Facility and Amenity Information
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Nearby Trails
Recreation Opportunities
Boating - Non-Motorized Info
Gull Lake Boat Launch: Provide access to paddle craft and shoreline paths around Gull and Silver Lakes.
Aquatic Invasive Species – Watercraft Alert
To protect June Lake Loop waters, all watercrafts must comply with aquatic invasive species prevention measures.
The Forest Service and local partners are actively monitoring for invasive species such as the golden mussel, a rapidly spreading freshwater invasive that can:
- Clog water infrastructure
- Disrupt native ecosystems
- Attach to boats, trailers, and gear
Boaters and paddlers are required to Clean, Drain, and Dry all vessels and equipment before launching. Inspections may be required depending on current regional restrictions. Even small craft such as kayaks, paddleboards, float tubes, and fishing gear must be free of standing water, mud, and plant material.
Preventing the introduction of invasive mussels protects fisheries, water quality, and recreation access throughout the Eastern Sierra.
Fishing - Lake & Pond
Fishing - River/Stream
OHV Road Riding