A mountain gem with endless outdoor options, from trout fishing to snowshoeing, for year-round fun.
With a campground conveniently set on its wooded shores, the Eastern Sierra town of June Lake provides Hipcampers with plenty of amenities. In fact, visitors can find a number of eateries, shops, and galleries all within walking distance. A pebbly beach leads to cool waters, ideal for summer swimming and non-motorized boating: kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Nearby recreational activities include fishing, hiking, cycling, snow skiing, and horseback riding. A variety of mountain lakes are found in the vicinity, including on the June Lake Loop. Pitch a tent or get cozy in your camper, then take a scenic drive and hit the trails.
June Lake is just one of four in the loop, which also includes Gull Lake, Silver Lake, and Grant Lake. Situated in Inyo National Forest’s Mono Basin, at the edge of the Ansel Adams Wilderness Area, the eponymous lake is the first in this chain, and one of its most picturesque. Gull Lake beckons anglers, backcountry hikers head to Silver Lake, and motorized water sports are a draw at Grant Lake. Gull and Grant Lakes both have campgrounds.
Here you’ll find lakes and mountains that are, well, mammoth. How does 11,053 feet sound? Hitch a ride on the Panorama Gondola up to the summit for a bird’s-eye view. This year-round outdoor adventure playground includes a mountain bike park, numerous hiking trails, and recreational snow sports. And don’t miss the Devils Postpile National Monument nearby.
It’s a short drive to reach Yosemite’s eastern entrance gate via Tioga Road (closed in winter). Tuolumne Meadows, Lembert Dome, and Cathedral Lakes are unrivaled on the scenic beauty scale. Plan a day trip, don a backpack for a multi-day adventure, or explore camping options within or outside the park.
Fishing season opens in late April, and camping at June Lake lasts from then until late October. Ride the June Mountain chairlift up to the June Meadows Chalet Summer Cafe, or come during winter when the mountain turns into a ski and snowboard resort, with backcountry trails open to ski and snowboard mountaineers and ice climbers. The June Lake Loop is a photographer’s dream in the fall season, with aspen leaves reflecting the crisp autumn light.