June Lake can be explored through a range of interests: the lake of the same name, the June Lake Loop as a scenic driving route, and June Mountain Ski Area. The ski area is located in June Lake. When looking for a hotel in June Lake, it helps to first decide which of these focal points matters for your trip. The elevation figures at the ski area, the four lakes along the Loop, and the water sports available on the lake provide specific points of reference.
Getting to know June Mountain and the route there
The base of June Mountain is approximately 7,500 feet above sea level; the chalet is at 8,695 feet. The ski area's parking lot is about 4 miles from the southern junction of US 395 and State Route 158. This distance is a guide for planning your route, not an indication of driving time. As road conditions can change seasonally, check them before you drive.
Advance reservations are required to rent equipment at June Mountain’s On-Hill Rental & Demo Shop. Rental terms may change. Ernie’s Tackle & Ski also offers rentals and maintenance for ski and snowboard equipment. The June Lake General Store carries groceries, clothing, toiletries, and souvenirs. Services and inventory may change; confirm the details relevant to your visit in advance.
The June Lake Loop: four lakes and glacial geology
The June Lake Loop is a 14-mile, paved, two-lane road that passes June Lake, Gull Lake, Silver Lake, and Grant Lake. For planning purposes, the sequence of lakes is not the only notable feature: the horseshoe-shaped Loop is also considered an illustrative example of glacial geology. The four lakes were formed when the Rush Creek Glacier split around the resistant rock of Reversed Peak. This makes it possible to view the driving route both as a landform and as part of a geological context.
June Lake covers approximately 320 acres and is about 1.5 miles long. A beach with soft sand and a swimming area is located on its eastern shore. Canoeing, kayaking, and sailing are popular activities on the lake; seasonal conditions may vary. If you would also like to compare different types of boats: Gull Lake Marina, next to Gull Lake Park, offers 16-foot skiffs, 18- and 24-foot pontoon boats, pedal boats, canoes, and kayaks. Availability may change, so check before making plans based on it.
Rush Creek and trails in the area
Rush Creek flows toward June Lake, past Gull Lake, Silver Lake, and Grant Lake, and on to Mono Lake. Along the June Lake Loop, the creek is accessible from the road; road conditions may change seasonally. Rush Creek is especially popular with fly fishers. The Rush Creek Trail runs along a ridge above Silver Lake and the scenic June Lake Loop. These are different ways to experience the area: from the roadside by the creek, from the water, or from the ridge described above. No hiking time or difficulty level is provided here for the trail, so check those planning details separately before your visit.
Planning a visit to the Historical Museum
The June Lake Loop Historical Museum is open Fridays and Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Opening hours may change seasonally. Check before visiting whether these hours apply to your planned visit.
When choosing the focus of your trip, the specific differences are therefore key: water sports and a beach at June Lake, the four lakes and their glacial landscape along the Loop, or activities around June Mountain and Rush Creek.
Discover more destinations: Lee Vining, Coleville, Mammoth Lakes.
See the main travel overview: Mono.
