June Lake is a small mountain village on the June Lake Loop, a horseshoe of Highway 158 off US 395 in Mono County. Four lakes, a ski mountain and the Ansel Adams Wilderness sit inside a few miles, and Yosemite's Tioga Pass entrance is 27 miles away.
The June Lake Loop
Highway 158 leaves US 395 south of Lee Vining, curves west into a glacial valley below Carson Peak, and returns to 395 farther north, a horseshoe of about 14 miles. Along the way it passes June Lake and its village, Gull Lake, June Mountain, Silver Lake, Rush Creek and Grant Lake, with steep granite walls on one side and the Ansel Adams Wilderness beyond. People have called it the Switzerland of California for generations.
The Yosemite Gateway Chalet sits on the loop one mile past June Mountain, between the ski area and the Double Eagle Resort, about a mile up-canyon from the Fern Lake trailhead.
The four lakes
June Lake is the one that gives the town its name, with a sandy beach, a marina and the village on its shore. Gull Lake, the smallest, is tucked into the village and has the calmest water for paddling. Silver Lake sits deep in the Loop under the cliffs, with phenomenal sunrises and some of the best trout water on the loop. Grant Lake, the largest, is a reservoir at the north end, open and windswept, with good bait fishing where the creek comes in. Our fishing guide has the details.
June Mountain
June Mountain is a small, friendly ski area right on the loop, with about 2,580 vertical feet of terrain and far fewer crowds than its sister resort in Mammoth. It is also known for excellent lift-assisted backcountry skiing. See winter at June Lake.
The seasons
Winter brings deep snow, skiing at June Mountain and Mammoth, snowshoeing and ice climbing. The village is quiet and Tioga Road is closed.
Spring is snowmelt season. The fishing opener draws anglers from across California, and when Tioga Road opens the high country of Yosemite returns.
Summer is for hiking, paddling, fishing, climbing and day trips over Tioga Pass to Tuolumne Meadows. Afternoons can bring thunderstorms.
Fall is the secret. The aspens on the loop turn gold, usually in October, the crowds thin out, and the light is the best of the year. See our fall colors guide.
A week from June Lake
- Settle in. Walk out the back door, a mile down-canyon and up the trail to Fern Lake, then tacos at La Parrilla in the village.
- Tuolumne Meadows. Over Tioga Pass early for Cathedral Lakes or Lembert Dome. See Tuolumne Meadows.
- The lakes. Paddle Gull Lake, fish Silver Lake at sunrise, swim from the beach at June Lake.
- Mono Lake and Bodie. The tufa towers at dawn and the ghost town after lunch. See sightseeing.
- Tioga Pass. Gaylor Lakes, or a long day up Mount Dana. See Tioga Pass.
- Mammoth. The gondola, Devils Postpile, or the hot springs.
- Rest. A long morning, the spa, and the hydrotherapy tub at sunset.
Getting to June Lake
June Lake is about five hours from Los Angeles on US 395 and under six from the Bay Area in summer, when Tioga Pass is open. Reno is about 155 miles north. Mammoth Yosemite Airport is about 25 minutes south, with seasonal service. In summer, the YARTS bus links June Lake with Tuolumne Meadows and Yosemite Valley. See directions and distances.
Essentials in the village
The June Lake General Store has groceries, hardware, liquor and camping supplies, and Luis and his family run it like the cornerstone of the town that it is. In the off season, check the hours before you count on it first thing in the morning. Most days it is open when you need it. Ernie’s Tackle and Ski Shop is the place for fishing advice and snowshoe rentals. Many businesses keep seasonal hours, so call ahead in spring and late fall.
Where to stay in June Lake
June Lake has small resorts, cabins and motels near the lakes, plus private vacation homes. Read our guide to June Lake lodging.
Common questions
Where is June Lake?
In Mono County on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada, just off US 395 about 20 miles north of Mammoth Lakes and a few miles south of Lee Vining. The June Lake Loop, Highway 158, leaves 395 at two junctions and runs past all four lakes.
How far is June Lake from Yosemite?
About 27 miles to Yosemite’s Tioga Pass entrance, roughly 40 minutes, and about 45 minutes to Tuolumne Meadows. The route over Tioga Pass is open only seasonally, usually late May or June to about November. Our Tioga opening analysis has every date since 1980.
Is June Lake worth visiting in winter?
Yes, for skiing and snow. June Mountain is right on the loop, Mammoth Mountain is about 30 minutes away, and the village is quiet and snowy. Tioga Road into Yosemite is closed in winter.
What are the four lakes on the June Lake Loop?
June Lake, Gull Lake, Silver Lake and Grant Lake. June and Gull are closest to the village; Silver and Grant lie farther along the loop toward the north junction with 395.