June lake is a great place to visit. The lake itself is beautiful, and the surrounding area is full of things to do. There are many hiking trails in June Lake, as well as several campgrounds, the June lake marina, and the June Lake Golf Course. There are also several stores in town that sell souvenirs of the area.
Is June Lake worth visiting?
Yes, June lake is absolutely worth visiting. The lake itself is beautiful, with a transparent blue color. It is a great place to go fishing, swimming, or boating. There are several boat rental places in June Lake where you can rent a boat for the day and cruise around the lake.
The surrounding area is full of things to do. Several hiking trails start in June Lake and take you through the mountains, as well as a few ski resorts nearby. The most popular one is Mammoth Mountain. It has an extensive ski area and several chair lifts to take you up the mountain. There are also several campgrounds in June Lake that can be rented for the night.
Best time of the year to visit June Lake California
There are many great things to do in June Lake, but the best time to visit really depends on what you’re looking for. If you want to enjoy the outdoors and participate in water sports and swimming, summer is your best bet. However, fall may be a better option if you’re looking for fewer crowds and more peace and quiet. In addition, fall offers some of the most beautiful scenery with all of the trees changing color.
No matter when you go, make sure to get up early or stay late to take photos of the town nestled between three lakes–June Lake, Gull Lake, and Silver Lake. And finally, always be prepared for winter weather if you’re visiting during ski season!
What to Pack for June Lake
When packing for your June Lake trip, make sure to bring a camping chair! They’re perfect for sitting around the campfire and providing extra comfort while relaxing.
Another must-have item is a decathlon tent- they’re so easy to assemble and use that you’ll be able to set it up in minutes. Plus, they’re spacious so that you can fit all of your gear inside!
Hiking boots are the best way to explore all the natural beauty June Lake offers. They are comfortable and sturdy and keep your feet protected from sharp rocks and sticks.
Camping String Lights are perfect for adding some extra ambiance to your campsite. They come in various colors so that you can choose the perfect one for your mood.
A Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket is essential when camping in cold weather conditions. It’s lightweight and packs down small, making it easy to take with you on your trip. And it’ll keep you warm even when the temperatures drop at night!
Last but not least, don’t forget Campfire Cooking Sticks! These versatile tools can be used for cooking food over an open fire or as skewers for marshmallows.
How to Get to June Lake
There are a few different ways that you can get to June Lake. The most popular route is through Mammoth Lakes, which is about 45 minutes from the ski resort of Mammoth Mountain. If you’re coming from Los Angeles or San Francisco, the drive will take around 5 hours. However, there’s also an airport in Mammoth Lakes if you’d fly instead of driving.
Alternatively, you can make your way to June Lake from Reno. This drive will take 2 hours and 45 minutes, while the drive from Mojave takes 3 hours and 30 minutes. Three main routes lead to June Lake – each with its unique charms and attractions: Highway 395 via Lone Pine; Tioga Pass Road (Highway 120 East) through Yosemite National Park; and Highway 158 via Bishop.
No matter which direction you choose to travel in, the journey to June Lake is sure to be scenic and iconic – taking place in America’s most iconic park: Yosemite National Park!
Where to Stay in June Lake
Hotels
When traveling to June Lake, there are different lodging options to choose from. The Double Eagle Resort offers a range of amenities and dining experiences, with rooms overlooking Ron’s Pond and providing an excellent home base for adventure or leisure time. Rooms come equipped with a king bed or two queen beds, a whirlpool bathtub, and a rain shower. Suppose you’re looking for something a little more rustic. In that case, the cabins at the Double Eagle Resort have the character and charm of being getaways for immediate family gatherings.
Each cottage has its wood-burning fireplace, full kitchen, living room, and outdoor deck with BBQ provided. Another luxurious option is the Eagle’s Resort Guest House – perfect if you’re traveling in a group. The Villager is an affordable but stylish option for those on a budget. And finally, if you’re looking for something great while in June Lake Village, June Lake Villager Hotel is hard to beat – rooms offer fireplaces and private hot tubs overlooking stunning views of June Mountain Ski Area.
Vacation Rentals
June Lake offers a variety of vacation rentals in the area. Rentals on websites like VRBO allow you to select your perfect getaway. June Lake has a great selection of accommodations, from rustic cabins to luxurious homes. If you’re looking for a place to stay with the kids, June Lake is the perfect place, as it’s close to nature and historical landmarks.
Camping
Camping is a great way to get outdoors and explore new places. There are campgrounds available for all levels of comfort: glamping, rustic dry camping, or RV camping. The campground can accommodate vehicles up to 40 feet long. There are flush toilets and fresh drinking water available at this campground, with a 14-day limit. Camping is also popular in the summer, so I would recommend visiting June Lake in late summer or early fall.
Best Things to Do in June Lake
Have a Beach Day!
June Lake has a beach on the northeast end. The views are beautiful, and there is plenty of room for everyone to have a good time. June Lake Beach is a great place for a day of relaxation.
The beach has soft sand and blissful views, making it perfect for sunbathing or just enjoying the scenery. If you’re visiting June Lake during the warmer months, be sure to bring your sunscreen!
Take a Scenic Drive
The June Lake Loop takes about 30 minutes to complete and is an excellent way to see the best of June Lake. The drive around the loop is best done with windows rolled up, the music on, and a camera in hand! There are many photo stops along the way that makes for great memories of your trip to June Lake. The loop includes California Highway 158, which starts near Mono Lake or Mammoth Lakes. The circle also contains trailheads for many of the area’s top hiking trails—including June Lake Beach and Devils Postpile National Monument.
Enjoy the Fall Colors and Spring Wildflowers
The best time to visit is during the spring and fall, when you can enjoy the changing colors of leaves on mountain slopes or walk among fields of wildflowers. The turn-off for the June Lake Loop is on Highway 395, nine miles south of Lee Vining.
Watching the changing colors and natural beauty can be very calming and satisfying to watch. Moreover, it is very effective in reducing anxiety and stress levels.
Enjoy a Relaxing Spa Treatment
The June Lake Hot Springs Resort is a popular place for travelers to visit and enjoy the luxury resort. The hot springs offer therapeutic soaking, mineral water swimming pools, saunas, massage rooms, fitness centers, etc. Visitors can also enjoy the outdoor hot springs pool, complete with a waterfall and tepid mineral water swimming pools for your enjoyment.
Go for a Hike
Hiking is a great way to explore the natural beauty of June Lake. The area offers many trails that are perfect for hikers of all experience levels.
Parker Lake Trail is a beautiful hike with mild elevation gain. It’s about 2 miles round trip, and the view at the end of the trail is breathtaking and reminds me of Big Pine Lakes.
Pack a lunch and enjoy a beer at the top of Parker Lake. If you’re looking for something more challenging, Fern Lake Trail offers beautiful scenery but has a bit more elevation gain (about 700 feet in 3 miles).
June Lake is home to many popular hikes, including:
- Gull Lake Trail
- Reversed Peak Trail
- Walker Lake Trail
- John Muir or Pacific Crest Trails (up to 6 miles round trip)
Go Fishing
June Lake is a small town in Eastern California and the perfect place to go fishing. First, head to Lake June, which is located at the southern end of town, where you can rent a boat or canoe or fish from the shore. If you’re looking for something a little more challenging, head to Lake June on the eastern side of town and take your boat through narrow canyons dotted with waterfalls.
For a more laid-back experience, rent a motorboat from the marina and take it to Emerald Bay on the north end of town. The bay is known for its crystal-clear water, and you can swim or fish from the boat. If you’re looking for a more relaxing activity, rent a kayak and head out on the lake to see some of the surrounding rock formations.
Explore the Town of June Lake
There are several good places to eat and drink in the town of June Lake. At the top of the list in June Lake Brewing, which has good beers, outdoor seating, and a Hawaiian food truck. The Lift is a cafe with great lunch, wine & appetizers. Finally, tiger Bar is for a local dive bar experience.
The lakes are photogenic in their distinct way. Summer visitors will have no problem driving around the loop, scouting each of them. Visitors in the winter months will appreciate that June Lake can be accessed without going through Hwy 395 – making it an easy day trip from Mammoth Lakes or Bishop. However, because June Lake is not visited as much in the summer months, those who only have a passive interest may want to consider other options.
Devil’s Postpile
The Devil’s Postpile is a geological formation that forms when lava cools. It is located near Mammoth Lakes, California, and can only be visited during summer, as there is no snow on the roads in Mammoth during this time. The drive to the trailhead is scenic, with winding streets and drop-offs and gorgeous views! The cost of visiting Devil’s Postpile is $10. The hike to Devil’s Postpile is only a 1-mile round trip.
Wild Willy’s Hot Springs
If you’re looking for a unique hot spring experience, be sure to check out Wild Willy’s Hot Spring! This location is not technically in June Lake, but it’s worth checking out if you’re nearby.
This hot spring is clothing optional, so be prepared to bare your body among other people at this location! There are two main hot springs, and they’re both close to one another. So, if you want to take a break from the heat, be sure to check out Wild Willy’s Hot Spring.
