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June Lake, California

June Lake, California, offers some of the top trails and outdoor activities for those seeking scenic adventures. A must-visit trail is the Rush Creek Trail, a moderate difficulty hike with stunning views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the Ansel Adams Wilderness, and the pristine Silver Lake. Another top trail is the Fern Lake Trail, a challenging uphill hike that rewards with views of the beautiful Fern Lake. For a more relaxed outdoor activity, you can enjoy fishing in the crystal-clear waters of June Lake or Gull Lake. Nearby, the Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve is home to unique rock formations and a variety of bird species. These are just a few examples of the best outdoor adventures in and near June Lake.

Top Spots in and near June Lake

  • June Lake, California

    Gull Lake Loop

    1.97 mi / 174 ft gain
    Gull Lake trail is one of my favorite hiking spots in the June Lake Loop area. It is a very scenic trail that goes through varying terrains from meadows to marshes to aspen and conifer groves.  Trailhead starts at the Mono County Community Center and winds counter-clockwise around the lake to th...
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  • June Lake, California

    Explore June Lake

    4.7
    June Lake is a hidden gem in the Eastern Sierra, just north of Mammoth Lakes. June Lake is a quaint little lake with spectacular views. The neighboring town of the same name also boasts a brewery with tasty brews. For a truly unforgettable sunset, grab some brews and walk over to June Lake for th...
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  • Bishop, California

    Camp at Oh Ridge Campground on June Lake

    5.0
    Nestled along the shores of picturesque June Lake, is the Oh Ridge campground. Oh Ridge has access to the beach of June Lake via Pine Cliff Road, and the town of June lake as well as Gull Lake, Silver Lake, and Grant Lake are all within a short driving distance along the June Lake Loop.  Mammoth ...
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  • June Lake, California

    Hike to Fern Lake

    5.0
    3.5 mi / 1500 ft gain
    Less than 30 minutes north of Mammoth Lakes, the beauty of the region is captured even on the drive to get to the trailhead. No bathrooms at the trailhead, however the town of June Lake is a short bit away. Out of the gate, the trail quickly climbs 850 feet in just less than a mile. The way up, w...
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  • Lee Vining, California

    Hike to Agnew Lake from Silver Lake

    4.0
    4.4 mi / 800 ft gain
    June Lake never ceases to amaze. In just about any weather, this particular portion of the 395 is something to be experienced in its entirety.If you are dedicating a day or two to explore the June Lake loop, then a trek to Agnew Lake is the perfect hike to throw into the plans. It is not extremel...
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  • Mono County, California

    Gem Lake via Rush Creek

    5.0
    6.91 mi / 2313 ft gain
    This hike starts next to Silver Lake in the June Lake Loop, located just north of Mammoth Lakes, CA off HWY 395. There is a parking lot near the RV park as well as street parking across the road from the trailhead.  Once you head out on the hike, you'll start gaining elevation as you hike up tow...
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  • Mono County, California

    Obsidian Dome Trail

    3.0
    1 mi / 75 ft gain
    Obsidian Dome Trail is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near June Lake, California.
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  • Mono County, California

    Snowshoe the Obsidian Dome Trail

    6 mi / 300 ft gain
    The Obsidian Dome Trailhead provides access to a large network of winter hiking trails through Inyo National Forest. These are marked trails that are groomed on an intermittent basis by the National Forest Service. To find the trailhead and parking area, drive north on highway 395 from Mammoth La...
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  • June Lake, California

    Parker Lake Trail

    5.0
    3.55 mi / 584 ft gain
    Parker Lake is tucked beneath the giant mountains of Mount Wood, Mount Lewis, and Parker Peak. I hiked the Parker Lake trail during peak foliage season and I was blown away by the amazing fall colors. The trail starts off with a steady and rocky climb. After you pass the elevation gain, the trail...
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  • Madera County, California

    John Muir Trail: Camping at Thousand Island Lake

    5.0
    This is one of the most recogizable lakes on the John Muir Trail and is known for being one of Ansel Adams' favorite places to photograph. Banner and Ritter Peaks tower over the tree covered islands and make for incredible scenery. This is a good spot to spend the day eating lunch and swimming ou...
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  • Madera County, California

    Backpack the Shadows of the Minarets Loop

    5.0
    16 mi
    Ansel Adams Wilderness is located in Mammoth Lakes, California. The trail to Lake Ediza is frequently traveled and is usually completed as an out-and-back day hike. In the summer, from 7am-7pm the road to the trail head is inaccessible to cars. To reach the trailhead you must take the shuttle fro...
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  • Madera County, California

    Thousand Island Lake via Agnew Meadows

    5.0
    19.6 mi / 3642 ft gain
    Start from Agnew Meadows about 7 miles away. You can take the High Trail out as part of the River Trail with a long detour passing by several other scenic lakes, including Shadow Lake, Garnet Lake, and Ruby Lake. You will arrive at Thousand Island Lake a few hours after lunch, just in time to set...
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  • Madera County, California

    Ediza Lake via Agnew Meadows

    4.0
    13.54 mi / 1804 ft gain
    Start at the Agnew Meadows Trailhead. You will need to arrive before 7:30AM or take the Shuttle from Mammoth Mountain. Start out by heading north on the John Muir Trail. You will pass Shadow Lake; walk around the south side of the lake for mountain views. Then, follow the trail up Shadow Creek u...
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  • Madera County, California

    Ansel Adams' Garnet Lake

    5.0
    14.46 mi / 2717 ft gain
    Garnet Lake is one of the premier stops along the Pacific Crest Trail. However, even if you don't have time for an entire thru-hike (like most of us), this beautiful lake is still easily accessible as an overnight trip! While there are many possible routes for reaching Garnet Lake, the Agnew Me...
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  • Madera County, California

    Cecile Lake via Agnew Meadows

    16.11 mi / 2667 ft gain
    Located in the heart of the Ansel Adams Wilderness, Cecile Lake can be reached from a variety of trailheads. I chose to start out in Agnew Meadows. From here, the trail criss-crosses through a serene lowland environment with several crystal clear streams. After passing Olaine Lake, veer left an...
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  • Madera County, California

    Climb Mount Ritter

    Mt Ritter is a long climb, but it is worth the effort. Start out by establishing camp at Ediza Lake prior to your ascent. The SE Glacier route (first ascent by John Muir) follows the path of least resistance up the SE side of Mt Ritter.The route first gains a broad bench below Ritter and Banner P...
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Camping and Lodging in June Lake

June Lake
June Lake, California

June Lake

Reversed Creek Campground
June Lake, California

Reversed Creek Campground

Oh Ridge
June Lake Loop

Oh Ridge

Silver Lake Campground June Lake (Ca
June Lake, California

Silver Lake Campground June Lake (Ca

Agnew Meadows Group Camp
Crowley Lake, California

Agnew Meadows Group Camp

New Shady Rest Campground
Sawmill Cutoff

New Shady Rest Campground

Guides, Insights and Stories from June Lake

Tips for Stand Up Paddlers With Dogs

Tips for Stand Up Paddlers With Dogs

Kristen Fuller

Hot Spring Sunrises, Alpine Lakes, and Fall Colors: Autumn in the Eastern Sierras

Hot Spring Sunrises, Alpine Lakes, and Fall Colors: Autumn in the Eastern Sierras

Benjamin Canevari

Exploring the Desert in Mono County

Exploring the Desert in Mono County

Benjamin Canevari

An Epic Paddle Boarding Adventure at 9,000 ft. - July at Tioga Lake

An Epic Paddle Boarding Adventure at 9,000 ft. - July at Tioga Lake

Alexandra Graziano

California national parks 101

California national parks 101

The Outbound Collective

8 Amazing national park lakes to explore this Summer

8 Amazing national park lakes to explore this Summer

The Outbound Collective