THINGS TO DO IN CALIFORNIA

June Lake Loop California High Sierra

June Lake Loop is a 16-mile stretch of Route 158 that wraps around four picturesque lakes located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains at Mono Basin’s southernmost rim. Much like the nearby Mammoth Lakes, the June Lake Loop is home to incredibly gorgeous vistas and countless opportunities for outdoor activity.

From skiing during the winter at June Mountain to fishing in the akes during the summer, the June Lake Loop has plenty to offer the nature enthusiast.

During the late 19th century gold rush, the June Lake Loop was largely ignored – seen merely as a recreational area with no access roads. When the interest in gold declined, however, interest in hydroelectric energy increased.

The early decades of the 20th century saw the building of two dams, the Rush Creek Power House, a roadway connecting to US 395 and numerous private resorts.

Once the roads and resorts were built, the June Lake Loop became a popular vacation spot for those visiting Yosemite National Park or just interested in enjoying the many outdoors activities available on and around the lakes. Famous faces among the early vacationers included Clark Gable, Frank Capra, Betty Grable and Charlie Chaplin.

Through the mid-1900s, the June Lake Loop community swelled with the construction of water aqueducts, new hydroelectric plants and a ski resort. With the development and continued popularity of nearby Mammoth Lakes in the late 1900s, however, the June Lake Loop’s heyday ended.

Today June Lake is considered the more low-key option for summer and winter outdoor fun, a place that has held onto its small town charm while still offering world-class outdoor excitement. June Lake has the largest town with quaint shops, restaurants, lodges and taverns.

The lake itself has two marinas where fishermen and women can rent a boat or launch their own. Other popular options for enjoying the lake are sailing and swimming.

Gull Lake has the best campgrounds in the area and is the favorite of fishermen. Although there is a good population of crayfish and Sacramento perch, the abundance of large trout consistently pulled from its waters is the true attraction.

Silver Lake is the most attractive of the lakes to hikers interested in exploring the backcountry. The Rush Creek Trailhead is located to the north of the lake and leads to the Rush Creek Basin, Yosemite National Park and the Ansel Adams Wilderness. It also connects to the Pacific Crest Trail system and the John Muir Trail.

As an alternative to exploring the area on foot, the Frontier Pack Station located next to the trailhead offers one-day and multi-day horseback riding excursions.

Although the only facilities on Grant Lake are the marina and campground, it is the largest lake on the loop. Visitors to the lake will find that it is not only a great morning fishing spot; it is also the best of the lakes for waterskiing, jet skiing and wakeboarding.

Bodie Ghost Town from the late 1800's and stands today in a state of "arrested decay"

Mammoth Lakes year round playgroud for outdoor enthusist. 30 miles from Mono Lake.

Laws Railroad Musuem located just outside Bishop the museum displays train and mining artifacts.

Manzanar National Historic Site museum and ruins of Japanese internment camp

Bristlecone Pine Forest located high in the White Mountains above the town of Bishop, California.