Scenic 395 - The Official Guide 2021/2022

J une Lake Loop, located 30 minutes from the eastern entrance to Yosemite Na- tional Park, remains a pristine location for both summer and winter visits. From fun in the snow to long summer days spent fishing in the waters, the Eastern Sierra jewel creates a place worth visiting. “The June Lake Loop offers infinite year-round recreational opportunities for the whole fam- ily. With 4 lakes with marinas, 6 trailheads, a ski area. pack sta- tion plus numerous dining op- tions, diverse lodging, RV and camping, plus a brewery, bou- tique cannabis dispensary and music venue, the Loop has it all,” says June Lake Loop Chamber Vice President Jamie Schect- man. As with all parts of California, the COVID-19 pandemic hit the June Lake Loop business scene hard, forcing many shops to close briefly or implement state- required safety guidelines. Schecthman said that its 2020 summer fishing derby was de- layed because of the pandemic, but he noted plenty of outdoor activities — especially during the summer — are available. “Rock climbing, horseback riding, hiking, paddleboard and kayaking to name a few,” he said. “In October, we have some of the best fall colors this side of the Rockies. We are also located less than 30 minutes from the east- ern entrance to Yosemite Na- tional Park.” Summer camping Camping activities range from RV spots to US Forest Service- operated sites. The U.S. Forest Service maintains discretion in closing or opening its sites, espe- cially during years of high wild- fire activity like 2020. June Lake Campground (U.S. Forest Service) June Lake Campground is lo- cated in the Eastern Sierra, near the town of June Lake, at an ele- vation of 7,600 feet. This camp- ground has 28 campsites and reservations are required. Drink- ing water is available. Reserving a site costs $23 per night. flush toilets are available. It allows for a 14-day stay limit. Each site is equipped with a bear locker. Campsites are located in a mixed Aspen and pine forest on the shoreline of June Lake. It in- cludes ease of access to June Lake fishing, marina, and boat rentals make this a favorite spot for both families and anglers. Gift shopping, groceries, and restaurants are within walking distance in the town of June Lake. This site can be reserved by calling Toll Free 1-877-444- 6777 (International 518-885- 3639 or TDD 877-833-6777. As a note, June Lake Camp- ground is known for high level of bear activity. As such, a bear- proof locker is located at each site at June Lake Campground. All food and scented items must be stored in the lockers. All trash must be disposed of in the bear proof trash receptacles. Do not store food, trash or scented items in your vehicle. Oh! Ridge Campground Oh! Ridge Campground is lo- cated near June Lake at an ele- vation of 7,600 feet. Campsites are located on mostly open area above the shoreline of beautiful June Lake. Day use area has a swimming beach located adja- cent to the campground. The outstanding lake and mountain views at this campground are a favorite spot for both families and anglers. This campground has 143 campsites with a cost of $27.50 per night and 14-day stay limit. Campsites can accommodate a 40 foot vehicle. Drinking water is available. Flush toilets are available. Every campsite has a bear locker for food storage. Like June June Lake Campground, there is a history of bear activity, so securing food waste and trash in bear-proof trash cans is re- quired. Gull Lake Campground Located in the heart of the June Lake Loop, camping on the lake has never been so exciting. The 11-spot camping ground can accommodate up to 30-foot ve- hicles and offers both potable water and flush toilets. Reserva- tions aren’t required for the site and people can register at the campground, but it sees heavy use. The cost is $23 per night, up to a 14-day stay. According to Mono County Tourism, “there’s hardly a more pleasant place to be in summer: the trout are bit- ing, the lake glistens and a lush aspen grove provides plenty of shade. Choose from 11 sites, all first-come, first-served with paved and easy drive-in access. Reversed Creek Campground Located in an isolated, wood- en area of pine and aspens, Re- versed Creek Campground offers some seclusion with its 17 sites. Both Gull Lake and June Lake are nearby for boating or fishing. Each site offers plenty of space to spread out, but this is still a central place to base a June Lake vacation where you can enjoy fishing, marinas & boat rentals, hiking, kayaking, and fall color viewing. Reservations aren’t needed but campers need to reg- ister at the campground, camp- ing up to 14 days is allowed and the cost is $23 a night. Silver Lake Campground Located in aspen and willow groves, Silver Lake Campground is is nestled between Silver Lake and the dramatic scenery of the Ansel Adams Wilderness in the eastern Sierra Nevada Moun- tains. This is a great base camp for fishing, boating, hiking, pic- nicking, horseback riding and photography. The facility has creekside camping with a boat ramp and pack station nearby. The campground has 63 sites available and will accommodate a 40 foot vehicle. Drinking wa- ter and flush toilets are available. Advanced registration is re- quired and the fees are $23 per night ($5/night extra for addi- tional vehicles). RV Camping For those who want the luxury of an RV campground, June Lake Loop has a few options during the summer months. Golden Pine RV Park, in June Lake, opens for the summer sea- son on May 1, 2021. Golden Pine RV Park offers 26 sites, each with water, power and sewer hookups, as well as picnic tables and fire pits. Guests have access to restrooms, showers, laundry and fish cleaning facilities. While you’re there, enjoy a game of horseshoes, darts or corn hole or take an easy walk to Gull Lake or The Village of June Lake. Call or email to make reservations. The phone number is 760-648- 7473 and email is goldenpinerv- park@gmail.com . 37 2021-2022 Scenic 395 June Lake Loop Camping at June Lake COURTESY PHOTO Balanced Rock greets visitors to the June Lake Loop. The rock was placed by the Rush Creek Glacier thousands of years ago.