June Lake is the 'Switzerland of California'

By Ashley Beebe, For Scenic 395

Often referred to as the “Switzerland of California” due to its breathtaking views and natural beauty, June Lake Loop offers year-round recreational activities for any outdoor enthusiast. Located in the Eastern Sierra, June Lake is home to four lakes, multiple trailheads and mountain vistas, which makes it the perfect location for fishing, hiking, skiing, camping and much more.

With a growing number of people visiting June Lake each year, Connie Lear, June Lake Loop Chamber of Commerce treasurer, said she’s seen the area transform.

“We’re getting to be known,” she said. “We used to be a little sleepy town, but we’re not the sleepy town anymore and that’s OK. We need to support the businesses, so they’ll stay.”

In the winter months, visitors flock to June Mountain to ski, snowboard and stay at the winter resort. Dubbed California’s family mountain, June Mountain offers 1,500 acres of slopes and beginner-friendly terrain that any member of the family can enjoy. After a long day on the slopes, visitors can grab a drink at June Lake Brewing, a pizza at June Pie Pizza Co., or visit any of the other local businesses in town.

Although ski and snowboard lessons are available, more experienced adventurers can visit backcountry areas to ice climb, snowboard, ski and go on snowmobile excursions.

In the warmer months, visitors immerse themselves in the area’s natural beauty at one of the area’s four lakes, including June Lake, Gull Lake, Silver Lake and Grant Lake. The lakes offer visitors the opportunity to swim, boat, paddleboard, waterski and jet ski.

June Lake, a 320-acre spring-fed lake, is known for its trout fishing opportunities, including rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout. There’s also a sandy beach on the east side of the lake for those looking to relax.

Local trailheads, including the Rush Creek Trailhead, leads visitors through the Ansel Adams Wilderness, Yosemite National Park and crosses paths with well-known trails, like the John Muir Trail. Bouldering and sport climbing is available just outside of June Lake, giving visitors the chance to see the area from a different point of view.

If camping is on the agenda, there are multiple options for visitors. June Lake Campground has 28 campsites. The Oh Ridge Campground has 143 campsites located on an open area above June Lake’s shoreline, with a swimming beach adjacent to the campground. The Silver Lake Campground offers 63 campsites with boat launch and horse packing facilities nearby. Reversed Creek Campground has 17 campsites and Gull Lake Campground has 11 campsites. Drinking water, flush toilets and bear lockers are available at each site. June Lake also has options for RV campers.

Silver Lake. PHOTO COURTESY JUNE LAKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Just a short drive from June Lake, visitors can take day trips to Yosemite National Park, which is approximately a 30-minute drive north, and Mammoth Lakes, a 20-minute drive south. Thousand Island Lake and the Mono Lake Tufa Reserve are nearby sites to visit.

Autumn is a popular time in June Lake, as visitors come to catch a glimpse of the fall colors amid the lake and mountain backdrop. From mid-September to October, visitors can travel State Route 158 to access the four lakes and breathtaking fall views.

The June Lake Loop Chamber of Commerce continues to make an effort to help support the community through local events and is looking into ways to provide much-needed amenities like bathrooms, parking and trash utilities.

“We’re trying to get some support and we’ve had some problems with the county trying to get the backing to do it, but the chamber is working on trying to get even a 1% TBID so that we can help the infrastructure that the county is not providing for us,” Lear said.

Among the many events in June Lake, music and art enthusiasts are encouraged to attend the June Lake Jam Fest, a local festival with a reputation for its quality bands, sound and production since its debut in 2015. The festival will take place from Sept. 5 to 7 and features a lakeside stage, camping, boating, hiking, fishing and more for visitors to enjoy. Funds raised by the festival support the June Lake Loop Performing Arts Association in its mission to provide and support art in Mono County.

June Lake Loop’s recreational opportunities, rich views and tight-knit community make it a prime destination for those looking for adventure, relaxation or a combination of the two. With its variety of accommodations, activities and local businesses, June Lake is a hidden gem.