If you’re dreaming of alpine lakes and mountain peaks then the June Lake Loop is calling your name.
This 16-mile stretch of Highway 158 winds through some of the most unreal scenery in the Eastern Sierra.
Think glassy water, golden aspens, secret trails, and views that’ll make you hit the brakes every five minutes.
Whether you’re into hiking, kayaking, or just chilling by the water, this loop has a little something for everyone.
Keep reading for the perfect stop-by-stop plan to help you hit all the best spots.
1. June Lake
Let’s start in June Lake itself, a small alpine town in California’s Eastern Sierra, and it’s known for its jaw-dropping mountain views and bright blue lakes.
The star of the show is June Lake itself, a 320-acre glacial lake that’s perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, or just chilling on the beach with views of Carson Peak towering over you.
Fun fact: this spot gets called the “Switzerland of California,” and if you visit in the fall, the whole loop explodes with golden aspen trees.
2. Gull Lake
Just around the bend from June Lake, Gull Lake is like the younger sibling but it still manages to pack big charm into just 65 acres.
This lake is a favorite for fishing, especially if you’re hoping to reel in rainbow trout, and there’s even a little marina where you can rent a boat or launch a kayak for a peaceful cruise.
The 2-mile Gull Lake Loop Trail wraps right around the shoreline with nonstop views, wildflowers in summer, and a front-row seat to the Sierras
There’s also a tiny park with a swing set if you’re here with kids.
3. Silver Lake
Next up is Silver Lake, a total gem for anyone into cabin vibes and mountain reflections that look straight-up fake.
It’s bigger than Gull Lake at approximately 150 acres and sits right at the base of Carson Peak, with Silver Lake Resort nearby—think cozy general store, boat rentals, and that old-school summer camp feeling.
Hikers love this spot because the trail to Rush Creek starts right here, climbing past waterfalls and leading all the way to Agnew and Gem Lakes.
4. Agnew Lake / Horsetail Falls
If you’re feeling adventurous, head up the Rush Creek Trail from Silver Lake and get ready for a leg burner with epic rewards—your first big stop is Agnew Lake at 8,500 feet.
It’s a steep 2.2-mile climb with about 1,200 feet of elevation gain, but you’ll hike alongside Horsetail Falls the whole way, a cascading beauty that drops nearly 270 feet.
Agnew Lake itself is wild and rugged, framed by granite cliffs and crisscrossed by an old hydroelectric tramway.
There’s even a tiny rail car system still in use by Southern California Edison.
5. Grant Lake
Once you’ve conquered the climb to Agnew, it’s time to wind down at Grant Lake, the largest in the loop and totally different from the others.
It’s wide open, breezy, and feels more like a desert lake with mountain views.
At over 1,100 acres when full, this reservoir is a hotspot for boating and water skiing, with plenty of space to really open up the throttle or cast a line from shore for brown trout.
There’s no cute town around it and no trail hugging the edge—just raw, open space, big skies, and that feeling like you’ve got the whole place to yourself.
6. Parker Lake
Ready for another lake that feels like a secret?
Parker Lake sits in a tucked-away glacial bowl at the end of a 4-mile round-trip hike (with about 650 feet of gain) that ends with a jaw-dropper of alpine beauty.
The lake is small, super clear, and backed by the rugged peaks of the Sierra Crest.
Bring a snack, dip your toes in, and soak up the peacefulness with zero boats, no noise, just birdsong and breeze.
7. West Portal Scenic View Point
Before you wrap up the loop, make one last stop at the West Portal Scenic View Point—it’s a quick pullout with a payoff that feels way too big for how little effort it takes.
From here, you get a full panoramic sweep of the June Lake Loop: Silver Lake glinting in the sun, Carson Peak standing tall, and the whole valley stretched out like a postcard.
It’s the perfect spot to snap that classic wide shot, catch your breath, and high-five yourself for exploring one of the prettiest loops in all of California.
Related Posts
