Highway 158 branches off US-395 twice — once north and once south of the June Lake turnoff — and traces a 16-mile loop through one of the most concentrated stretches of alpine scenery in California. Four lakes, a glacially carved canyon, Carson Peak overhead, and the kind of mountain light that makes people pull over and sit for a while.
What the Loop Is
The June Lake Loop follows Hwy 158 through the June Lake canyon, passing four lakes — June Lake, Gull Lake, Silver Lake, and Grant Lake — before rejoining US-395. The road gains and loses about 500 feet of elevation through the canyon, with the highest point near Silver Lake at around 7,200 feet. The loop is paved, suitable for all vehicles, and takes about 45 minutes to drive without stops. With stops, most people spend 2–3 hours.
Clockwise or Counterclockwise?
Counterclockwise (south junction first, driving toward June Lake village from US-395) puts the canyon walls on your left as you head deeper into the loop. This is the better direction for fall foliage viewing, because you’re facing the aspen-covered slopes directly.
Clockwise (north junction first, toward Grant Lake) gives you the open Grant Lake views early and ends with the June Lake village — useful if you want to stop for breakfast before the drive. Most first-timers prefer counterclockwise.
Stops Worth Making
June Lake Beach Area: A flat, accessible stretch of shoreline with views of Carson Peak and Horsetail Falls. Good for a short walk or a picnic. Boat rentals and a small marina operate seasonally.
Between June Lake and Gull Lake: The road narrows slightly and aspen groves press close on both sides. Pull off where you can — in fall especially, this is one of the most photogenic sections.
Gull Lake: Small, quiet, and often passed over in favor of the larger lakes. Worth a five-minute stop for the reflections and the trout rising at the surface.
Silver Lake: The most dramatic of the four. The canyon walls here run nearly vertical, and aspen groves cover them from the waterline to the ridgeline. The Silver Lake Resort has a small store, boat rentals, and basic food. The Rush Creek Trailhead is here — a good 2-mile out-and-back if you want to stretch your legs.
Grant Lake: The loop’s largest and most open lake, with wide views and less canyon enclosure. Worth a short stop before the junction back to 395.
Seasonal Conditions
Spring (May–June): Fully accessible after snowmelt, typically by late May. Wildflowers appear in the meadows and Tioga Pass opens during this window.
Summer (July–August): Peak visitor season. Early mornings and weekday driving are quieter.
Fall (September–October): The best season for most visitors. Aspen color, mild temperatures, no crowds relative to summer. Peak color typically arrives in early October.
Winter (November–April): The loop remains open year-round, but upper canyon sections can have ice and snow. A scenic winter drive with snowpack on the peaks is genuinely stunning — drive carefully and check conditions.
Combining the Loop with Yosemite
The June Lake Loop’s north junction is at US-395, about 15 miles south of the Hwy 120 turnoff to Tioga Pass. A combined day is entirely practical: drive the loop in the morning (1–2 hours), then head north on 395 to Tioga Pass and into Yosemite for the afternoon.
Hidden Gems Most Tourists Miss
The Reversed Peak viewpoint: Driving counterclockwise, just past the Gull Lake area, pull off on the right where there’s a wide gravel shoulder. Looking back southwest, you get a clean view of the canyon with all three lower lakes visible and Carson Peak above.
Rush Creek at dusk: The creek between Silver Lake and Grant Lake is a catch-and-release wild trout stream. In summer evenings, hatches bring fish to the surface in numbers that make fly fishing here one of the most enjoyable short sessions in the Sierra.
Stay on the Loop
Whispering Pines is on Hwy 158 on the June Lake side of the loop. Every morning starts with the same view you drove through — and ends the same way. Cabins and suites available; full kitchens, mountain views, Double Eagle Spa access.