A Guide to Viewing June Lake Loop’s Fall Colors

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Wondering if it’s worth a trip to see the fall colors at June Lake Loop this year? We asked Rieneke from Boots & Sunshine, to cover this topic in depth.

Sometimes the best things you discover while traveling are the things you didn’t read about but found by accident. Or in this case, a recommendation by a local who mentioned the June Lake Loop when discussing visiting Yosemite National Park.

If you’re in Yosemite or the Mammoth Lakes at the start of autumn, it’s the best time of year to visit the June Lake Loop. In autumn, the June Lake Loop fall colors are starting to show and it turns the area into a sea of all kinds of yellow, orange, and green colors.

The June Lake Loop is a beautiful drive with plenty of places to stop. Rent a boat and watch the fall colors from one of the lakes, eat at local restaurants, and enjoy the beautiful colors of the trees. Or, simply drive through the area on your way to the Tioga Pass for access to Yosemite National Park.

What Is the June Lake Loop?

The June Lake Loop is a state highway (State Route 158) in California passing through the community of June Lake. Located just outside of Yosemite National Park in northern California, it lies west of US Route 395 and provides access to several vacation areas, trailheads, and scenic locations.

The total length of the June Lake Loop is 15.8 miles and it takes about 30-40 minutes to drive straight through it, though you will want to make stops along the way to get out and explore. During winters, typically from mid-December through mid-April, a part of this road is closed due to snow and bad weather conditions.

The June Lake Loop follows a horseshoe-shaped canyon that contains four lakes: June Lake, Gull Lake, Silver Lake, and Grant Lake. The lakes are surrounded by a dramatic mountainous backdrop. The area offers many hiking trails and opportunities for varied activities.

In the winter, this area is a ski and snowboard resort. The rest of the year the loop is best known for trout fishing. But there are plenty of trails to explore, and it’s perfect for swimming, canoeing, boating, or rock climbing as well.

If you are looking for a scenic drive – the June Lake Loop fall colors won’t disappoint you either! There are plenty of places to stop and enjoy scenic views to take in the stunning landscape.

Best Time of Year to See the Fall Colors Along the June Lake Loop

If you want to enjoy the June Lake Loop fall colors, autumn is your season. The trees start changing colors as early as August. But if you want to get the full picture, it’s best to visit from mid-September to mid-October. This is when the leaf colors are most vibrant and you get the best experience.

Just remember that the seasons and the weather change at slightly different rates each year. If you want to make sure you hit the June Lake Loop at the right time to see the fall colors make sure to contact local tourist information or the accommodation you wish to stay at. We were lucky and hit June Lake Loop right at the peak of the colors changing!

About the Fall Colors at June Lake

In the Eastern Sierras, where the June Lake Loop is located, you will likely see the colors changing mainly on aspen trees, cottonwoods, and willows. You will see tree leaves begin to change from green to yellow to gold and amber.

When the temperature begins to change and cool from the summer heat, the tree leaves will begin to change their color. Fall colors are different every year, sometimes the colors will be extremely vibrant and other times they may be dull. Leaves are typically most vibrant in years when the weather is dry with warm days and cold nights.

Best Things to Do During Fall Along the June Lake Loop

While the loop itself isn’t that long, it’s perfect for a scenic drive with stops along the way to enjoy the June Lake Loop fall colors. Making the drive is the perfect start to your day if you are heading to Yosemite National Park via the Tioga Pass. The colors will continue until you reach the gates of the park.

The June Lake Loop is a scenic drive, so you don’t have to worry about traffic or big trucks. There are a lot of places to stop the car and get out to wander through the fall leaves. Just be mindful of other cars and people when exiting your car.

Fall is a good time to go hiking, mountain biking, horse bike riding, boating, or fishing in the June Lake Loop area. The days will still be warm but they start and end with cool temperatures – so make sure to layer.

Autumn is the time of year to slow down, and you will notice that in this area. Everything, including businesses, just turns to a slower pace. Enjoy a beautiful sunrise or sunset to make the June Lake Loop fall colors pop out even more!

We enjoyed the June Lake Loop fall colors as part of our road trip through California, which started and ended in Los Angeles. We just love how nature changes on the west coast while driving through different towns and national parks!

Top June Lake Loop Hiking Trails

One of the best ways to enjoy the June Lake Loop fall colors is by hiking. There are several trails in the June Lake Loop area that vary in length and difficulty level and all are excellent for leaf peepers! Most of the hikes involve uphill walking to some degree since you’re in a mountainous area.

You can find more information on these, and many other local trails, on the free hiking app – AllTrails.

Always check the weather forecast before starting a hike and make sure conditions are good enough to safely finish each of these hikes. Start early in the day so you’re climbing while it’s still cool. 

Where to Stay Near the June Lake Loop

There are a lot of vacation parks in the June Lake Loop area. At this time of year, you should look at the resorts and vacation parks. It gets chilly at night and you will need a good sleeping bag if you decide to go camping.

If you are looking for a more remote place to stay, take a look at Mammoth Lakes. This way you can add another scenic place to your itinerary. There is a good pizza place in town to end your day and hang out. Just remember there are wild animals in this area, including bears.

⭐️ Best All-Around: Double Eagle Resort & Spa
💲Excellent Budget Option: June Lake Motel

Why the June Lake Loop Fall Colors Are a Must-Visit

If you are looking for a fun activity in autumn in California, the June Lake Loop should definitely be on your list! It’s the perfect start to the changing season and gives you a chance to slow down and get ready for winter.

Combine it with a visit to the Tioga Pass to get to Yosemite Park or visit Mammoth Lake and the surrounding areas. Either way, the June Lake Loop fits perfectly in any road trip itinerary in California. Bring a camera and wear something comfortable to explore the area and enjoy the June Lake Loop fall colors!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rieneke Elzerman is a Travel Blogger and Digital Nomad, and she is trying to escape the 9-5 life by traveling the world with her husband. She is one half of the team behind Boots & Sunshine. Boots & Sunshine is a Travel Blog for Long-term Travelers & Backpackers. It is based on their travel experiences. They have been on the road since 2016. Boots & Sunshine focuses on budget-friendly locations, slow travel & unique experiences all over the world.

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