June Lake California

GULL LAKE

Gull Lake is a favorite of many anglers, as it consistently yields good-sized trout. A healthy population of crayfish and a few small Sacramento perch reside in the lake as well. Gull Lake is the second in the chain of four mountain lakes comprising the June Lake Loop, and the smallest in size.

The downtown community and main business district of June Lake, California is situated primarily between June Lake and Gull Lake, with many properties and sites offering a commanding view. The shores of Gull Lake host a boat landing, a community park and center with playground and tennis courts and a campground, which arguably features the best campsites anywhere in the area. The "Fisherman Trail" extends along the west end of the lake, between the campground entrance and the Gull Meadows walk-on boat loading dock.

SILVER LAKE

Silver Lake is nestled deep within the heart of the Sierra Nevada at the base of Carson Peak, just below the confluence of Reverse Creek with Rush Creek. California Route 158 traverses along the eastern shore, while a row of fine summer homes and cabins lies across the lake to the west.

Silver Lake is also home to one of the Sierra's oldest fishing and vacation resorts. The Silver Lake Resort originally was known as "Carson's Camp," and has been famous for quality mountain recreation since the 1920's. The Rush Creek Trail head is located near the resort at the north end of the lake, providing trail access to the Rush Creek Basin, the Ansel Adams Wilderness and Yosemite National Park. The Rush Creek Trail interconnects with the Pacific Crest Trail system and the John Muir Trail, and the local backcountry is fabulous. We have Eastern Sierra maps which may help you get familiar with the layout. At the trail head, the Frontier Pack Station is on hand to provide horses and mules, with packages ranging from local day rides to extended pack trips into the wilderness.

GRANT LAKE

Grant Lake is by far the largest of the four lakes on the June Lake Loop, although, as a reservoir on the Los Angeles Aqueduct system, its level can vary widely. The 12,000-foot elevations of the summit of MT Wood loom just above, as do the lush aspen groves of Parker Bench and the rugged Aerie Crag on the north side of Reversed Peak. But the lakeshore and immediate surroundings are themselves are contrastively somewhat more barren in appearance, with the desert like sagebrush being the predominant vegetation, and only a few trees outside of the ones that have been planted in the campgrounds.

On the lake itself, a 10-MPH speed limit is imposed until 10:00 a.m. each day, to accommodate the early morning fishermen. Grant Lake has long been known as the "home of the German Brown." After 10:00, speedier watercraft may take to the lake, and sports such as water-skiing, wake boarding and jet skiing may be enjoyed. Most of the shoreline is accessible to the public by unpaved roads that connect to both California Route 158 and U.S. 395. The USDA Forest Service and the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power administer surrounding lands. There is an absence of private development here, aside from the Marina and campground facilities, and there are no power or telephone lines around Grant Lake.

When planning your vacation, consider staying an extra day in your Mammoth rentals so you can take in a day at June Lake. Ask your concierge for information.