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In the state of California, there’s a large number of scenic drives you could take. Some can be done in a day while others take multiple days.

There’s one drive in particular that is not only highly scenic, but it can be done in half a day or less. That drive is the June Lake Loop.

The drive begins where State Route 158 breaks away from Highway 395 for 16 miles, then reconnects with it and either end.

You can begin at either the southern tip (closest to June Lake) or at the northern tip (from Lee Vining). This article is going to focus on the north to south route.

In this direction, the lakes you will see are listed below in order of appearance:

First - Grant Lake
Second - Silver Lake
Third - Gull Lake
Fourth - June Lake

If you’re coming from the southern direction, look for the sign indicating you’ve reached the June Lake Junction and turn left here.

At the end of the article, we’ll fill you in on a nearby lake we think you’d be interested in seeing once you’re finished with the drive, proper.

So buckle up, fill your tank (or charge your battery) and head out to this unique, one-of-a-kind drive.

IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT JUNE LAKE LOOP, DM ME ON INSTAGRAM HERE!

Quick Stats…

The drive is 16 miles in length
You’ll pass a total of four lakes with an option to add a fifth
You can start from either end (north or south)
If you just drive the whole way without stopping, you could complete the loop in less than an hour
However, if you get out at each lake and spend some time on the lakes themselves, you could easily spend a full day here
Bathrooms are available at all four lakes (some are portables)
A variety of restaurants and taverns can be found in the downtown strip between June and Gull Lake
Gas stations are available in the town of Lee Vining (northern end) and at the June Lake Junction (southern end)

Grant Lake

As stated above, this article is going to cover the north to south route. From here, your journey will begin in the small town of Lee Vining:

Head south on Highway 395 for about 5 miles
Turn right on State Route 158

Once you turn onto State Route 158, you have officially began the June Lake Loop. Right around the 3.8 mile mark you’ll run into the largest lake of the four, Grant Lake.

Though it’s the largest, water levels vary greatly as it’s a reservoir for the City of Los Angeles. Early morning fishing and camping are popular here.

While the mountain side of the lake is scenic, the lakeshore and roadside are a bit barren with sagebrush shrub being the closest thing to flora.

Silver Lake

Once you’re done checking out Grant Lake, get back in your car and drive south for another five miles. At that time, you’ll see my personal favorite lake of the four; Silver Lake.

The road runs along the west shore. There’s a small parking lot on your left as you approach the lake with additional parking at the resort.

Much like all the lakes on this list, fishing is the most popular activity here. In fact, The Silver Lake Resort, is one of the oldest operating lake resorts in the Sierras.

If you’re feeling hungry, stop by the cafe inside the resort for lunch. It’s a small space, but they offer meaty sized portions for fair prices.

Gull Lake

Gull Lake is the smallest of the four but it’s no less scenic. Our first time on the loop, we drove right by it without noticing.

The highlight of this lake is the Gull Lake Marina. This small, charming Marina offers a variety of boat rentals such as pontoons, motor barges, kayaks, paddle boats, and boards.

Gull Lake Marina. Gull Lake, California.

In addition, they have a tackle shop where you pick up bait, licenses and a variety cold sandwiches and drinks. It’s a nice place for a picnic if you’re so inclined.

From Silver Lake, you’ll drive 4.1-miles (roughly 10 minutes) and:

Make a sharp left turn on Gull Lake Road (seriously, it sneaks up on you)
Turn left onto East Granite Ave
Turn left onto West Granite Ave (you’ll see the parking lot/entrance to the marina ahead of you

June Lake

Leaving Gull Lake, you’ll drive through the charming downtown area of June Lake. This strip is dotted with shops, restaurants, motels and a brewery.

There are also two marinas that serve June Lake and much like Silver and Gull Lakes, you can rent boats or launch your own if you’d like.

At the southern end of June Lake you’ll find the popular overlook, “Oh! Ridge”. This is a highly scenic and photogenic spot and has been the subject of many photos.

Also at the southern end is where you’ll find June Lake Beach (pictured above). To get there:

Turn left onto North Shore Drive
Turn left onto June Lake Beach Road and follow it to the parking lot

At this point, you’ve reached the official end of the June Lake Loop drive.

From here, you can complete the loop by heading away from the lake to June Lake Junction and rejoin highway 395 towards Lee Vining. Or………

Convict Lake Add-On

Convict Lake in Mammoth Lakes, California.

If you feel like calling it a day at June Lake (or Grant Lake if you went northbound) I wouldn’t blame you.

You’ve just driven one of California’s most beautiful roads and spent time at four, fantastic lakes.

If you’re feeling to it, though, we do have one more suggestion; Convict Lake.

Convict is just 24 miles from June Lake is one of the most picturesque in the area. It is definitely worth the extra effort.

Getting to Convict Lake from June Lake couldn’t be any easier:

From June Lake, head south back to the June Lake Junction (about 2 miles)
Turn right onto highway 395 for about 20 miles
Keep an eye out for Convict Lake Road and turn right. Keep going straight until you’ve reached the parking lot.

Much like the others, there’s a marina where you can rent boats or other water equipment. The nearby Convict Lake Resort features a highly rated restaurant if you’re hungry.

If you have time, we highly recommend hiking the Convict Lake loop. It’s a family friendly, two mile trail that encircles the lake. You can read about it here.

Best Time To Drive June Lake Loop

A photographer near a frozen lake in Bridgeport, California.

June Lake is a year round destination offering world-class skiing in the winter. Due to this, the road is open and drivable all year long.

However, this area gets pounded with snow on an annual basis. Sometimes necessitating closing famed highway 395. June Lake Loop is also subject to this.

During spring, you’re usually free of snow. The area flora comes to like, surrounding the lakes with color. Hiking trails can like hiking though creeks, though.

Summer is the tourist season. Lots of people with occasional afternoon storms. Hiking trails are clear and the resorts are in full operational mode.

Fall brings beautiful color to the region. Mono County is known for its fall colors and June Lake Loop is no exception. In my opinion, this is the best time.