Drives California The Eastern Sierra
June Lake Loop
June Lake Loop, June Lake Loop Road, Boulder Drive · June Lake Junction → Highway 395
The drive
The June Lake Loop is Highway 158, a short two-lane road that leaves Highway 395 at June Lake Junction and swings west into a horseshoe-shaped canyon carved by a glacier. It runs along the base of 10,909-foot Carson Peak, and within a few miles it passes four lakes: June Lake, by the village, then Gull Lake, Silver Lake and Grant Lake.
Driven from the south, the village comes first, with June Mountain ski area on the south side of the loop. Past Gull Lake the road drops along Reversed Creek toward Silver Lake, which has a Forest Service day-use site on the shore. Beyond it the canyon opens out along Grant Lake, a long, narrow reservoir run by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, before the road rejoins 395 to the north.
Mono County calls it essential for fall color. The loop's north end is the same junction where Highway 120 heads east toward Benton, so it pairs easily with that drive.
Along the way
- June Lake Junction
- June Lake village
- Silver Lake
- Grant Lake
- Highway 395 (north junction)
Good to know
- The north part of the loop, past Silver Lake, closes in winter and usually reopens in spring.
- Caltrans can close the north loop again in spring storms, and snow slides are possible along it in winter.
- Trucks aren't advised: the loop has several tight curves and isn't meant as a through route.
North part past Silver Lake closed from about mid-December to April. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Caltrans: Highway 158 conditions.
Questions about this drive
How long does the June Lake Loop take?
The June Lake Loop, from June Lake Junction to Highway 395 north of Grant Lake, is about 15 miles and takes around 30 minutes without stops.
Is the June Lake Loop open in winter?
Only partly. The June Lake village end stays open, but the north part of Highway 158 past Silver Lake closes for winter and reopens in spring.
What lakes are on the June Lake Loop?
Four: June Lake, Gull Lake, Silver Lake and Grant Lake, in that order when you drive the June Lake Loop from the south.
When is the best time to drive the June Lake Loop?
Summer and fall, when the whole loop is open; Mono County singles out the June Lake Loop for fall color.
What you get in the app
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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.