The Largest Lake In California's June Lake Loop Is A Sierra Nevada Beauty With Mountain Views And Fishing

The vast Sierra Nevada, which stretches 400 miles across California, is home to many worthy travel destinations for outdoor lovers. The range also contains more than 1,000 named lakes, many formed by ancient geologic activity. Among them is the scenic June Lake Loop, home to four main lakes, including Grant Lake, the largest in the loop and a destination known for its mountain scenery and fishing.

The 1,100-acre Grant Lake is 3 miles long, with water levels that vary seasonally. It's nestled below the 12,000-foot Mt. Wood in the Inyo National Forest. Originally a natural lake, Grant Lake was expanded into a reservoir in 1916 by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, growing from approximately 150 acres. The waterway was expanded again in 1939 with the completion of the dam on Rush Creek, increasing its water storage capacity and helping supply water to Los Angeles. Rush Creek flows to the larger Mono Lake, making Grant Lake part of the greater Mono Basin in Mono County. 

Grant Lake is typically a seasonal destination, best visited from April to October, as the winter can bring heavy snowfall and road closures to the June Lake Loop area. Summer is the busiest season for boating and swimming, while the area is particularly stunning in the fall thanks to the surrounding aspen groves that come alive with color. Although much of the shoreline remains undeveloped, the lake has a marina and campground for visitor access. Given its separation from the cluster of other lakes in the loop, Grant Lake attracts anglers and others seeking fewer crowds and a more relaxed environment.

The scenic June Lake Loop is a well-regarded fishing paradise, and Grant Lake offers German Brown Trout and rainbow trout species for those ready to cast a line. You can rent a boat and launch it from the Grant Lake Marina, which also sells bait and tackle on-site. Fishing is productive from both boats and along the shoreline. Before heading out, be sure to check current California fishing regulations and local rules. As of this writing, boat speeds are limited to 10 mph before 10 a.m., fishing is allowed from one hour before sunrise to one hour post-sunset, a valid California fishing license is required, and catch limits apply. 

To enjoy alpine vistas of Mt. Wood and the Eastern Sierra from Grant Lake, there are 8 miles of surrounding shoreline on Grant Lake Road which serve as off-road vehicle trails. The round-trip route is generally considered easy but includes some rocky obstacles and drop-offs. Nearby, the Parker Lake Trail is about 4 miles round trip through a secluded canyon with mountain peaks as the backdrop. It's accessed from a trailhead near Grant Lake on Highway 158 in the Ansel Adams Wilderness. 

Grant Lake is also popular for waterskiing, wakeboarding, and personal watercraft, but you'll need to bring your own equipment, and only engage in higher speeds on the lake after 10 a.m. You can rent paddleboards and pontoon boats from the marina to enjoy picturesque peaks while on the water. There are some sandy shore areas around the lake for picnics, and swimming is permitted, although no lifeguards are on duty.

If you want to stay the night, the greater June Lake Loop happens to be one of the five best lake camping spots in California. Grant Lake Resort operates the marina and campground, offering 70 sites with seasonal restrooms and showers, typically from April through mid-October. RV sites include water and sewer hookups, though electrical hookups are not available. It is the only developed accommodation site on Grant Lake. One Google reviewer notes, "My family and I have been coming to Grant Lake Resort for decades. We have always enjoyed this campground because it is quiet, shady, clean, family oriented, and offers plenty of outdoor activities."

If you prefer a more primitive experience, you can find dispersed camping areas along the shore. "If you look at Grant Lake on Google Maps, look at the south end of the lake, and then find where the river comes into the lake and that's a good starting point to finding it," a user shared on r/camping. Other accommodations exist in and around the majestic lakefront mountain town of June Lake, approximately 9 miles away.