Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
allow the lake level to rise by 20ft. By late 2014, after two years of severe drought, its sur-
face stood at 6379ft, about 12ft short of the goal.
The Owens Lake, meanwhile, was not as lucky. Though the LADWP has been compelled
to shallowly flood some of the affected area, it remains a mostly barren lake bed and the
site of intense alkali dust storms, which are especially harmful to people with respiratory
problems. In addition, recent research points diminishing groundwater tables accelerat-
ing the rate of desertification in the region. The
Owens Valley Committee
(
www.ovcweb.org
) and Sierra Club continue to closely monitor the LADWP, bringing the de-
partment to court regularly to force its compliance on mitigation agreements.
June Lake Loop
Under the shadow of massive Carson Peak (10,909ft), the stunning 14-mile June Lake
Loop (Hwy 158) meanders through a picture-perfect horseshoe canyon, past the relaxed
resort town of
June Lake
and four sparkling, fish-rich lakes: Grant, Silver, Gull and June.
It's especially scenic in fall when the basin is ablaze with golden aspens. Catch the loop a
few miles south of Lee Vining.
Activities
June Lake is backed by the Ansel Adams Wilderness area, which runs into Yosemite Na-
ted maps and self-registration permits. Gem and Agnew Lakes make spectacular day
hikes, while Thousand Island and Emerald Lake (both on the Pacific Crest/John Muir
Trail) are stunning overnight destinations.
Boat and tackle rentals, as well as fishing licenses, are available at five marinas.
June Mountain Ski Area
SKIING
tickets adult/youth 13-18/child under 13 $72/48/free; 8:30am-4pm)
Winter fun concentrates in this area, which is smaller and less crowded than nearby Mam-
moth Mountain and perfect for beginner and intermediate skiers. Some 35 trails crisscross
