June Lake is the often overlooked sister mountain to Mammoth. In fact, most people I know haven't even heard of June Lake let alone that its a ski resort located only 25 minutes north of Mammoth. That is why I am here to tell you why this quiet little mountain town should be your next Mountain destination!

DO

Ski/Snowboard

The mountain itself is smaller than Mammoth but what it lacks in size, it makes up for the lack of crowds. June mountain is not crowded. How many ski trips have you gone on where you have fight to be there early or risk having to park in overflow parking lots miles away from the lifts? Not June Mountain. After a long drive up on a Friday, I slept in only to realize my alarm never went off. I pulled up to the mountain an hour and a half after all the lifts opened. Not a problem. June Mountain's parking lot still had ample parking spaces available. The same continues true for the ticketing, rentals, and the lifts.

Often times at other bigger mountains, navigating down a run means avoiding kids, stopped riders enjoying a break, skiiers/snowboarders making wide turns down the run. It can take a lot of joy out of the activity. I never have those issues when I snowboard June Mountain. The mountain is big enough for the amount of people who visit.

The price is also great! Mammoth can run you $170/day. June Mountain only costs about $120/day. Sure its less mountain, but I'm paying less and spending less time in lines and more time just on the runs. It all

Hot Springs

There are a multitude of Hot Springs to visit around the area. I've only been to a couple but here's the skinny on them!

Travertine Hot Springs - travertine is pretty straightforward to get too. Take Route 395 to Jack Sawyer Road. When you get there, take the dirt path on the left with the sign Travertine Hot Springs. (A 4x4 vehicle is best suited for the road up but its not impossible for other cars). What I really like about Travertine is that there are several small pools that you can get in. There's a sprawling valley on one side and a rock cliff on the other so it sets you up for great views! (Pro-tip: if you can grab the first pool closest to the parking lot! the water is warmest there because the stream fills that pool first!)

Travertine Hot Springs

The view is pretty cool!

Hilltop Hot Springs - This is harder to get too (I got lost my first time 😅). There's several dirt paths to take and no obvious signs. But don't let me ability to follow a map with shoddy service deter you! Hilltop was worth the adventure for me...as long as you don't mid a little moss! (For directions, I'll spare you by giving them to you because I don't want to send you down the wrong path!)

Hilltop Hot Springs

Hilltop Hot Springs

The walk to Hilltop Hot Springs is beautiful

Additional Hot Springs to go to:

Buckeye Hot Springs is similar to Travertine (and close! both are in Bridgeport, CA) from what I've gathered as the water falls into the pool from a rock cliff. The route was a little longer coming from June Lake which is why we never went. Benton Hot Springs are ones you really need to reserve ahead of time as they are part of a managed historic site: Old House & Inn. But there are several hot tubs to reserve from. Wild Willy's is very close to Hilltop and easier to get too. The pool is also larger than the other ones so there's more space.

Spa

The Double Eagle Resort & Spa is one of my favorite spots in June Mountain and they have tons of Spa treatments to delight yourself in. After booking any type of treatment, you are granted access to the pool and jacuzzi and fitness center, should you want to utilize it. I recommend you take advantage of the steam room and personal jacuzzis in the fitting rooms. The Double Eagle Resort also has their own line of Spa products which mostly smell of mint. You can shower after your treatments and try them here! If you're

The Lakes

Visit the two lakes in June Lake; June Lake and Gull Lake. Gull Lake is smaller so in the winter it freezes over completely where you can walk on it. When I was a kid, I used to ice skate on Gull Lake in the winters. The local who used to zamboni it every winter has gone through some health issues recently and hasn't been upkeeping. Maybe one day, someone will take up his gauntlet and resume clearing the snow. In any case, that shouldn't stop you from taking a stroll on it (AS LONG AS ITS FROZEN! Clearly take all the safety precautions you can by making sure its not thin ice!)

STAY

Double Eagle Resort - You can rent out rooms or rustic cabins if you want a homier feel to stay. The Double Eagle is only a 5-10 minute drive from the slopes and main part of town. It is my favorite place to stay in June Lake. I'm sure nostalgia has a lot to do with it. My family spent many christmas vacations here. As I mentioned earlier, it has a spa and one of the best restaurants in town. As a guest, you have full access to the spa and fitness center.

For more economic options Airbnb has many homes and vacation rental properties to check out!

EAT

June Lake Brewery - Ask anyone who lives in June or has visited June, this is THE place to come hang. You can and should try the tasting room. They make all their beers there! They do not serve food, BUT they have partnered up with a Local Food Truck - Ohanas 395 - described as Hawaiian Soul Food which everyone swears by! The truck serves food until it runs out. Unfortunately they are so good they almost always run out! (their website says they try to make it to 6pm) So get there early and enjoy the most happening place in June Lake.

Tiger Bar & Cafe - An alternative to the June Lake Brewery is Tiger Bar & Cafe. This is by no means second string, however. This joint gets PACKED at night. Its perfect after slopes carb-loading fried food! If you're not a fan of the super savory, they menu is huge and offers salads and sandwiches too!

The Lift - A GREAT coffee shop and breakfast spot in June. Get there early if you want breakfast burritos! They only make a certain amount every day and serve them until they run out. If you do happen to miss them, their pastries will more than make up for it!

Eagles Landing Restaurant - The Double Eagles Resort's main restaurant (can you tell I'm obsessed with this place yet?) Upscale fine dining experience in a rustic cabin venue. This place costs more but you're getting quality as well.

Downtown June Lake