Silver Lake, June Lake Loop
June Lake Loop, California · 7,221 ft
Typical peak
Sep 26 – Oct 4
low confidence in typical timing.
Best light
Best at sunrise
Classic view faces S (175°)
Aspen and cottonwood line the Rush Creek benches along CA-158, with Carson Peak closing the view south down Silver Lake. The old boat dock and split-rail fences give the foreground something to hold.
Seasonal model estimate. Timing remains uncertain; check recent reports before traveling. Source: seasonal timing model. Calculated .
Crowds
high
Busy through peak. Be parked before sunrise or expect to walk in.
Getting there
Exit US-395 onto CA-158 at either June Lake Loop junction and shoot from the paved pullouts on the west side of the road at Silver Lake, no walking required.
What turns here
- quaking aspen
- black cottonwood
- willow
Color progression
Typical peak Sep 30Typical color progression for Silver Lake, June Lake Loop. No change from Aug 23 to Sep 9. First color from Sep 9 to Sep 18. Approaching peak from Sep 18 to Sep 26. Peak from Sep 26 to Oct 4. Past peak from Oct 4 to Oct 14. Bare from Oct 14 to Oct 28.
Leaves are typically down on Nov 1, 2026. Color starts around Sep 9.
This season so far
First frost
Oct 13
3 nights at or below 32°F since Aug 1.
Last 14 days
54°F / 35°F
Average daily high and low.
Modeled weather for these coordinates from the Open-Meteo historical archive, Aug 1 – Oct 31; not a station record. Reported peak is the median date of approved peak-color reports.
Plan the light
Silver Lake, June Lake Loop on September 30, 2026, the center of its typical peak window.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 6:25 AM |
| Sunrise Rises E · 93° | 6:51 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 35 min of low, warm light | 7:26 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 12:46 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 35 min before sunset | 6:07 PM |
| Sunset Sets W · 267° | 6:41 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 7:07 PM |
Times in America/Los Angeles · day length 11h 51m · computed from NOAA solar equations.
Local terrain can hide the sun; allow extra time to reach your viewpoint.
Which way to point the camera
Both ends of the day: side-lit
Side light. Best for texture and depth across a ridge, and the safest bet for contrast.
Classic composition faces S (175°).
Shooting conditions
Glassy water, wind blur, and what the cloud will do to your light.
Recent reports
What people actually saw here. Been recently? Add yours.
Nearby locations
Within 100 miles in a straight line; road distances can be longer.