Silver Lake, June Lake Loop
June Lake Loop, California · 7,221 ft
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.
Typical peak
Sep 26 – Oct 4
Long range. Treat as a planning estimate only.
Best light
Best at sunrise
Classic view faces S (175°)
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.
Color starts around Sep 9.
Light at peak
Silver Lake, June Lake Loop on September 30, the day it typically peaks. Knowing when color arrives is one thing. Knowing where the sun will be is another.
| 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
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.
Based on the classic composition here facing 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.