Fern Lake Trail / Horsetail Falls – June Lake
Fern Lake Trail is a 3.2 mile out and back trail located near June Lake, California that features a lake and is only recommended for very experienced adventurers. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from June until November. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
Levitt Falls – Sonora Pass
6 miles down the east side of Sonora Pass on the mountainside overlooking Leavitt Meadow. Watch for a sign (set back from the road and hard to spot) indicating the falls and turn onto a little dirt road there to park. A short trail leads down to an overlook platform with spectacular views of the falls. Leavitt Falls drops about 250 feet in several steps.
Besides the falls, the overlook affords great views of Leavitt Meadow below. There are several picnic tables at the site, making it a nice place to stop for a break. Vault toilets are provided.
Twin Lakes – Mammoth Lakes
At 8,600 feet, Twin Lakes–really a single lake with a narrow choke in the middle–is the lowest lake in the Lakes Basin and the only one accessible by car year-round. Nestled between Panorama Dome and the steep southern flank of Mammoth Mountain, Twin Lakes is a popular fishing destination and the source of Mammoth Creek. There is a busy campground here with campsites on both shores, a historic lodge and restaurant, an outdoor wedding chapel, a general store offering basic supplies, fishing tackle and boat rentals and, in winter only, a world-class fee-based cross-country ski center.
Lundy Canyon – Near Lee Vining
Just north of Lee Vining in northern Mono County, Lundy Canyon is known for its wildflowers and lush green foliage in the spring. The canyon is a spectacular microclimate and has a very different appeal than other regions in the Eastern Sierra. Aspen trees and wild grasses line the Lundy Canyon hiking trail as it climbs up past beaver ponds and a few cascading waterfalls.
From the Lundy Canyon Trailhead, the trail climbs gently up the canyon. At 2.2 miles, you will reach two cascading waterfalls on the north side of the canyon. This is a popular destination and most hikers turn around here. Return the same route.
Rush Creek Falls – June Lake
Located in the June Lake Loop, Rush Creek Falls is a seasonal waterfall that flows when the dam at Agnew Lake is released. The only way to know if the waterfall is flowing is to go and see for yourself. Climb to the top of the falls off a hiking path or view from the road.
The Rush Creek Trail climbs quickly from the Silver Lake Trailhead and start climbing up. Take a few rest stops as the trail climbs and look around for views of the waterfall and Silver Lake below. In 2.2 miles, you will reach Agnew Lake where a small footbridge crosses the dam and outlet. Return the same route.