June Lake Wildflowers

June Lake’s wildflower season starts along sunny slopes and trail edges, where yellow mule’s ears can brighten a hillside and red paintbrush peeks out between rocks. Late June through July is generally the best time to look for wildflowers around the June Lake Loop. In an early snowmelt year, you might find flowers sooner on sunny slopes. After a snowy winter, higher trails can take longer to come into bloom.

Where to see wildflowers on the June Lake Loop

Parker Lake Trail

If you have time for one wildflower hike, start with Parker Lake. The trail begins with a climb through open sagebrush before easing off on the way to the lake. Look for yellow balsamroot, mule’s ears, and low-growing sulphur buckwheat along the way. It’s roughly four miles round trip, and the trailhead is at the end of a dirt road off Highway 158 near the north end of the June Lake Loop.

Parker Bench above Silver Lake

For a hike with a view back over the Loop, head toward Parker Bench from the Rush Creek trailhead near the north end of Silver Lake. The climb is steeper than the walk to Parker Lake, and the open slopes give you a different look at wildflower season. The Forest Service’s wildflower guide lists mule’s ears and dwarf phacelia in the Parker Bench area. Pick a turnaround that suits your group and leave time to stop and look closely.

Yost Creek Trail

The Yost Creek Trail starts near Double Eagle Resort and climbs through a mix of sun and shade. Watch for paintbrush, mule’s ears, and sulphur buckwheat along the trail. The full hike to Yost Lake is about 7.6 miles round trip with sustained uphill sections. If you’re mainly there for the flowers, take your time on the lower trail and turn around when you’re ready.

Can you see wildflowers without a long hike?

Yes. Start on the north side of the Loop near Parker Lake Road. The Forest Service’s wildflower guide points to the area around the road and trailhead, so you can look for blooms close to the parking area before deciding how far to walk. If you stop along the road, use a safe pullout and park clear of traffic.

Leave the flowers for the next visitor

Stay on established trails, leave flowers growing where you find them, and take photos from the trail. Some of the smallest blooms are right at your feet. Slow down for a minute and see what you can spot.

For more ways to get outside on the Loop, explore our June Lake hiking guide and summer guide.