Parker Lake is a smaller and more remote lake near the June Lake Loop. It takes a little more effort to get to Parker Lake, but it is well worth it! The view at the end is spectacular, and on this day we had a mirror smooth lake for some stunning photos!

You start by turning west on to Parker Lake Road from CA 395. The road is gravel but navigable by any vehicle. We were the 2nd vehicle to arrive at the trailhead at about 8.30am that morning. The hike up would be serene, The hike back made us realize that the trailhead parking lot was probably full as we passed many hikers on our way back.

The first half mile is most if the 400 feet of elevation as you rise through a sage desert, sage Meadow and eventually into the forest. From there you follow the stream, which was raging compared to years past. From there it's a relatively flat hike to the lake. We explored along the shores and even watched an odd light up in the sky above the lake (UAP? UFO? you decide).