An Ansel Adams Wilderness Hike Experience
Parker Lake is a beautiful lower elevation hike near June Lake in the Ansel Adams Wilderness and Inyo National Forest. A popular 3.6 mile out and back hike rated as a moderate hike because of 630 feet of elevation from the parking area to the lake with much of the trail out in the open which makes this a hot hike mid summer.
https://sierrarecmagazine.com/tag/silver-lake/Parker Lake is tucked in a small canyon overshadowed by the 12,000 ft. peaks of the Sierra Crest. The trail stays on the south side of Parker Creek on the way to Parker Lake. An alternate route to Parker Lake that is popular for stock use starts behind the pack station at Silver Lake and climbs over Parker Bench with views of Mono, Grant and Silver Lakes.
This is a dog friendly, group hiking opportunity. You will not likely be by yourself at Parker lake as it is a all year round access lake because of its lower elevation on the east side it is easy for visitors to get to on a nice day trip.
Good fishing here so also a popular fishing location. Also a great fall color lake hike near June Lake. Part of Mono County Color Guide suggested hikes.
One note we find that this lake tends to carry sound as well so it is not a quiet wilderness location. tends to be very lively a dn easy to hear people on al edges of the lake.
Backpacking is allowed at Parker Lake with a wilderness permit.
