June Mountain is now open… For summer gaper gawking, that is. Looking for something new and different to do in Mono County this summer? A visit to June Mountain just might be the ticket. And the best part is, for many, you don’t need a ticket.
That’s right, 2011/2012 June Mountain and Mammoth Mountain Season Pass holders are entitled to free rides on J1 – a nice little bonus perk. Not a pass holder? That’ll cost you $10, $5 for children ages 7-12, free for kids 6 and under.
What do you get in return for a trip up the classic J1 two-seater chairlift? For starters you are treated to some of the most spectacular views around (and that’s saying something for a place such as the Eastern Sierra). J1 drops you off at the June Mountain Chalet, which teeters on the edge of the abruptly sloped face of June Mountain. The views here are expansive, to say the least, overlooking Gull and June Lakes with Mono Lake beckoning in the distance. Off to the west the picturesque Carson Peak and surrounding mountains will fool you into thinking you’ve been transported to the Swiss Alps.
June Mountain’s summertime operations run from 9am-2pm, Thursday through Monday. Lunch service is offered 11am-2pm and a variety of outdoor games, i.e. Horseshoes, are available for guests to use. Volleyball was once offered in summer’s past, yet after one too many stray balls made their way down the mountain’s face, management decided to curb this activity – BYOB (bring your own ball) is in order, perhaps?
So if you’re looking to mix things up a bit this summer June Mountain should definitely be high on your list. And perhaps there’s no better time than now to make the trip as the High Sierra wildflowers are in full bloom. Go for a hike, and cheat a little, with a spectacular scenic ride up J1.