Gallery

Sierras

The Sierra Nevada mountains in California, specifically the Eastern Sierras, are one of my most favorite and special places in the world. There are few places with as much natural beauty and outdoor activities. My parents took me skiiing at least once a year when I was a kid and I continued going as an adult. In the past 15 to 20 years, I've tried to get up there at least every few years in the summer or fall (especially) to hike and take in the gorgeous scenery and incredible fall colors (see my Fall Colors gallery to see examples). There's a reason that the John Muir and Ansel Adams Wilderness Areas are located in the Easter Sierras. I hope you enjoy the photos and the majestic beauty of the area.

Upper Twin Lake Reflection

Perfect reflection on Upper Twin Lake as the sunrise hits the rocky hill just east of the lake.

Upper Twin Lake, Mammoth Lakes, CA

Mamie and Crystal Crag

Gorgeous, clear Lake Mamie (one of my favorite lakes) on a calm afternoon with Crystal Crag (the granite spire) standing watch.

Lake Mamie, Mammoth Lakes, CA

Bristlecone Pine (B&W)

Dramatic black and white shot of an ancient Bristlecone Pine in the White Mountains. Technically, not the Eastern Sierra, but close enough.

White Mountains

Nighttime Reflection

Took this somewhat spooky feeling shot of Crystal Crag reflecting on Lake Mamie just after dark one night.

Lake Mamie, Mammoth Lakes, CA

Lake Mamie Reflection

Gorgeous reflection on Lake Mamie in the early morning hours.

Lake Mamie, Mammoth Lakes, CA

Babbling Brook

The small creek flows into Heart Lake along the Little Lakes Valley Trail in the John Muir Wilderness Area.

Heart Lake, Little Lakes Valley Trail, John Muir Wilderness

Lake George Reflection

Crystal Crag, the large granite spire, sits directly above Lake George and when you're lucky enough to be there in the morning with no wind, you're rewarded with a perfect reflection on the water.

Lake George, Mammoth Lakes, CA

Evening Fishing

A couple float tubers fish on Lake Mamie in the early evening hours.

Lake Mamie, Mammoth Lakes, CA

Clear and Calm

A little different angle on Marsh Lake. This shows how incredibly clear and glassy the water is early in the morning with no wind.

Marsh Lake, Little Lakes Valley Trail, John Muir Wilderness

Heart Lake Frame

The granite boulder with the heart on it (which gives Heart Lake it's name) and a fallen pine provide a perfect frame of the Eastern Sierras in the John Muir Wilderness Area.

Heart Lake, Little Lakes Valley Trail, John Muir Wilderness

Mammoth Lakes Basin

Mammoth Lakes Basin as seen from the top of Mammoth Mountain is a glacially carved basin includes Lake Mary, Lake George, Lake Mamie, Twin Lakes, and Horseshoe Lake, all framed by the dramatic granite wall of the Mammoth Crest and Crystal Crag.

Mammoth Lakes Basin, Mammoth Lakes, CA

Marsh Lake Winner

Vertical shot of Marsh Lake along the Little Lakes Valley Trail in the John Muir Wilderness Area. This photo was given honorable mention at the San Diego County Fair Photo Exhibition.

Marsh Lake, Little Lakes Valley Trail, John Muir Wilderness

Kutzadika and Twin Lakes

View from above the falls the flow into Kutzadika Lake showing the very cool colors in the lake and Twin Lakes just beyond.

Kutzadika Lake and Twin Lakes, Mammoth Lakes, CA

Marsh Lake Solitude

Marsh Lake, along the Little Lakes Valley Trail in the John Muir Wilderness Area, is stunningly beautiful. I love sitting in this exact spot and just soak in the beauty all around. It is the most calming and restorative thing I can do in my life.

Marsh Lake, Little Lakes Valley Trail, John Muir Wilderness

Optical Illusion

The reflection on the water makes it feel like you could walk off the end of the dock and onto the mountain.

Upper Twin Lake, Mammoth Lakes, CA

Twin Lakes Bridge

Upper and Lower Twin Lakes are separated by a narrow channel that this bridge spans. Beautiful reflection in the water.

Upper Twin Lake, Mammoth Lakes, CA