Yosemite Photo Blog

Quick, name a lake in Yosemite that you have visited.  If we excluded Mirror Lake, which is quickly becoming a meadow, would you have any?

Those who only travel to Yosemite Valley are unaware of how much water is in the park.  Although not quite 1000, there are approximately 500 lakes in Yosemite that are at least an acre in size.  Considering I’ve been to probably less than 20 of them in the past 3 years, I’d say I have a lot of hiking ahead of me.

Many popular hikes that we offer at Y explore visit some of the more recognizable lakes like Tenaya, Upper and Lower Cathedral, and Dog Lake. We’ve also explored areas for our photo tours around Siesta Lake.  Another amazing lake that can be reached pretty easily is Elizabeth Lake which lies below Unicorn Peak. The lake is a popular swimming hole but you can explore areas around the lake that uncover some excellent photographic opportunities where you will be alone with your thoughts. Ostrander Lake is beautiful lunch spot and a fine reward after a challenging hike. There are great wildflowers, and we have had our share of encounters with some of our furry friends along the way.  If you want to see wildflowers, particularly shooting stars, then look no further than Lukens Lake. Fields of violet are illuminated by the early morning light in June.

May Lake sits at the base of Mt. Hoffman.  That is no coincidence since Lucy Mayotta Browne later married George Hoffman who was one of the original US Geological Survey team members that first entered the Yosemite region in 1863.

From May Lake, you can view some amazing sunsets away from the boisterous crowds of the High Sierra Camp.  We were able to take an overnight trip this past week.

We grabbed the Jetboil and our Mountain House chicken and mashed potatoes and made our way to the ridge behind the camp. We enjoyed a gourmet sunset dinner in the High Sierra and were not disappointed by the view.

Further down trail from May Lake, you can also visit Raisin Lake which also uncovers views of Mt. Hoffman with none of the crowds.  It’s a small lake off the side of the trail and can be easily missed, but it is clearly one of Yosemite’s better kept secrets.

There are so many lakes to explore and our goal is to photograph all 500 of them.  I know it seems pretty ambitious but I’m ready for the task.  I’m always looking for hiking partners.  Won’t you join us?