While I have made the trek from South Lake to Bishop Pass and into Dusy Basin several times, the magnificent views of the Palisades never cease to inspire. Mount Agassiz, Mount Winchell, and North Palisade collectively form a wall of granite that towers above the basin filled with numerous alpine lakes. Aptly named Isosceles Peak…
Category: Travel
Sabrina Basin
I was last in Sabrina Basin in May 2007 for an overnight peakbagging outing with amazing memories of this strikingly beautiful region. My photo session at Sailor Lake on that trip produced one of my all time favorite mountain scenery photos. It was time to return. I had just enough time to squeeze in a morning run to…
Granite Dome and its lakes
Aptly named Granite Dome is an immense granite massif with numerous basins occupied by stunning alpine lakes. All of the lakes are located on the northern side of the massive ridge that culminates in the summit while the south side features much less rock and more meadows. The region is accessed via Kennedy Meadows and…
Sister Lakes & Forsyth Peak
The Sister Lakes region describes a chain of lakes that straddle the northern border of Yosemite National Park and Hoover Wilderness. The name “Sister” aptly describes the names of these lakes, which include Stella, Harriett, Helen, Ruth, Bonnie, Cora and Dorothy. Forsyth Peak serves as a rugged backdrop for all of these lakes with its permanent…
Clouds Rest via Yosemite Valley
Clouds Rest is a colossal granite formation with striking prominence. At 9,926 ft, it is not nearly the tallest mountain in Yosemite, but it’s close proximity and unobstructed perch above Yosemite Valley provides spectacular views and a unique vantage of both the high country and the valley. In a 360 degree panorama, one can gaze over…
Happy 75th Golden Gate!
The iconic Golden Gate Bridge turns 75 years old tomorrow (opened May 27, 1937) and continues to inspire locals and tourists alike. With its distinct “international orange” color and twin towers, it’s one of the most photographed subjects in the world, and almost certainly the most photographed bridge. Undoubtedly part of the allure lies in…
Pescadero Creek
The network of trails in Pescadero Creek County Park and adjacent Portola Redwoods State Park are some of my favorite paths anywhere. These parks are characterized by miles of fantastic true single track, almost entirely under forest canopy. Pescadero Creek County Park has essentially no infrastructure allowing one to experience a wilderness feeling despite being…
Bean Hollow Tidepooling
Bean Hollow State Beach, located on the San Mateo Coast just south of Pescadero, offers excellent opportunities for tidepooling with an extensive area of rocks that becomes revealed at low tide. The tafoni rock features many grooves and holes which are perfect for sea urchins and these purple creatures were literally everywhere. There were also…
McClures Beach – Point Reyes
Spectacular McClures Beach is located towards the northern end of Point Reyes National Seashore. The broad sandy beach is enclosed by bluffs and rocks in a rugged setting with typically rough surf coming off the Pacific Ocean. The rock at the southern end of the beach, known as Elephant Rock, can be climbed for a…
Tidepooling – Point Reyes
Part IV of the Point Reyes photos adventure is tidepooling! These shots are taken at low tide on Sculptured Beach. The sea creatures here are plentiful and seemed larger than other local tidepooling areas. I suspect this is due to the remote and relatively undisturbed location. The rocks and small caves in the area provide virtually…
Leor Pantilat's Adventures