The Spanish were the first Europeans to colonize California coastal areas in the 17th century. They called the mountain range to the east "Sierra Nevada" meaning snowy mountain range. The Sierra Nevada is 400 miles long and averages 70 miles wide, with many mountain peaks over 12,000 and 13,00 feet high. The eastern slope is dramatically steeper than the western and receives less rainfall. Less water means more exposed geology of the dramatic mountains and canyons, which is ideal for landscape photography.
California Highway 395 is the primary route paralleling the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains. From this Highway secondary roads head west climbing into the Sierra. Along the 395 Corridor, small towns from Lone Pine in the south to Bridgeport in the north are good base camps to explore the Sierra. One of the largest is Mammoth Lakes with accommodations, restaurants and stores. Located a few miles west of Highway 395 along Highway 203. A good starting point for information, maps, and books is the Mammoth Lakes Forest Ranger and Information Center. To reach the Mammoth Lakes scenic area, continue driving west on Highway 203 (Main Street) from the Visitor Center. At the intersection with Lake Mary Road, take this road west. This road leads to five scenic alpine lakes several miles after leaving the town of Mammoth Lakes. All but one of the lakes has forest service campgrounds.
The first photogenic opportunity is Twin Lakes. A small parking area at the Lake's eastern shore provides a vista with a large waterfall cascading into its waters and a backdrop of the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains. As with most scenic photography the best time to photograph is early morning and late afternoon. Reflection photographs are ideal when the wind is calm. Stroll along the Lake's southern edge searching for water images - reflections of trees, grasses and granite walls. The presence of waterfowl is a bonus.
The next lake along the road is Mary Lake, the largest lake and popular with trout fishermen. In addition to tree and mountain reflections there are canoes, small boats and kayaks for interest. Boats may also be rented here. For photo composition, combining colorful water craft with the natural blues and greens of the lake can be rewarding.
Mary Lake is the only lake with a road circling its shore. At the west side is the road to Lake George. It has fine views of granite peaks including a giant monolith. On a recent visit, a large Black Bear strolled along the water's edge appearing to be searching for something in the water. A local fisherman told me the bear searches the shore mid morning to claim fishermen's fish stringers. The easy way to fish!
Return back to Mary Lake's south shore then enter the Cold Water Campground for my favorite hiking trail. At the end of the campground there is a parking lot for the hiking trail to Emerald Lake. Instead of following the official trail I stroll up the banks of Cold Water Creek. This creek has numerous small waterfalls and cascades ideal for long exposure photography to create wispy or flowing water lines. Be sure to bring a tripod and mosquito repellent. In summer the wildflowers are abundant along the creek.
Returning back to Mary Lake Road and heading north the next lake is the smallest one, Lake Mamie. The tree lined shoreline creates interesting mirror images in the water when calm. Across the road from the Lake is the top of Twin Lakes Falls. The water crashes and drops over large granite boulders on its way to Twin Lakes. Exercise caution for the terrain is steep. Approach the waterfall from the south side to compose right angle images. The best time is morning when the sun first hits the waterfall.
At the end of the road is Horseshoe Lake, with more eye catching mountain scenery. The Lake's wide beach is where Sam Peckinpah filmed the opening credits for his movie "Ride the High Country" starring Randolph Scott, Joel McCrea and a very young Mariette Hartley. The Lake is also a good takeoff point for the hiking trail to Mammoth Pass.
The season for visiting Mammoth Lakes is short, usually from mid June until late autumn when snow storms cover and close the road. The good news is you can access the lakes by cross country skies or snowshoes. Also take note, the nearby Mammoth Lakes ski slopes on nearby Highway 203 are very popular in winter.
After exploring the Mammoth Lakes, return to town for a large selection of hotels, condominiums, and restaurants. Other places to explore are nearby: Devil's Postpile National Monument, Mammoth Hot Springs, Convict Lake, June Lake, etc.
Ray Anderson - For many, many moons I served the public as a civil servant for the California Department of Transportation. My experiences with projects ...
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