Yosemite - Parker Pass to Lyell Canyon

The high country in Yosemite National Park can be one of the most relaxing places, especially when you can get away from the crowds and into the backcountry. Our backpacking trip took us out over Parker Pass and to the Alger Lakes the first night, where we had the entire lake basin to ourselves. Talk about a quiet night! We were woken up by a very loud bird roosting in a tree just above our tent-- nature's alarm clock, apparently, telling us it was time to get going!

Day 2 took us over Gem Pass and past Gem and Waugh Lakes. After Waugh Lake, we began the long climb up to Donohue Pass, which drops you into Lyell Canyon. Mount Lyell, at the head of the canyon, is an impressive sight, towering over the surrounding area, and housing the second largest glacier in the Sierra. It's entirely climbable with proper snow equipment, and we plan to head back up later in the year. We spent the night near the head of the canyon, which gave me the opportunity to take photos of Lyell both at sunset and sunrise the next morning.


Moonrise was around 7pm, and is always a neat sight.


A wildfire is also burning in Yosemite currently. It started last week, and the smoke has been blowing across the park, and has traveled as far north as Lake Tahoe. The smoke made for some brilliant sunset colors and patterns.


Sunrise was freezing cold at 10,000 feet, but the view was totally worth it!


After the morning's photo shoot, the walk down-canyon was a nice downhill stroll out to Tuolumne Meadows and the truck!