Posted by Navin Sarma on July 16, 2013 at 10:48 PM
Hi everyone,
So I'm traveling for a friend's wedding in SoCal in August. On Aug 4, I'll be traveling to Reno and working my way down towards Yosemite before arriving back to Reno on Aug 8 for a flight back to DC.
Any suggested itineraries are appreciated. I have some ideas, including Mono Lake, but am a bit overwhelmed when it comes to Yosemite. I am planning on lodging and camping -- but perhaps not as rugged of the latter as many of you here. I am about a 3/10 in knowledge of backcountry hiking and camping.
Thanks for your thoughts! Very excited for another trip to the more dramatic side of our beautiful country
The Nevada side of Lake Tahoe is lovely at Sand Harbor park at sunset. Lundy Canyon, just at the north of Mono Lake, has wonderful wild flowers just a few miles in, and nice falls if there is any water left. (it's been a dry couple of winters). Tioga Pass is dramatic, with lots of hikes out of Saddlebag Lake at the top. Take the boat across the lake and wander around the other side for the day. June Lake area is gorgeous, as is Convict Lake south of Mammoth. Bristlecone Pines to the east of Bishop, Ca. Too much to name here! Have a great trip! I'll be doing some night photography at Mono Lake this weekend!
I recommend checking out the Alabama Hills near lone Pine, also I would check out the bristlecone pines in the White Mountain area, located near Bishop.
I think both areas will provide interesting day and night shooting. Both areas should have camping available. Both areas will provide interesting subjects without the need for hours of hiking.
I just got back from the July 4 weekend in the White Mountains. I was very lucky with beautiful skies. And no worries if you happen to experience clear blue skies, that means you should get some fantastic star shots at that high elevation.
Both areas can provide interesting silhouettes for a strong foreground under the stars.
Given the time year, I suggest you keep to the East Side of the Sierra north of Mammoth Lakes. The southern end of Owens Valley (Bishop--Lone Pine) will be quite hot.
Since you have only four days, The Nevada side of Tahoe is very nice, as Kathy says. There are good campsites and nice opportunities in Lundy Canyon and Lee Vining Canyon. From either of these places, Tioga Pass, Tuolumne Meadows, and Mono Lake are within easy reach. Taking the boat across Saddlebag Lake and hiking in the Ten Lakes Basin is a treat.
Where ever you go in the Sierra, you'll have a good time, but you must keep updated on the weather. Afternoon thunderstorms can brew up in a big hurry, and lightning will pose a serious threat. Also, the area is very dry, so be sure to stay well hydrated, wear light colored clothing, and make ample use of sunscreen. The high altitude sun can burn you to a crisp before you know it.
Quick note: Yosemite Valley itself will be hot, and crowded beyond belief--save it for the fall, winter, or spring.
Have a great time, Navin!
--P
Posted by Navin Sarma on July 24, 2013 at 10:08 PM
Kathy,Richard, Preston, thank you for your very helpful suggestions. I am finalizing the details of my trip and will let you know what I decide soon! If anyone wants to meet up, PM me.
Discussion
4 repliesSo I'm traveling for a friend's wedding in SoCal in August. On Aug 4, I'll be traveling to Reno and working my way down towards Yosemite before arriving back to Reno on Aug 8 for a flight back to DC.
Any suggested itineraries are appreciated. I have some ideas, including Mono Lake, but am a bit overwhelmed when it comes to Yosemite. I am planning on lodging and camping -- but perhaps not as rugged of the latter as many of you here. I am about a 3/10 in knowledge of backcountry hiking and camping.
Thanks for your thoughts! Very excited for another trip to the more dramatic side of our beautiful country
I think both areas will provide interesting day and night shooting. Both areas should have camping available. Both areas will provide interesting subjects without the need for hours of hiking.
I just got back from the July 4 weekend in the White Mountains. I was very lucky with beautiful skies. And no worries if you happen to experience clear blue skies, that means you should get some fantastic star shots at that high elevation.
Both areas can provide interesting silhouettes for a strong foreground under the stars.
Since you have only four days, The Nevada side of Tahoe is very nice, as Kathy says. There are good campsites and nice opportunities in Lundy Canyon and Lee Vining Canyon. From either of these places, Tioga Pass, Tuolumne Meadows, and Mono Lake are within easy reach. Taking the boat across Saddlebag Lake and hiking in the Ten Lakes Basin is a treat.
Where ever you go in the Sierra, you'll have a good time, but you must keep updated on the weather. Afternoon thunderstorms can brew up in a big hurry, and lightning will pose a serious threat. Also, the area is very dry, so be sure to stay well hydrated, wear light colored clothing, and make ample use of sunscreen. The high altitude sun can burn you to a crisp before you know it.
Quick note: Yosemite Valley itself will be hot, and crowded beyond belief--save it for the fall, winter, or spring.
Have a great time, Navin!
--P