No strangers to late night arrivals, we set up camp at 2am after a 7 hour drive. We stargaze briefly before bed, setting our alarms for 5am.
Why 5 am? To hike at sunrise within view of the alpine glow, when snowy mountains turn pink & red due to the low angle of the rising sun.
As a bonus, our hike literally started at a lake. The still waters reflected like a mirror on a windless morning.
The scenery was beautiful. Details normally bleached out in daytime sun were revealed in the soft morning light. The shadows dancing across the mountains made for a dynamic view.
Since the lake was 2 miles long the trail was constantly along the water's edge, gracing us with prime vistas of mountain glory.
Once past the lake, rocky pastures of golden grasses & scattered strands of pines dominated the landscape.
Further along, a thinly frozen pond proved the 22 degree temperature readings we saw just before sunrise were no lie.
Moments later we reached the next lake. Trout splashed about in the clear waters, adding to the pristine aura.
As we explored around the lake we found some strange collection of pebbles we dubbed the 'Witch's Circle'. We speculated on what could have created the perfectly round formation.
A short jaunt later we reached the next lake. Unlike the lake prior, the grasses here glowed with a remarkable vibrance.
And then the unthinkable happened, we found an ice cave! The shock & excitement were akin to a kid on Christmas morning.
The color & texture of the cave was artistic. Smooth ice curved & then came to an edge before cupping again. Struck by the moment, we lingered for over an hour.
We never knew ice caves even formed in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Its honestly impossible to describe how rad it was.
When we finally exited the cave there a lake just a few hundred feet away.
The shale lined shore's irregular rocky flakes jostled beneath our feet, refusing to give us secure footing.
The Sierras are known for their granite peaks, but this hike also had what some call the 'Old Sierras', a red-hued sheet of brittle volcanic rock that formed long before the granite peaks.
As we continue onward we suddenly become the luckiest hikers ever. Because we found another ice cave! And one with a waterfall rushing thru it!
To reach the cave we skirted across loose rock blanketed in snow.
Next, we scaled along an icy rock ledge towards the mouth.
As the waterfall rushed under a roof of turquoise ice, the feeling was both inspiring & nerve-racking. Large sections of the cave had already collapsed.
We decided not to linger inside for long, playing it safe rather than pushing our luck as tempting as it was. The view outside was still mesmerizing for 2 southern CA kids, where snow is a stranger.
What seemed like mere moments later, our trail brought us to yet another lake. The pillowy grass & tranquil lapping water lulled us to sleep.
After our nap we reached another lake. Each one was distinct from the others. Some harbored trout & others steelhead; some were void of vegetation & others were rimmed with flora.
In between lakes we passed flowing creeks & wetlands, continuing to be spoiled by sprawling mountain vistas.
Like clockwork, we reached another lake, explored the surroundings & continued off again.
As beautiful as the scenery was, we were constantly battling with the effects of sleeping only 2 hours the night prior plus a midday catnap.
The trick was to remember the ice caves & how much better this still was than even the best day at work. So we pressed onward into a lush valley, well-watered & bursting with life.
Even though the hike was 10 miles long it was relatively flat for a mountain hike. Normally we'd have to work way harder to see this many lakes & unspoiled vistas.
Lake 8's majestic & mighty peaks towered high into the sky, demanding our attention & admiration. Anglers fished for trout, waving & cheerily chatting with us as we passed.
Perhaps a mile later we reach a cobalt blue lake. The postcard view had us feeling spoiled.
We hand caught & a trout stuck in a shallow, shrinking puddle. Then ran back to the previous lake & freed it.
Lake number 9 & 10 showed up about a mile later. The spectrum of colors momentarily distracted us from our sore legs & grumbling bellies.
Strange plants popped with a vibrant red, mixing among the green & yellow grasses. Once again these lakes showed themselves to be entirely different than those prior.
When we reached the first lake again, the 'almost back' relief set in, but we forgot it was 2 miles long. Seemed like an eternity, but the snacks & parking lot nap were enhanced by the suspense.
After our power nap we rushed south to Bishop Canyon to see what was left of the fall colors, just barely arriving before the sun dipped below the mountains.
We drove south another hour to camp beneath Mt. Whitney. We were suddenly stuck with a second wind, setting off work a night hike.
We helped the moon rise & then finally surrendered to the exhaustion.
Since we went to bed early it was easier to wake up at sunrise. Alpine glow is just to beautiful to pass up!
Sunrise always start as a dim endeavor with usually only a thin band of color if there aren't any clouds.
And then boom! The sun crests a peak, suddenly warming everything it touches.
We aimlessly wandered around, climbing as we pleased & checking out any funky rock formation that garnered our interest.
I'm a huge believer in aimless walks; there's no expectations but there's tons of surprises. Often times I find things I would have never learned about searching online.
The last day of our trips is usually filled with shorter hikes & finding a spot to chill with a view.
On our drive home we couldn't help but break up the drive with a quick trip to this volcano & a few donuts! Until next time comrades!