A peaceful meadow in Yosemite. Finding solitude is in itself a viable goal if you’re willing to head out to a more remote spot. And it really doesn’t take much effort or time when you’re intent on getting off the beaten path. Knowing the risk and what it will involve getting back to where you were. The effort, strain, and cost to get that temporary peace. It takes a clear goal, intentional effort, and sometimes a persistence that doesn’t always come naturally.
Dana Meadows in full view from the Gaylor Lakes Trail. Yosemite high country about a mile above Tioga Pass. With mild overcast weather yet without any wind, but a pleasant view in the distance.
Here I am at a random location along the Merced River in Yosemite. The surface of the river is fully felt whether it’s rushing, or calm yet moving with purpose. Not only as a natural occurrence but as life-giving waters. To see, hear and feel the river as it runs by, it also runs through at resonance. Its enduring force of renewal and replenishment. To see, feel, and hear its soothing roar.
This is Mt Hoffmann in Yosemite. Standing high above May Lake, it has an easy class one route to the top with a class 2 approach to the summit. The route to the top is at times guided by cairns with a trail that comes and goes below the graded chute. An easily completed hike to the top with the family. An overnight stay at May Lake provides easy access to much of this wilderness area. Or as a full day from an early start at the trailhead.
Our exit out of Yosemite involved crossing a pass over this range into Ansel Adams wilderness. We rose early to give us a lot of time to cross over Donohue Pass at about 11,000 feet. The early morning being renewed and awaken the senses. The best time to get ahead of afternoon thunderstorms that build up while being so exposed to the higher altitude, strong winds, and intense UV light. Once at the pass, we recovered a bit before the long descent over Island Pass and into Ansel Adams for an overnight stay at Shadow Lake.
In view here is the Lyell Fork, Lyell Glacier with Lyell Peak and Mt Maclure to the upper right out of view.
A small yet popular slice of Yosemite wilderness. Below Clouds Rest with Little Yosemite Valley, Cascade Cliffs, Bunnel Point, and Liberty Cap in the foreground. A well-trodden place by people who have overnight permits to explore and experience Yosemite. The bottom-most part of this photograph is Little Yosemite Valley with the Merced River which runs through it. The route to Half Dome runs through here. Probably one of the most photographed areas of Yosemite.
Lukens Lake in Yosemite is a tucked away hidden body of water that is a pleasure to visit after a short hike from the trailhead. A forested perimeter around the circumference of the lake gave the place a familiar character. Much the same as many lakes throughout Yosemite and Sierra. Leading up to the lake is a long stretched out meadow to complement its beauty. A portion of the meadow submerged yet with a portion of the lake receded.
A squared and up the center image of Tenaya Lake and its surrounding domes. A mid-day photograph to reveal the character of the area. Between Tuolumne and Yosemite Valley, this lake is a popular destination for families for day use. The mid-shoulder up to the right is the route up Sunrise and to the backside of Yosemite Valley. Heading toward Cloud’s Rest, Half Dome, and Little Yosemite Valley.
© 2026 James Austin. All Rights Reserved.
Powered by WordPress. Designed by 
