Each day, as Mel and I travel from Lee Vining, California to the east Yosemite National Park, Tioga Pass entrance, we drive 11 miles (17.6 KM). The elevation of Lee Vining is 6,781 ft (2,067 m) and the elevation of Tioga Pass is 9,945 ft (3,031 m). Mel and I drive the distance twice each day, the ascent into the park each morning, and the descent to Lee Vining in late afternoon. It is a spectacular ride; I mean breathtakingly spectacular and forever and dramatically memorable. This is our view as we enter the Inyo National Forest which borders the east boundaries of Yosemite National Park.
Within minutes we begin the incredible climb through the Inyo National Forest, perched precariously against the steep wall of Lee Vining Canyon. Some of the stone rubble walls to our immediate right are so steep it is difficult to understand why the rock defies gravity and avoids tumbling down on us. The scope of vision draws the eyes in every direction in an impossible attempt to absorb the rugged beauty surrounding us.
Looking back, the road is a thin line on the mountainside at photo left - Lee Vining Canyon
Ahead we will arrive at a waterfall emanating from the Ellery Lake Dam constructed in 1921. Just prior to arrival at Ellery Lake we will cross a bridge pasted onto the side of sheer, rock wall. The entire road is an engineering marvel.
Looking back at the bridge which traverse a steep, sheer, rock wall on the side of Lee Vining Canyon
The waterfalls from Ellery Lake behind the dam above.
Ellery Lake hosts a well hidden campground.
Around the next bend in Tioga Road, the other end of Ellery Lake is secluded at the bottom of steep mountain walls with pristine marsh in the foreground. It is a beautiful place.
Further up the road, literally, is Tioga Lake bracketed by Gaylor Peak on the west and Dana Peak above and to the east.
It is a phenomenal ride and forever memorable. There are a number of pull-outs on the Tioga Pass Road between Tioga Pass and Lee Vining that are best enjoyed on the descent to avoid crossing traffic lanes. Good brakes are important. Lee Vining Canyon is simply magnificent and Lee Vining River is visible from several vantage points. This road competes with many of the best I have ever travelled.
Lee Vining Canyon, with Lee Vining River at the bottom, on the descent of Tioga Road outside east Yosemite National Park.
From Lee Vining, Mel and I stage hikes to Gaylor Lakes, Lembert Dome, Dog Lake and Soda Springs before we will travel up through Lee Vining Canyon one last time on the route across the center of Yosemite National Park via Tioga Road (Hwy 120) from the east side to Crane Flats, then on to our next staging location near the southwest corner. We will leave a lot of remarkable trail unexplored.
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Looks like you had a great time and a good trip
I see why Adam Ansel loved that area and so do many other photographers. Thanks for the share 
Charlie recently posted..August 26th, 2011 – Alberta Wheat
Thanks for your comment, Charlie. Ansel Adams clearly shared a passion for the American Southwest and he did a lot of work in Yosemite National Park. In Yosemite Valley there is a gallery featuring some of his work. The Yosemite trip was a good on and I will be posting the hikes over the next few weeks. The beauty of the desert is much different than that of the prairies but they share some common and subtle characteristics.
Hi Barry, what stunning photos you have presented in your website! I will look at the other photos, too. Thank you for sharing.
Amy recently posted..Grieving: The Lessons
Thank you for your comment, Amy. I appreciate the compliment. I travel to very beautiful places to pursue my passion for hiking in the wilderness, so the photographs are easy to find. Best of all I live very near Banff National Park and the mountains in Alberta and British Columbia.
Looks like a spectacular drive – and in very good weather. I love the photos with reflections.
Leigh recently posted..Falling in Love With The Sidewalk Citizen Bakery, Calgary
The Ellery Lake reflections were taken in very early morning still air under clear sky in the protection of surrounding mountains. It does not get much better than this. I could hear my heart beating. Thanks for your comment, Leigh.
Beautiful photos, especially the ones with the lake reflections, they look like glass.
Laurel recently posted..Show Caves of Germany
Thank you, Laurel. Ellery and Tioga Lakes are amazing and beautiful interruptions on the engineering marvel between Lee Vining and the east Tioga Pass entrance to Yosemite National Park. It is a breathtaking ride with several turnouts for spectacular views into Tioga Canyon.
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