The hike to Ediza Lake, deep in the Ansel Adams Wilderness, is just under seven miles with over 1,250 feet of elevation gain. The trail winds past Shadow Lake and follows the cascades of Shadow Creek, often lined with summer wildflowers. At 9,265 feet the granite bowl suddenly opens to one of the most jaw-dropping views in the Sierra Nevada: the razor-sharp Minarets spires.
We spent two nights at Ediza Lake and I am glad we did. On the second morning glorious clouds filled the sky just as the sun began to rise. I positioned myself on a rock across the lake and waited. The first warm light hit the jagged peaks, painting them in intense alpenglow that glowed fiery red against the deep blue sky. The reflection in the calm water made the whole scene feel almost unreal. Getting up at 5:30 AM was more than worth it.
The Ansel Adams Wilderness offers some of the most stunning alpine scenery I have ever backpacked through. This photograph captures that perfect dawn moment when light, clouds, and the dramatic Minarets aligned in spectacular fashion, reflected perfectly in the still waters of Ediza Lake. Bring that Sierra alpine magic and the dramatic glow of first light on the Minarets straight into your space so you can enjoy it all year.