Thousand Island Lake, in the Ansel Adams Wilderness, is the crown jewel of the Sierra Nevada. We spent the weekend exploring part of the Ansel Adams Wilderness, aiming to capture a Thousand Island Lake sunrise. This area on the backside of Mammoth had always been on the list. It was a tough trek, climbing over 3,000 feet of elevation gain, but the beauty and sore muscles were well worth it.
That morning I rose in the chilly pre-dawn and waited for the alpenglow to illuminate Banner Peak, reflecting perfectly in the calm waters of Thousand Island Lake. It was one of those moments you will never forget.