Dawn. Dusy Basin, Sierra Nevada range. August 14, 2005. © Copyright G Dan Mitchell – all rights reserved.

Dusy Basin is a broad, alpine valley in the Sierra Nevada, surrounded by high peaks (up to 14,000+) on all sides. Access is typically over nearly 12,000′ Bishop Pass from South Lake above the town of Bishop on Hiway 395, or by the steep climb from the John Muir Trail as it passes through Le Conte Canyon.

Truthfully, it was a bit later than actual dawn. We had gotten up at 6:00 a.m. and were on the trail less than an hour later, heading out towards Bishop Pass, when I passed by this small grass-filled lake.