I “discovered” these formations years ago while searching for autumn aspen color in mountains east of the Sierra Nevada. I was at a location where I have frequently photographed dense groves of small trees. As I photographed them in soft morning light — they are on the shaded side of a ridge — I noticed this fascinating terrain dropping towards Mono Basin.

I am no geologist, but given the nature of much of the terrain in this area I suspect that these formations might have a volcanic origin. (But don’t quote me on that!) The outcroppings rise sharply from otherwise smooth and round hills covered with sage brush vegetation. When the first morning sun strikes them they produce fascinating shadows on the surrounding terrain.

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G Dan Mitchell is a California photographer and visual opportunist. His book, “California’s Fall Color: A Photographer’s Guide to Autumn in the Sierra, (Heyday Books) is available directly from him.
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