The June Lake Loop is the gift that keeps on giving for a landscape photographer who focuses on the Eastern Sierra. It is so beautiful and diverse you cannot go wrong taking images in the “Loop”. Plus, people who love the area never get tired of looking at images of the area. I guess the old saying applies; “When in doubt…” head towards the “Loop.”
This early morning, I originally intended to head out east on Highway 120 to explore parts of Sage Hen that I have not been at yet. Driving north on 395 I realized I had gotten on the road too late to get there before the sunrise. There was now this debate in my head between keeping to the plan and turn right on HWY 120 or go to plan “B” and turn left on HWY 158 and go into the “Loop.” The voices in my head kept arguing Plan A, no Plan B, no Plan A…
The Tail of the Isthmus - Grant Lake
With the title being “around the Loop” you can guess that I went with plan “B” and turned left into the “Loop.” There is a small isthmus on the north side of Grant Lake. It has this grand view of the lake and Reverse and Carson Peaks. I have taken pictures there before but was not completely happy with the results. I went back to the isthmus. I arrived early enough, trying not to wake up the folks sleeping in the van, to be able to poke around a bit to find the perfect spot for sunrise.
Looking East at Grant Lake
With my composition locked I had some time on my hands. As the scene unveiled around me, it presented some additional looks that I was able to capture before getting my sunrise image. It was cold with just a touch of wind to wipe out the chance of a glass reflection from the lake. However, it was still enough to project the colors from the mountains.
First Light - Grant Lake
On the way back to 395, I noticed this awesome road scene so I quickly pulled over and changed to my telephoto lens. I am so glad I did, just love this scene.
Looking West into the June Lake Loop
All in all, a nice set of images for a plan “B.” As I said earlier you really cannot go wrong taking images around the “Loop.”