Gaylor Lake Basin

Figure 1. Gaylor Lakes Basin, Yosemite National Park.

The high country of Yosemite offers a quite different taste from the famous Yosemite Valley. The importance was recognized by John Muir to be the watershed of Yosemite Valley. If it is ruined, so is Yosemite Valley.

Although visitors can drive on the Tioga Road to reach the high country, most parts are left to be visited by hiking or backpacking. This is the vision of John Muir as Yosemite Valley has been crowned. The high country should not be developed like Yosemite Valley so that people have chance to explore and enjoy the solitude.

One of the favorite place to explore is the Gaylor Lakes. I've hiked this trail for more than 5 times in spring, summer and fall combined. This trail is moderate and offers good views of peaks and lakes. Although you won't be alone here, the vast space makes you oblivious to other hikers around. I was quite impressed when I was here first time. The distant Cathedral Range with the open foreground and couple lodgepole pines gives the sort of lonely planet feelings. In this shot, the CPL darkens the sky and makes it more aesthetic.