mammoth
		It was difficult to choose these photos from among those taken during an August '05 trip.  Mammoth, more well-known for its wintertime skiing, also provides ample opportunity for summer hiking and biking enthusiasts ... offering abundant geologic diversity and some of the most accessible Sierra high country.
		Overlooking Mammoth Lakes to Mammoth Mountain (left center) and the Sierras in the distance, this shot was taken from near the crest of the trail to Duck Lake (along the Western Divide).			A wide-angle lens would not be adequate to view the multiple aspects of Duck Lake's magnificence.  In addition to this cirque to the south, there is a dramatic vertical rock outcropping  ... and the lake's outlet frames a fine view of the middle Sierras to the west.
		One of the cool things about this region is the juxtaposition of verdant high country against desert badlands to the east.  This photo was taken from the mountains south of the town of Mammoth Lakes, along the trail leading to Valentine Lake ... and overlooks the Owens Valley to the mountains eastward.
					This is an early morning view of Shadow Lake and the Ritter Range to its southwest.  If you blow this one up, you can make out a circle in the water where a fish had just jumped (dining on the bugs).
					This is Mammoth Mountain viewed from the west ... the side opposite the town of Mammoth Lakes.
		Garnet Lake seen from the trail leading into its eastern side.  A photo doesn't do justice to the impact of the rock spires at its southern end (Banner Peak).  It's a stout day hike to get here, but rewarding.
					This photo, also taken from along the trail to Heart Lake, views mountain peaks of the Ansel Adams Wilderness to the northwest.  One can get a sense of the alpine ambiance offered here.
		Mammoth Crest is one of the most photographed mountain ranges in this area.  Driving up Lake Mary Road from town, one is presented with a similar view.  Our vantage point is from farther east ... along the trail leading up to Heart Lake.