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The Minarets from Minaret Vista
High in California’s Eastern Sierras, the Minaret Vista (2,824 m – 9,265 ft) allows you to lookout over the Ritter Range and the jaggedly-sharp peaks of the Minarets (right hand side) in the Ansel Adams Wilderness.
The Eastern Sierra region of California is well known for its magnificent scenery, encompassing unique desert valleys, rugged alpine peaks, vestigial salty inland seas, and lakes of crystal glacial origins.
With millions of acres reserved within national parks, national monuments, state forests, and local reserves, much of it is considered ‘backcountry’, obtainable only by means of long hikes, climbs, skis, snowshoes, horseback, or all-terrain vehicles.
But, some of it is so accessible it almost feels like cheating!
The name “Eastern Sierra” is given to California’s Mono and Inyo Counties, nested in the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada, a mountain range whose very name (Spanish: sierra “jagged mountain range” and nevado “snowy”) speaks to its wildness. This is sparsely populated country with a youthful population and a plethora of outdoor activities.
I was staying with a friend at her place in Mammoth Lakes, on the eastern side of the lava dome complex that is Mammoth Mountain – California’s highest ski resort. We had driven past the entry to the Minaret Vista lookout the day before on our short drive west to the Devils Postpile, where we took the hike to Rainbow Lake (see: The Devils Postpile), before walking around Agnew Meadow (see: Wildflowers). We passed it again, on our way back to the starting-point for the gondola to the top of Mammoth Mountain (see: Wildflowers).
But, on this morning, we drove 15 minutes directly to Minaret Vista – and the views were right there!
Sitting on the back side of Mammoth Mountain, Minaret Vista is billed as the highest drivable lookout in the Mammoth Lakes area. You don’t have to leave your car for extensive views over the Ritter Range, a sub-range of the Sierra Nevada mountains. The most impressive of these are the jagged pinnacles of granite, named ‘The Minarets’ in 1868 by the California Geographical Survey.
Of course, we did get out of the car: dragging our tripods to the outlook, and wandering around the mountainside to appreciate the rocks and flora.
Do come along:
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Minaret Vista
Just a short drive from the Mammoth Mountain Inn, there is a well-marked turn-off for the viewpoint. (Phone5)
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Summer Wildflowers
Clumps of Indian paintbrush (Castilleja) and sulphur-flower buckwheat (Eriogonum umbellatum) dot the viewing area.
Morning Sunburst
It is just after 7.30 in the morning, and the sun angles low through the tangled plant-life.
Pine on the Ridge
Lodgepole pines (Pinus contorta) – also known as twisted pines – command the ridge.
Pollen Cones
Lodgepole pines have both pollen cones – which these are – and seed cones.
Brewer’s Lupine – Lupinus Breweri
Because of the altitude, many of the plants stay low to the ground, …
Rocky Ground
… clinging to the gravelly plateau as the jagged peaks of the Minarets float off into the distance.
A Colourful Palette
Sulphur-Flower Buckwheat – Eriogonum Umbellatum
Chip
The views extend over the mountains across the valley.
Blue Skies and Red Rocks
Nature does a better job than any landscape gardener …
Rock Garden
… when it comes to mixing subtle colours and creating beautiful spaces.
Sagebrush and Indian Paint Brush
Lichen on the Rough
The rough rocks make a great canvas for multi-coloured lichens and low-growing alpine plants.
Mountains behind the Ridge
View from the Minaret Vista
Mountains and lakes roll off in all directions.
Butterfly Mariposa Lily – Calochortus Venustus
These areas are home to a number of unique plants, endemic to the region …
Butterfly Mariposa Lily – Calochortus Venustus
… like the beautiful Leichtlin’s mariposa, native to the Sierra Nevada.
Twilight over Mammoth Lakes
In the evening, on the other side of Mammoth Mountain, we watch the twilight darken over Mammoth Lakes …
Mammoth Moonrise
… and the half-moon rise over the bluffs behind us.
Truly a magnificent landscape!
Until next time,
Happy travels!
