Upper Lyell Canyon Lake

The lake in Upper Lyell Canyon, where Donahue pass starts. Donahue pass is the exit out of Yosmite National Park. Only limited permits are issued to exit the park through Donahue pass and are hard to obtain. It is easier to cross the Donahue pass from the South. We entered Donahue pass on the John Muir Trail hiking North. Once you go down the steep switchbacks of Donahue Pass, you end up on upper lyell canyon. This magnificent lake at Upper Lyell Canyon is pristine. It was also a windy day and it got quite cold.

The high country of the Sierra Nevada still had snow in late summer. This alpine lake was fed by snowmelt, and the water was cold enough to make my teeth ache.

John Muir Trail, Sierra Nevada, California