Milky way over the Painted lady

Painted Lady is situated in Kings Canyon National Park, approximately one mile west of the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, 11.5 miles (18.5 km) west of the community of Independence, and one-half mile north of line parent Mount Rixford. Topographic relief is significant as the north aspect rises 1,580 feet (480 meters) above Rae Lakes in 0.38 miles (0.61 km). Access to the peak is possible via the John Muir Trail which crosses Glen Pass one mile to the southwest of the peak. The first ascent of the summit was made in 1931 by Robert Owen. In this photograph, the milky way raises over the Painted lady.

July night at Rae Lakes, and the Milky Way was in full display, arcing over the Painted Lady peak. I used a long exposure to capture the star trails and the subtle colors of the galactic core.

Rae Lakes, California · 2024