Grizzly Lake [2015]

For those of us familiar with the Californian wilderness, we often associate granite mountains and pristine lakes with Yosemite or Tahoe. In the oft-overlooked Trinity Alps Wilderness, however, a brilliant glacial lake called Grizzly Lake impresses all visitors. It is just as charming as its eastern counterparts. This was a perfect spot for my first backpacking trip.

Jul 2015

© Kevin Yao, 2026

Morning glow. There was a fire here recently and our makeshift campsite was quite dry. — Morning glow. There was a fire here recently and our makeshift campsite was quite dry. (1 of 8)

Once we hiked further in, fireweed dominated the hillside. — Once we hiked further in, fireweed dominated the hillside. (2 of 8)

Pure water. A sneak peek of what's to come. — Pure water. A sneak peek of what's to come. (3 of 8)

Before we get to main attraction, the trail wound through a patch of forest. — Before we get to main attraction, the trail wound through a patch of forest. (4 of 8)

Grizzly Fall. The flow was low at the end of summer, but still quite unique how it just spurts out of the granite wall. — Grizzly Fall. The flow was low at the end of summer, but still quite unique how it just spurts out of the granite wall. (5 of 8)

Three layers of blue, deep enough for a lake monster. — Three layers of blue, deep enough for a lake monster. (6 of 8)

The lake was sparkling under the sun, perfectly capturing the summer vibes. — The lake was sparkling under the sun, perfectly capturing the summer vibes. (7 of 8)

These yellow flowers were sprinkled beach-side. — These yellow flowers were sprinkled beach-side. (8 of 8)

Once we hiked further in, fireweed dominated the hillside.

Pure water. A sneak peek of what's to come.