A one-time favorite of renowned naturalist John Muir and oft-cited inspiration for photographer and conservationist Ansel Adams, the aptly named Ansel Adams Wilderness is home to one of California's more stunning landscapes. Dotted with sparkling lakes and granite peaks, the area offers many dramatic take on the spectacular high alpine landscape nestled between Yosemite National Park and Mammoth Lakes.
Inspired to escape the city and spend a night under the stars my brother and I weighed the many options and decided to make the trek to Garnet Lake, a serene, blue paradise set in the shadow of the 13,000-foot mass of Banner Peak and framed by ridges of granite and lodgepole pines.