Home TravelNational Parks Mirror Lake in Yosemite National Park, CA

Mirror Lake in Yosemite National Park, CA

by TerriAnn
Mirror Lake in Fall/Winter of 2012-2013

Mirror Lake in Yosemite National Park in 2012-13 fall/winter…

Mirror Lake in Yosemite National Park is extremely picturesque, as long as there’s plenty of water. These photos were from our trip last December. We were hoping for some snow but the fall-like conditions didn’t disappoint. Look at those colors! And that view of Half Dome!

Mirror Lake in Yosemite National Park in Fall/Winter of 2012-2013

There’s more to do here than just gaze at the scenery, such as hiking along the trails. Make sure you take the right path back or you’ll be in for a REALLY LONG walk back to the shuttle. I felt so bad because I told everyone there was a shortcut but we missed the entrance and ended up trekking for quite a while on rocky terrain. My mom and her husband needed pain pills when we got back. Oops!

Apparently, other visitors found another way to entertain themselves. There were tons of balanced rock stacks. I mean tons! I don’t know if this was started recently or not but it seemed just as respected as the untouched nature around it. That and it was pretty cool.

Mirror Lake in Yosemite National Park in Fall/Winter of 2012-2013 Hiking Mirror Lake in Yosemite National Park in Fall/Winter of 2012-2013 Balanced Rocks Stacks

Frans and I went a tad bit photo crazy. Plus, we took our tripod with us and tried a million different compositions. We wanted to take pictures of so many things but there was no way we could do the natural scenery justice.

Mirror Lake in Yosemite National Park in Fall/Winter of 2012-2013 Dew Drops Mirror Lake in Yosemite National Park in Fall/Winter of 2012-2013 Frosted Leaves

Though it wasn’t cold enough to snow, it was cold enough to form a thin layer of ice on parts of the lake. The way it formed was what impressed us. It was like an intricate web of ice that twisted and turned around the remaining plant life. If you live or have lived in areas with colder climates, this may  normal for you to see. For me, though, it was astonishing!

Mirror Lake in Fall/Winter Yosemite National Park in of 2012-2013 Ice Formations

Mirror Lake in Yosemite National Park in Fall/Winter of 2012-2013 Ice Formation Mirror Lake in Yosemite National Park in Fall/Winter of 2012-2013 Ice Formation

Yosemite never fails to amaze me. No wonder it’s such a revered place of majestic beauty. Yes, I’m kind of sappy and emotional but I can’t help it when I look at these photos again and remember the total peace I felt there. This lake is seasonal but if you ever get to visit Mirror Lake here in the Valley in early spring or late fall, it’s a not-to-miss sight!

Mirror Lake in Yosemite National Park in Fall/Winter of 2012-2013

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13 comments

The Mom Jen March 13, 2013 - 10:08 am

Stunning! The ice shots are incredible!

TerriAnn van Gosliga March 14, 2013 - 9:37 am

Thank you! It was soooo hard to get them since they always looks ‘blah’ in comparison to the real deal.

Jenny @ MyLittleMe March 13, 2013 - 10:47 am

Those are beautiful photos. I love the ice pictures!

TerriAnn van Gosliga March 14, 2013 - 9:37 am

Those seem to be the most popular 😛

Frans van Gosliga March 13, 2013 - 10:21 pm

Could have stayed there forever. The pictures bring back so many memories.

TerriAnn van Gosliga March 14, 2013 - 9:38 am

Wasn’t it so relaxing?!

Lolo March 13, 2013 - 11:12 pm

Yosemite is amazing! We were there when I was little and hope to take Babe there someday!

TerriAnn van Gosliga March 14, 2013 - 9:39 am

Oh, you must!

Kelly @ A Girl Worth Saving March 14, 2013 - 11:24 am

TerriAnn your pictures are amazing! It makes me want to visit.

Ellen Christian March 14, 2013 - 7:01 pm

Wow these are just gorgeous!

erin March 15, 2013 - 5:47 am

I’ve never been to Yosemite. Mirror Lake looked amazing with the ice. I love the balanced rocks.

Nichol March 15, 2013 - 3:35 pm

Beautiful photos, wow. I’d love to visit one day!

Brandy April 23, 2013 - 8:52 am

Gorgeous! NO words can give these pictures justice, thank you for sharing them!

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