Mystery Spot

[balzaccom]

Hmmm. Well, if you're looking south, then it could be SIlver Peak, with Highland in the background...

[SSSdave]

Nope and nope but there is hope. You see guys there are EIGHT...8, yes 8 peaks in the background with topo names!

So get to work with Google Earth and the topo. As one can see the wildlflowers are prime so that is a good clue to the approximate dates and then there is all that snow in the background, another image clue? Another clue is I go a lot of places no others that are rambling along trails or on their ways to some peakbagger summit or on their way to a lake with fish? But rather analysis maps to go unique places with scenic views.

David
http://www.davidsenesac.com/2016_Trip_C ... les-0.html

[balzaccom]

OK...I am trying to learn Google Earth, but I don't have an answer for you. It all looks like Folger and Hiram...but I am beginning to think that all mountains look the same on Google Earth.

[SSSdave]

Hiram and Folger it is. The basin northeast of Hiram is a superb place for an early morning hike from the Highland Lake Campground in early to mid July. But where could I have taken that image from? And what is that peak in the background right frame edge? GE plus a topo using a straightedge will provide those answers.

http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=38.49559,-119.81487&z=13&t=T

Interpreting Google Earth requires experience. Shapes of peaks may not be much like the actual view however the vague outline of ridges and peak points should.

[balzaccom]

Cool! I guess I am up.

So where is this?

[Flamingo]

@ Balzaccom -- That photo looks like the terrain around Sonora Pass, and I think I see Tower Peak in the far distance. Is your photo taken from the northern ridge of Leavitt Peak? Specifically, near the summit of Peak 11845' above McKay Creek -- http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=38.30591,-119.64203&z=15&t=T

[balzaccom]

Nailed it. A relatively easy hike from the road, and a stunning view once you get there! You are GOOD>

And you're up next.

[bigd]

Sorry for the delay. Was on a road trip with the family.

[Flamingo]

OK, this lake has a name, but it's off trail. Where is it?

[SSSdave]

@ Balzaccom -- That photo looks like the terrain around Sonora Pass, and I think I see Tower Peak in the far distance. Is your photo taken from the northern ridge of Leavitt Peak? Specifically, near the summit of Peak 11845' above McKay Creek -- http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=38.30591,-119.64203&z=15&t=T

Yeah I thought that was Tower Peak too and then this was taken on the ridgeline somewhere up there south of the pass. Nice choice for the game B. All that volcanic geology is dark so could not be anywhere further south that is mostly granite or metamorphic. Also like with my pic, all the snowfields were a clue as to viewing direction that meant southward.

Since no one else has piped up on other mysteries in my image, the peak in the distance at frame right is The Dardenelles with its very distinctive shape. Dardenelles Cone is a bit left. Poking up behind the ridge of Hiram peak is Iceberg Peak and Airola Peak. Then off to the left of Hiram at further distance are Bald Peak and Red Peak. Where I set down my tripod will remain a mystery unless someone does the topo work. An example of a great place to camp with exceptional views especially at dawn and dusk, not in a wilderness so no permit needed, that is a minor hike from the road, and utterly pristine without visitors probably for years because no one would have a reason to hike up to it.