Tenaya Lake was named after Chief Tenaya- chief of the Southern Miwok tribe that lived in the Yosemite Valley during the 1800’s. It is the largest and most beautiful lake in the Yosemite Region. The lake extends a mile long and offers a two and one half mile loop, should you chose to walk around it.The surface of the lake lies at an elevation of 8150 ft., yet offers level trails with no elevation for those interested in exerted little effort in their hike.
From the wide sandy beach you can view climbers scale the bare walls of the surrounding granite domes, relax while viewing the pristine lake, or enjoy a feast on a nearby picnic table. If your interest lies in photography the Tenaya Lake area offers plenty of opportunities. Possibly, you would like to follow one of the trails that will lead you to numerous gardens adorned in colorful wildflowers. Remember, just because the flowers are colorful doesn’t mean you can’t photograph them in black and white. The use of filters will enhance the drama of the lines and patterns found in nature. While meandering through the gardens listen for the several small brooks that will treat you along the way.
I chose this location to capture the grandeur and beauty of Tenaya Lake. The dark boulder in the foreground creates depth and acts as a scale for the mountains in the background. It also leads your eye across the lake to the granite domes and interesting sky in the distnace.
My hope is that while you view this image you will be touched by the same peacefulness I felt while exposing it.
Enjoy-