Devil's Postpile National Monument - Ranger Station

Devil's Postpile National Monument - Ranger Station, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

The Ranger Station at Devil's Postpile National Monument. You can buy souvenirs here (I got some magnets and a keychain...and, of course, postcards).

Lower Falls Trail - San Joaquin River

Lower Falls Trail - San Joaquin River, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

The San Joaquin River flows along the Lower Falls Trail.

Rainbow Falls Trail - Coyote Mint

Rainbow Falls Trail - Coyote Mint, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Several wildflowers were in bloom on the trail, including this Coyote Mint. I also spotted some Scarlet Gilia, Monkeyflower and Pretty Faces on the trail.

Rainbow Falls Trail

Rainbow Falls Trail, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

The trail to Rainbow Falls goes through pine forest and through a burn area. It is about 1.3 miles one way to the falls from the Rainbow Falls trailhead (you can take a longer hike from Devil's Postpile to Rainbow Falls as well). At the 2nd viewpoint of the falls, there is a side trail that takes you to Lower Falls. I had just about made it to Lower Falls, when I got caught in a downpour and got drenched, so I didn't quite make it there. I should have brought an umbrella!

Rainbow Falls Trail - Burn Area

Rainbow Falls Trail - Burn Area, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Remnants of the 1992 Rainbow Fire. The Rainbow Fire was caused by a lightning strike about 3 miles south from here. The fire was fueled by strong winds and drought conditions, and destroyed 8000 acres of the forest. The undergrowth is coming back, and, as you can see, new trees are sprouting up.

Rainbow Falls Trail - Golden Mantled Ground Squirrel

Rainbow Falls Trail - Golden Mantled Ground Squirrel, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

This little guy was busy, busy scurrying about near the waterfall.

Rainbow Falls Trail - Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls Trail - Rainbow Falls (6), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

With the sound of thunder in the distance, I made it to Rainbow Falls...about 15 minutes later, down the trail to Lower Falls, I got drenched by a passing thunderstorm...BRR!

Rock Creek - looking back @ the thunderstorm

Little Lakes Valley Trail - 7/15/10

Little Lakes Valley - what a view!! It's so PRETTY!

Little Lakes Valley trail - 7/15/10

Little Lakes Valley trail - top o' the hill

Little Lakes Valley trail - 7/15/10

Little Lakes Valley - yay!! 7/15/10

Tent @ Devil's Postpile campground :-)

Devil's Postpile Ntl Monument - 7/15/10

The Minarets - Mammoth Lakes, CA - 7/15/10

Alpine Shooting Stars @ Devil's Postpile - 7/15/10

Southern Pacific Rattlesnake - Montana de Oro - 7/5/10

smsprattler2, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Morro Bay - 7/5/10

IMG_4330, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Morro Bay - 7/5/10

IMG_4331, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Pelican - Morro Bay

smpelican1, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Pelican - Morro Bay

smpelican4, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Pelican - Morro Bay

smpelican5, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Alabama Hills and The Eastern Sierras - 7/2/10

Alabama Hills and The Eastern Sierras, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

I always love going to the Alabama Hills. I love the contrast of the reddish rocks of the Alabama Hills with the greyish color of the Eastern Sierras in the background. Makes for some really beautiful scenery (and photos!)

Heart Arch - Alabama Hills

Heart Arch - Alabama Hills (2), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

This is called the Heart Arch, because it looks like, well, a heart ♥

Alabama Hills - Lathe Arch

Alabama Hills - Lathe Arch, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

If you don't look closely, you could totally miss this arch. It blends in with the rocks.

Alabama Hills - Lathe Arch

Alabama Hills - Lathe Arch (2), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Alabama Hills - Lathe Arch

Alabama Hills - Lathe Arch (8), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Alabama Hills - Lathe Arch - 7/2/10

Alabama Hills - Lathe Arch (10), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Alabama Hills - Mobius Arch

Alabama Hills - Mobius Arch (3), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

the "other" side of the arch

Alabama Hills - Mobius Arch - 7/2/10

Alabama Hills - Mobius Arch (4), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Alabama Hills - Mobius Arch - 7/2/10

Alabama Hills - Mobius Arch (8), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Ancient Bristelcone Pine Forest - 7/2/10

IMG_4241, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Ancient Bristelcone Pine Forest - Discovery Trail - 7/2/10

IMG_4235, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

A view of the Eastern Sierras as seen from the White Mountains at the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest.

Bristlecone Pine Tree Pinecone

IMG_4250, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Ancient Bristelcone Pine Forest - Discovery Trail - 7/2/10

IMG_4229, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Bristlecone Pine Tree

IMG_4238, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

I just love the twisty, weathered looks of these ancient trees

Bristlecone Pine Tree

IMG_4240, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

White Mountains - Panamint Beardtongue

White Mountains - Panamint Beardtongue, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Rock Creek - Shooting Star - 7/2/10

Rock Creek - Shooting Star, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Rock Creek - Columbine - 7/2/10

Rock Creek - Columbine, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

White Mountains - Smoky Mariposa Lily - 7/2/10

White Mountains - Smoky Mariposa Lily (11), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Rock Creek - Sierra Rein Orchid - 7/2/10

Rock Creek - Sierra Rein Orchid (4), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Lone Pine Film History Museum - 7/2/10

Discovery Trail @ the Bristlecone Pine Forest - 7/2/10

The sierras as seen from the Discovery Trail @ Bristlecone Pine Forest

Another arch @ Alabama Hills

Arch @ the Alabama Hills

Bristlecone Pine Tree - 7/2/10