The Ottoway Lakes Loop

These colors are real! The last golden-red light of sunset over Lower Ottoway Lake. Merced Peak is center picture.

Lower Ottoway Lake Alpine-Glow

The Ottoway Lakes Loop, September 2004

The bright golds of sunset slowly turned red, and I began to experience the best alpine-glow sunset I have ever experienced in the Sierra, or anywhere for that matter. It was one of the most phenomenal experiences I ever had in the Sierra. The light got redder and redder, and just when I thought it could not get any redder, the color deepened. There seemed to be no end to the depths of the color. In most places in the Sierra, the alpine-glow would get to a certain point then fade off as the sun became obstructed. There at Lower Ottoway Lake, there was nothing to obstruct the light except the low horizon sloping far below and far away. Light would be on the surrounding peaks far after the lowlands were in twilight. I looked dumfounded as the reds got deeper and deeper, and I kept taking pictures, each time thinking I had caught the reds at their peak.

What struck me at this point of the alpine-glow was how blue the shore rocks looked. To the left of center horizon you can see a darker red peak kind of leaning to the right. The trail travels below that peak and heads left in front of the peak, heading towards Red Peak Pass. Right below that peak is Upper Ottoway Lakes. Merced Peak is on the right.

Adding to the spectacle was the red rocks of the slopes and Red Peak to my left, while the white and cream granite reflected lighter shades of red. The gray rock turned reddish brown in the clear red light, and even the trees took on a color related to red. And all this red glowing beauty was reflected in the mirror waters of Lower Ottoway Lake. It was a phenomenal sight I hope I never forget.

The Lower Ottoway Lake setting and the alpine-glow makes this lake a prime Sierra destination in my opinion, and something not to be missed by the true Sierra lover. It is well worth the effort.