Sierra Nevada Photos

Sierra Nevada Stock Photos by Professional Photographer Phillip Colla. Sierra Nevada stock photography.

Sierra Nevada stock photos and fine art prints, landscapes of California's Spectacular Sierra Nevada

Half Dome and storm clouds at sunset, viewed from Sentinel Bridge.
Half Dome and storm clouds at sunset, viewed from Sentinel Bridge.
Vernal Falls at peak flow in late spring, with a rainbow appearing in the spray of the falls. Yosemite National Park.
Vernal Falls at peak flow in late spring, with a rainbow appearing in the spray of the falls. Yosemite National Park.
Yosemite Valley Tunnel View, Storm clouds at sunset, Yosemite National Park
Yosemite Valley Tunnel View, Storm clouds at sunset, Yosemite National Park
Lembert Dome and late afternoon clouds rise above Tuolumne Meadows in the High Sierra, catching the fading light of sunset.
Lembert Dome and late afternoon clouds rise above Tuolumne Meadows in the High Sierra, catching the fading light of sunset.
Aspen trees display Eastern Sierra fall colors, Lake Sabrina, Bishop Creek Canyon.
Aspen trees display Eastern Sierra fall colors, Lake Sabrina, Bishop Creek Canyon.
The Milky Way arches over Half Dome, and the Yosemite High Country, Yosemite National Park
The Milky Way arches over Half Dome, and the Yosemite High Country, Yosemite National Park
The Milky Way at Night over Sky Rock, panorama, spherical projection.  Sky Rock petroglyphs near Bishop, California. Hidden atop an enormous boulder in the Volcanic Tablelands lies Sky Rock, a set of petroglyphs that face the sky. These superb examples of native American petroglyph artwork are thought to be Paiute in origin, but little is known about them.
The Milky Way at Night over Sky Rock, panorama, spherical projection. Sky Rock petroglyphs near Bishop, California. Hidden atop an enormous boulder in the Volcanic Tablelands lies Sky Rock, a set of petroglyphs that face the sky. These superb examples of native American petroglyph artwork are thought to be Paiute in origin, but little is known about them.
Townsley Lake (10396'), a beautiful alpine lake sitting below blue sky, clouds and Fletcher Peak (right), lies amid the Cathedral Range of glacier-sculpted granite peaks in Yosemite's high country, near Vogelsang High Sierra Camp.
Townsley Lake (10396'), a beautiful alpine lake sitting below blue sky, clouds and Fletcher Peak (right), lies amid the Cathedral Range of glacier-sculpted granite peaks in Yosemite's high country, near Vogelsang High Sierra Camp.
Sky Rock Petroglyphs at Dawn, Volcanic Tablelands, Bishop, California.
Sky Rock Petroglyphs at Dawn, Volcanic Tablelands, Bishop, California.
Half Dome and Clouds Rest, Sunset, Yosemite National Park
Half Dome and Clouds Rest, Sunset, Yosemite National Park
Cathedral Range peaks reflected in the still waters of Townsley Lake at sunrise, high country near Vogelsang High Sierra Camp, Yosemite National Park.
Cathedral Range peaks reflected in the still waters of Townsley Lake at sunrise, high country near Vogelsang High Sierra Camp, Yosemite National Park.
Sand Harbor Lake Tahoe at sunset, aerial photo
Sand Harbor Lake Tahoe at sunset, aerial photo
Emerald Bay Lake Tahoe, aerial panoramic photo of the mouth of the bay, early morning
Emerald Bay Lake Tahoe, aerial panoramic photo of the mouth of the bay, early morning
North Peak (12,242') rises over lower Conness Lake, its water colored deep blue-green by glacier runoff.  Mount Conness (12,589') towers in the upper left.  Hoover Wilderness, Inyo National Forest
North Peak (12,242') rises over lower Conness Lake, its water colored deep blue-green by glacier runoff. Mount Conness (12,589') towers in the upper left. Hoover Wilderness, Inyo National Forest
Sunset light on Half Dome and Clouds Rest, Yosemite National Park
Sunset light on Half Dome and Clouds Rest, Yosemite National Park
Mount Whitney and Lone Pine Peak over the Alabama Hills
Mount Whitney and Lone Pine Peak over the Alabama Hills
Half Dome and sunset clouds, evening.
Half Dome and sunset clouds, evening.
Aspen trees cover Bishop Creek Canyon above Aspendel.
Aspen trees cover Bishop Creek Canyon above Aspendel.
Milky Way over Tioga Lake, Yosemite National Park
Milky Way over Tioga Lake, Yosemite National Park
Star Trails over Sky Rock. Sky Rock petroglyphs near Bishop, California. Hidden atop an enormous boulder in the Volcanic Tablelands lies Sky Rock, a set of petroglyphs that face the sky. These superb examples of native American petroglyph artwork are thought to be Paiute in origin, but little is known about them.
Star Trails over Sky Rock. Sky Rock petroglyphs near Bishop, California. Hidden atop an enormous boulder in the Volcanic Tablelands lies Sky Rock, a set of petroglyphs that face the sky. These superb examples of native American petroglyph artwork are thought to be Paiute in origin, but little is known about them.
Mobius Arch in the Alabama Hills, seen here at night with swirling star trails formed in the sky above due to a long time exposure.
Mobius Arch in the Alabama Hills, seen here at night with swirling star trails formed in the sky above due to a long time exposure.
Mobius Arch at sunrise, with Mount Whitney (the tallest peak in the continental United States), Lone Pine Peak and snow-covered Sierra Nevada Range framed within the arch.  Mobius Arch is a 17-foot-wide natural rock arch in the scenic Alabama Hills Recreational Area near Lone Pine, California.
Mobius Arch at sunrise, with Mount Whitney (the tallest peak in the continental United States), Lone Pine Peak and snow-covered Sierra Nevada Range framed within the arch. Mobius Arch is a 17-foot-wide natural rock arch in the scenic Alabama Hills Recreational Area near Lone Pine, California.
El Capitan reflection mirrored in the Merced River, Yosemite National Park
El Capitan reflection mirrored in the Merced River, Yosemite National Park
Underwater Light and Sand, Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Underwater Light and Sand, Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Lupine bloom in burned area after a forest fire, near Wawona, Yosemite National Park
Lupine bloom in burned area after a forest fire, near Wawona, Yosemite National Park
Underwater sand and boulders, Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Underwater sand and boulders, Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Mount Conness (12,589') over Lower Conness Lake, Hoover Wilderness
Mount Conness (12,589') over Lower Conness Lake, Hoover Wilderness
Split view of Trees and Underwater Boulders, Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Split view of Trees and Underwater Boulders, Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Split view of Trees and Underwater Boulders, Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Split view of Trees and Underwater Boulders, Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Tufa and clouds reflected in the still waters of Mono Lake.
Tufa and clouds reflected in the still waters of Mono Lake.
Half Dome and the Glacier Point Road, Yosemite National Park
Half Dome and the Glacier Point Road, Yosemite National Park
Sky Rock at night, light by moonlight with stars in the clear night sky above.  Sky Rock petroglyphs near Bishop, California. Hidden atop an enormous boulder in the Volcanic Tablelands lies Sky Rock, a set of petroglyphs that face the sky. These superb examples of native American petroglyph artwork are thought to be Paiute in origin, but little is known about them.
Sky Rock at night, light by moonlight with stars in the clear night sky above. Sky Rock petroglyphs near Bishop, California. Hidden atop an enormous boulder in the Volcanic Tablelands lies Sky Rock, a set of petroglyphs that face the sky. These superb examples of native American petroglyph artwork are thought to be Paiute in origin, but little is known about them.
Sunset light on the face of Half Dome, Yosemite National Park
Sunset light on the face of Half Dome, Yosemite National Park
El Capitan and the Merced River, early morning, Yosemite National Park
El Capitan and the Merced River, early morning, Yosemite National Park
Sun pillar rises over the Sierra Nevada and this Mono Lake sunset, Sierra Nevada mountain range and tufas, clouds reflected in the still waters of Mono Lake.
Sun pillar rises over the Sierra Nevada and this Mono Lake sunset, Sierra Nevada mountain range and tufas, clouds reflected in the still waters of Mono Lake.
The Grizzly Giant Sequoia Tree in Yosemite. Giant sequoia trees (Sequoiadendron giganteum), roots spreading outward at the base of each massive tree, rise from the shaded forest floor. Mariposa Grove, Yosemite National Park.
The Grizzly Giant Sequoia Tree in Yosemite. Giant sequoia trees (Sequoiadendron giganteum), roots spreading outward at the base of each massive tree, rise from the shaded forest floor. Mariposa Grove, Yosemite National Park.
Sunlight and sand ripples, Sand Harbor, Lake Tahoe
Sunlight and sand ripples, Sand Harbor, Lake Tahoe
Rainbow in Bridalveil Falls, Yosemite National Park
Rainbow in Bridalveil Falls, Yosemite National Park
Greenstone Lake and North Peak, Hoover Wilderness
Greenstone Lake and North Peak, Hoover Wilderness
Boulders underwater, Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Boulders underwater, Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Three Brothers and Merced River in spring, Yosemite National Park
Three Brothers and Merced River in spring, Yosemite National Park
Panorama of Bear Creek Spire over Long Lake at Sunrise, Little Lakes Valley, John Muir Wilderness, Inyo National Forest
Panorama of Bear Creek Spire over Long Lake at Sunrise, Little Lakes Valley, John Muir Wilderness, Inyo National Forest
Milky Way over Tenaya Lake, Polly Dome (left), Tenaya Peak (center), Yosemite National Park
Milky Way over Tenaya Lake, Polly Dome (left), Tenaya Peak (center), Yosemite National Park
Tufa and Stars at Night, Milky Way galaxy
Tufa and Stars at Night, Milky Way galaxy
Panorama of Vogelsang basin, surrounding Vogelsang Lake in Yosemite's High Sierra, viewed from near Vogelsang Pass (10685').
Panorama of Vogelsang basin, surrounding Vogelsang Lake in Yosemite's High Sierra, viewed from near Vogelsang Pass (10685').
Aspen trees display Eastern Sierra fall colors, Lake Sabrina, Bishop Creek Canyon.
Aspen trees display Eastern Sierra fall colors, Lake Sabrina, Bishop Creek Canyon.
Mammoth Peak over Tuolumne Meadows, Tioga Pass, Yosemite National Park
Mammoth Peak over Tuolumne Meadows, Tioga Pass, Yosemite National Park
Half Dome reflected in the Merced River
Half Dome reflected in the Merced River
Mount Whitney and Lone Pine Peak are framed by Lathe Arch in the Alabama Hills at sunrise, California.
Mount Whitney and Lone Pine Peak are framed by Lathe Arch in the Alabama Hills at sunrise, California.
Star trails appear over Yosemite Falls in this 40 minute time exposure, Yosemite Valley, California.
Star trails appear over Yosemite Falls in this 40 minute time exposure, Yosemite Valley, California.
Mount Conness and North Peak over middle Conness Lake, Hoover Wilderness
Mount Conness and North Peak over middle Conness Lake, Hoover Wilderness
Meadow and Sierra Nevada peak Bear Creek Spire at sunrise, Little Lakes Valley, John Muir Wilderness, Inyo National Forest
Meadow and Sierra Nevada peak Bear Creek Spire at sunrise, Little Lakes Valley, John Muir Wilderness, Inyo National Forest
Thunderstorm Forming over Half Dome and the Yosemite High Country, from Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park
Thunderstorm Forming over Half Dome and the Yosemite High Country, from Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park
The Milky Way at Night over Sky Rock.  Sky Rock petroglyphs near Bishop, California. Hidden atop an enormous boulder in the Volcanic Tablelands lies Sky Rock, a set of petroglyphs that face the sky. These superb examples of native American petroglyph artwork are thought to be Paiute in origin, but little is known about them.
The Milky Way at Night over Sky Rock. Sky Rock petroglyphs near Bishop, California. Hidden atop an enormous boulder in the Volcanic Tablelands lies Sky Rock, a set of petroglyphs that face the sky. These superb examples of native American petroglyph artwork are thought to be Paiute in origin, but little is known about them.
Cathedral Rocks at sunrise, reflected in a spring meadow flooded by the Merced River.
Cathedral Rocks at sunrise, reflected in a spring meadow flooded by the Merced River.
Mammoth Peak (12,117') reflected in small tarn pond at sunrise, viewed from meadows near Tioga Pass.
Mammoth Peak (12,117') reflected in small tarn pond at sunrise, viewed from meadows near Tioga Pass.
A giant sequoia tree soars skyward from the forest floor.  Sequoiadendron giganteum. Mariposa Grove, Yosemite National Park.
A giant sequoia tree soars skyward from the forest floor. Sequoiadendron giganteum. Mariposa Grove, Yosemite National Park.
Unicorn Peak at sunset, seen from Tuolumne Meadows.  Cockscomb Peak rises in the distance.
Unicorn Peak at sunset, seen from Tuolumne Meadows. Cockscomb Peak rises in the distance.
Mammoth Peak over Tuolumne Meadows, Tioga Pass, Yosemite National Park
Mammoth Peak over Tuolumne Meadows, Tioga Pass, Yosemite National Park
Fletcher Peak is reflected in Vogelsang Lake at sunset viewed from near summit of Vogelsang Peak.
Fletcher Peak is reflected in Vogelsang Lake at sunset viewed from near summit of Vogelsang Peak.
Panoramic view of the Cathedral Range from the summit of Vogelsang Peak (11500').  The shadow of Vogelsang Peak can be seen in the middle of the picture, Yosemite National Park, California.
Panoramic view of the Cathedral Range from the summit of Vogelsang Peak (11500'). The shadow of Vogelsang Peak can be seen in the middle of the picture, Yosemite National Park, California.
Mountain dogwood, or Pacific dogwood, blooming in spring in Yosemite Valley
Mountain dogwood, or Pacific dogwood, blooming in spring in Yosemite Valley
Panorama of Box Lake, morning, Little Lakes Valley, John Muir Wilderness, Inyo National Forest
Panorama of Box Lake, morning, Little Lakes Valley, John Muir Wilderness, Inyo National Forest
Panoramic view of Half Dome at sunset, Tenaya Canyon and Yosemite High Country, Yosemite National Park
Panoramic view of Half Dome at sunset, Tenaya Canyon and Yosemite High Country, Yosemite National Park
Devil's Postpile, a spectacular example of columnar basalt.  Once molten and under great pressure underground, the lava that makes up Devil's Postpile cooled evenly and slowly, contracting and fracturing into polygonal-sided columns.  The age of the formation is estimated between 100 and 700 thousand years old.  Sometime after the basalt columns formed, a glacier passed over the formation, cutting and polishing the tops of the columns.  The columns have from three to seven sides, varying because of differences in how quickly portions of the lava cooled.
Devil's Postpile, a spectacular example of columnar basalt. Once molten and under great pressure underground, the lava that makes up Devil's Postpile cooled evenly and slowly, contracting and fracturing into polygonal-sided columns. The age of the formation is estimated between 100 and 700 thousand years old. Sometime after the basalt columns formed, a glacier passed over the formation, cutting and polishing the tops of the columns. The columns have from three to seven sides, varying because of differences in how quickly portions of the lava cooled.
Mammoth Peak over Tuolumne Meadows, Tioga Pass, Yosemite National Park
Mammoth Peak over Tuolumne Meadows, Tioga Pass, Yosemite National Park
Merced River and Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park
Merced River and Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park
Black Oaks below El Capitan, Quercus kelloggii, El Capitan meadow, Yosemite Valley
Black Oaks below El Capitan, Quercus kelloggii, El Capitan meadow, Yosemite Valley
Black Oaks below El Capitan, Quercus kelloggii, El Capitan meadow, Yosemite Valley
Black Oaks below El Capitan, Quercus kelloggii, El Capitan meadow, Yosemite Valley
Mount Whitney, this highest point in the contiguous United States (14,505').
Mount Whitney, this highest point in the contiguous United States (14,505').
View from Summit of Mount Hoffmann, Ten Lakes Basin at lower left, looking northeast toward remote northern reaches of Yosemite National Park, panorama
View from Summit of Mount Hoffmann, Ten Lakes Basin at lower left, looking northeast toward remote northern reaches of Yosemite National Park, panorama
Nameless Lake (10709') surrounded by glacier-sculpted granite peaks of the Cathedral Range, Yosemite National Park, California.
Nameless Lake (10709') surrounded by glacier-sculpted granite peaks of the Cathedral Range, Yosemite National Park, California.
Convict Lake sunrise reflection, Sierra Nevada mountains.
Convict Lake sunrise reflection, Sierra Nevada mountains.
First View of Conness Lakes Basin with Mount Conness (12589' center) and North Peak (12242', right), Hoover Wilderness
First View of Conness Lakes Basin with Mount Conness (12589' center) and North Peak (12242', right), Hoover Wilderness
Sierra Nevada mountains and aspen trees, fall colors reflected in the still waters of North Lake.
Sierra Nevada mountains and aspen trees, fall colors reflected in the still waters of North Lake.
Sage brush and aspen trees, autumn, in the shade of Bishop Creek Canyon in the Sierra Nevada.
Sage brush and aspen trees, autumn, in the shade of Bishop Creek Canyon in the Sierra Nevada.
Aspen trees and Sierra Nevada peak, autumn.
Aspen trees and Sierra Nevada peak, autumn.
Tenaya Lake in Yosemite National Park's high country, with Pywiack Dome, Medlicott Dome and Mount Conness in the distance.
Tenaya Lake in Yosemite National Park's high country, with Pywiack Dome, Medlicott Dome and Mount Conness in the distance.
Tufa towers rise from Mono Lake, with the Eastern Sierra visible in the distance. Tufa towers are formed when underwater springs rich in calcium mix with lakewater rich in carbonates, forming calcium carbonate (limestone) structures below the surface of the lake. The towers were eventually revealed when the water level in the lake was lowered starting in 1941
Tufa towers rise from Mono Lake, with the Eastern Sierra visible in the distance. Tufa towers are formed when underwater springs rich in calcium mix with lakewater rich in carbonates, forming calcium carbonate (limestone) structures below the surface of the lake. The towers were eventually revealed when the water level in the lake was lowered starting in 1941
Dana Fork of the Tuolumne River, near Tioga Pass.
Dana Fork of the Tuolumne River, near Tioga Pass.
Mammoth Peak, stones, pond and meadow, Tuolumne Meadows.
Mammoth Peak, stones, pond and meadow, Tuolumne Meadows.
Trees cling to the granite surroundings of Olmsted Point.
Trees cling to the granite surroundings of Olmsted Point.
Hanging Basket Lake (10601'), with Fletcher Peak (11410') rising above on the right, panoramic view.
Hanging Basket Lake (10601'), with Fletcher Peak (11410') rising above on the right, panoramic view.
Tufa towers rise from Mono Lake.  Tufa towers are formed when underwater springs rich in calcium mix with lakewater rich in carbonates, forming calcium carbonate (limestone) structures below the surface of the lake.  The towers were eventually revealed when the water level in the lake was lowered starting in 1941.  South tufa grove, Navy Beach.
Tufa towers rise from Mono Lake. Tufa towers are formed when underwater springs rich in calcium mix with lakewater rich in carbonates, forming calcium carbonate (limestone) structures below the surface of the lake. The towers were eventually revealed when the water level in the lake was lowered starting in 1941. South tufa grove, Navy Beach.