On Aug 23 Michelle and I hiked to the top of Mt Dana in Yosemite, which at 13,075 ft is the second-highest mountain in Yosemite (after Mt Lyell). It is a difficult hike, almost as challenging as Half Dome, in part because of the higher elevation (the entire hike is well above the elevation of the Half Dome summit) and in part because the last half mile or so is on a boulder-and-rock strewn slope, mostly without any discernible trail.
But the view at the top is absolutely magnificent — 360 degrees of stunning vista.
After finishing the Dana hike (6 hours), we drove to another trailhead and did another hike — this time to the top of Mono Pass (10,095). This hike is not too hard (about 8 miles round trip, 1400 ft ascent), but has a beautiful sequence of forests, streams and lakes that is as pretty as anywhere in Yosemite.
Just a few of the photos we took are below. High-resolution versions are available here: DHB photo site.
Lake near Tioga Pass trailhead
Looking down at Dana Meadow
Snow and lots of rocks
DHB and Michelle at the top
Lake near Tioga Pass
Trailhead for hike #2
Meadow with brook
Mono Pass
Mono Lake and Walker Lake
Lake Tenaya