On 27 August 2022, my parents and I spent a day in Stanislaus National Forest in California. We drove on State Route 4 and visited some of the side roads along the highway. We went to Hells Kitchen Overlook, Spicer Meadow Reservoir, Elephant Rock Lake, Union Reservoir, Utica Reservoir, Slick Rock Jeep Trail Trailhead, Lake Alpine, Mosquito Lake, and Ebbetts Pass. I took photos with my phone and with my mirrorless camera. I hope you enjoy viewing my photos!
Parts: Cellphone Photos | Mirrorless Photos
These photos were shot on my cellphone. The photos are from Hells Kitchen Overlook, Elephant Rock Lake, Union Reservoir, Utica Reservoir, Slick Rock Jeep Trail Trailhead, Lake Alpine, Mosquito Lake, and near Ebbetts Peak.
A scenery photo from Hells Kitchen Overlook. This overlook is located on the side of State Route 4.
I almost always drop by Hells Kitchen Overlook when I head into Stanislaus National Forest on State Route 4.
Scenery photos of Elephant Rock Lake.
Travel Tip: This lake is accessible via a dirt road. The road condition is very good, and most vehicles should be able to access this, but unless you have a vehicle with high clearance and all terrain tires, I'd recommend you drive slowly. You don't want to be stuck in the forest with a punctured tire!
A panorama of Elephant Rock Lake.
A panorama of Union Reservoir.
Travel Tip: This reservoir is also only accessible via a dirt road. Same tips as the first tip I've wrote.
Scenery photos of Union Reservoir.
A scenery photo of Utica Reservoir.
Travel Tip: The road to Spicer Meadow Reservoir is paved. If you want to visit Elephant Rock Lake, Union Reservoir, and Utica Reservoir, the stuff I wrote in my first tip will still be my recommendation. I recommend you plan extra time for visiting these areas as it isn't recommended you drive very fast. We were driving around 15 MPH to 20 MPH between these destinations.
A scenery photo from Slick Rock Jeep Trail Trailhead. Photo shot on Forest Route 7N17.
Funny story. I thought I found a short cut to Lake Alpine from Utica Reservoir despite Google Maps continuing to tell us to U-turn and take the long route. It did end up recalculating once we reached the trailhead parking lot though. Unfortunately we had to make that U-turn anyways as our 2006 Honda Pilot is not going to make it on the Slick Rock Trail. 😂 The area looks like it will be nice for some off trail hiking and rock climbing, so my family will probably be back sooner or later once my dads leg recovers.
A scenery photo of Lake Alpine from Marmot Day Use Alternative Beach.
A scenery photo from Mosquito Lake. This lake is on the side of State Route 4.
At first the lake didn't look like much. I was a little disappointed I even made it as one of the stops on our day trip.
A scenery photo of cabins on the side of Mosquito Lake.
Then as we drove a bit further down State Route 4, I saw the cabins. The cabins made the stop worth it. This was probably one of the best photos I shot on this day trip.
A scenery photo of cabins on the side of Mosquito Lake.
The lighting, and the position of the cabins right next to the lake was so beautiful! One of the best landscapes I have ever seen on my many years of travel and photography.
A sunset scenery photo of Ebbetts Peak. Photo was shot near Ebbetts Pass near State Route 4.
Travel Tip: The hiking trail up to the top of Ebbetts Peak is fenced off. You can still get some nice photos and panoramic views even with the partial hike (up to the fence) though.
This is all the photos for today. I hope you have enjoyed viewing the photos! Please don't forget to share the blog post with your friends and family members! Also, if you want to get notifications when I post up more photos, "Like" us on Facebook or follow me on Twitter and Instagram. These links can also be found on the top of the right sidebar.
Parts: Cellphone Photos | Mirrorless Photos
