In the Sierra Nevada Mountains within the Ansel Adams Wilderness lies the large alpine lake, Thousand Island Lake at 9,833 ft (2,997 m). The mountains here can create there own weather, clouds form often on summer afternoons to create wonderful sunsets.

Thousand Island Lake is along the Pacific Crest Trail and John Muir Trail. A stop along two very popular trails. The area has been nicknamed Thousand People Lake at times with many illegal camping and camp fires mostly by new beginner backpackers.