Mirror Lake: How I Became a Mosquito Buffet (But Got the Shot Anyway)
A tale of early mornings, epic reflections, and why bug spray is your best friend in Yosemite
Picture this: It's 5:30 AM, I'm stumbling through Yosemite Valley in the dark with my camera gear, fueled by nothing but determination and questionable amounts of coffee. My mission? Capture that perfect Mirror Lake reflection shot before the crowds arrive and the wind picks up.
What I got instead was a masterclass in becoming human mosquito bait.
The Good, The Bad, and The Buzzy
Don't get me wrong – Mirror Lake delivered on its promise. As the first golden rays hit Half Dome and reflected perfectly in the still water, I understood why photographers wake up at ungodly hours for this stuff. The silence was broken only by the gentle lapping of water and the occasional... wait, what's that buzzing sound?
Oh. OH NO.
Turns out, dawn at Mirror Lake comes with its own welcoming committee: approximately 47,000 mosquitoes who apparently hadn't eaten since last Tuesday. Within minutes, I went from serene nature photographer to interpretive dancer, swatting and spinning while trying to keep my camera steady.
The irony? Some of my best shots happened during my mosquito dance routine. Nothing says "dynamic composition" like frantically batting away bugs while your camera's on a tripod.
What I Wish I'd Known (So You Don't Make My Mistakes)
Bring Bug Spray. Seriously. Not the cute travel-size bottle – bring the industrial-strength stuff. Your ankles will thank you. I learned this lesson the hard way and spent the next three days looking like I had chicken pox.
Dawn is Magic Hour (But Pack Accordingly) Yes, the early morning light is absolutely worth it. The reflections are pristine, the crowds are nonexistent, and you'll feel like you have Yosemite to yourself. Just remember you'll be hiking back in the dark, so bring a headlamp and layers. It gets surprisingly chilly.
The "Lake" Isn't Always a Lake Plot twist: Mirror Lake is seasonal and sometimes more of a meadow than a lake. Check current conditions before you make the trek. I got lucky with decent water levels, but your mileage may vary depending on the season.
It's Actually a Pretty Easy Hike The 2-mile loop is mostly flat and paved – perfect for hauling camera gear without dying. Even mosquito-dancing me could handle it. Just don't underestimate how much those camera bags weigh at mile 1.5.
The Verdict
Despite becoming a mobile mosquito feast, Mirror Lake earned its spot on my "totally worth it" list. There's something magical about watching Half Dome wake up, reflected perfectly in still water, while you're the only human for miles around (mosquitoes don't count as company, right?).
Just remember: bug spray, headlamp, and maybe practice your swatting technique before you go. Trust me on this one.
Happy trails, and may your adventures be mosquito-free!