If mountains could keep a record of the past, the John Muir Wilderness near Bishop, California, would have plenty to share. Its valleys, lakes and granite formations reveal a history shaped over millions of years. Established in 1964, this vast protected area spans more than 2,630 square kilometres of the Sierra Nevada and is named after naturalist John Muir. Today, parts of the Pacific Crest Trail and John Muir Trail pass through the area, drawing hikers into one of the largest high-elevation wilderness regions in the contiguous United States.

Not far from Bishop, Marie Lake sits at an elevation of about 3,215 metres and is often reached by backpackers crossing Selden Pass. Its clear water reflects the surrounding granite, creating one of the most photographed spots along the trail. Life at these elevations is adapted to a brief growing season. Whitebark and lodgepole pines grow across the landscape, while marmots, golden trout, Clark's nutcrackers, black bears, pikas and California bighorn sheep remain part of the ecosystem.