Mt Whitney is the grandest and tallest peak in the Sierra Nevada and the lower 48.  At 14,497 feet it’s a challenge to climb, even if there is a trail that takes you to the top.  I recall the first time I climbed it at the age of 14.  It was one of the most difficult things I had ever done.

But photographing it at dawn last week was one of the most thrilling things I have ever photographed.  We were treated to a magnificent alpenglow the likes of which I have never seen before.  It looked like the mountain was glowing with a warm light from within.  It stood tall and powerful against the still-dark sky.

Mt Whitney Alpenglow

I’m working on an image taken probably 15 minutes later when the sun first touched the peak.  I’ll share that one with you tomorrow.

For more of my fine art photographs visit my website. http://RalphNordstromPhotography.com.