Aaron Vizzini: Ascending the Sierra

These photos depict an ascent of the Sierra Nevada from its beginnings at a few thousand feet to its heights above 14,000 feet. 

Ascending the Sierra from the western side, it begins to take shape as one reaches 4,000 ft, where the foothills give way to mountains. Here, the first landmarks of the Sierra appear: the giant sequoias. It takes a lot for something not to look small when compared to the mountains themselves, but the giant sequoias manage this task. Their lives are measured in millennia, and their height is hundreds of feet. Although their numbers are relatively small, there are no other trees that are more befitting of the Sierra. 

From here onward, one will be surrounded by a wide range of forests, rivers, waterfalls, and granite monoliths. Within the Sierra, nothing of nature feels missing or out of place; the views to admire its work are endless. 

Ascending above 10,000 ft, leaving the forests behind, one will find high alpine meadows, windswept trees, and clear lakes, watched over by tall peaks. 

Beyond 12,000 ft, where even the hardiest forms of life are few, the landscape turns rocky and barren. One can find endless granite works, jagged peaks, and the last of the glaciers finishing their slow work. 

All of this culminates at 14,500 ft, atop Mount Whitney, the summit of the Sierra.