Brees Lookout view of Hot Creek & Mammoth Mountain

The image was taken in Mammoth Lakes near the Hot Creek Geological Site from Brees Lookout with a view of Mammoth Mountain. You'll need a car to access this location. Once you reach the Hot Creek Geological Site Parking Lot (37.660429, -118.827860), head north toward Brees Lookout. Then, follow the GPS coordinates and you'll arrive at the spot where I stood, facing southwest, to get this view.

To get the greenery in your shot, visit during the spring and summer months. You can still visit during any time of the year, but in the fall and winter months, the area can be bare and snowy. Road conditions may be snowed in during the winter months depending on weather, so make sure to check if the area is open before heading there.

I shot this at the beginning of sunset and I recommend doing the same if you want to capture ambient light. During midday, the light will be too harsh and the colors won't look as vibrant or dreamy as they do during sunset.

Using a 50mm-200mm focal length will be best to fill the frame nicely and compress the mountains in the background.

A tripod will help you compose your shot as you shoot at greater focal lengths, as well as allow for long exposures.

Framing the creek in the center of the shot while it leads straight into the mountains peak in the background makes for a great composition.

There are many hot springs nearby in Mammoth. Convict Lake, which is great for reflection photos and fishing, is right around the corner and I also recommend checking out Mammoth Ski Resort, which is about 15-20 minutes away.