Dinkey Lakes Wilderness

All the Beauty and Mosquitos You Could Ask For

When Tim said he wanted to show me his favorite place in the world, the place he considers the most stunning, I was pretty excited. We've been to a lot of incredible places with some take-your-breath-away views. But when we got to Dinkey Lakes Wilderness, I instantly knew why. Beautiful doesn't even begin to describe it.

Dinkey Lakes Wilderness is north east of Fresno, California. It's a mecca for off-roaders, lake lovers, and backcountry exploring. We focused on backcountry hiking, some light off-roading, and dispersed camping.

For me, the hike to take is the Dinkey Lakes Trail. Although we didn't do the full loop this time due to getting a late start on the trail, we will absolutely be returning. The trail was fairly easy to moderate with lots of opportunities to stop to take a breather and one hundred pictures, which I easily did. The lake water was so clear. The wispy clouds in the blue sky contrasting the jagged pine outlines often made me pause and stare. Luckily it was a very quiet day on the trail with few hikers going the opposite direction of us. It was so quiet, so peaceful. I haven't really been anywhere like it.

But then the blood sucking mosquitoes came to life. I don't know about you, but mosquitos love me. Half the time it doesn't matter how much bug spray I have on, whether it's natural oil repellent or deet. Mosquitos always seem to find a way to eat me alive. Although I was covered in my natural repellent and used deet, suspecting we would encounter a large amount of mosquitos, they would not leave me alone. At all. So, we tried anything we could to try to get them away from me; including this lovely wardrobe choice in 80 plus degree weather.

Despite being attacked and being left with mosquito bites throughout my scalp, face, and ears, the hike was still one of the most beautiful ones I've done. The day continued with beauty as the sun made the clouds cotton candy pink and the sky golden yellow before setting.