Stock Photos of California

California Stock Photos by Professional Photographer Phillip Colla. California stock photography.

Breaking wave, fast motion and blur, The Wedge, Newport Beach, California
Breaking wave, fast motion and blur, The Wedge.
Two blue whales, a mother and her calf, swim through the open ocean in this aerial photograph.  The calf is blowing (spouting, exhaling) with a powerful column of spray.  The blue whale is the largest animal ever to live on Earth, Balaenoptera musculus, San Diego, California
Two blue whales, a mother and her calf, swim through the open ocean in this aerial photograph. The calf is blowing (spouting, exhaling) with a powerful column of spray. The blue whale is the largest animal ever to live on Earth.
Half Dome and storm clouds at sunset, viewed from Sentinel Bridge, Yosemite National Park, California
Half Dome and storm clouds at sunset, viewed from Sentinel Bridge.
Breaking wave, Moonlight Beach, Encinitas, morning, barrel shaped surf, California
Breaking wave, Moonlight Beach, Encinitas, morning, barrel shaped surf, California.
Breaking wave, Ponto, South Carlsbad
Breaking wave, Ponto, South Carlsbad.
Brown pelican in flight against pastel-colored sky at sunrise.  The wingspan of the brown pelican is over 7 feet wide. The California race of the brown pelican holds endangered species status.  In winter months, breeding adults assume a dramatic plumage, Pelecanus occidentalis, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus, La Jolla
Brown pelican in flight against pastel-colored sky at sunrise. The wingspan of the brown pelican is over 7 feet wide. The California race of the brown pelican holds endangered species status. In winter months, breeding adults assume a dramatic plumage.
Sunrise glints yellow on breaking wave, dawn surf, The Wedge, Newport Beach, California
Sunrise glints yellow on breaking wave, dawn surf.
Vernal Falls at peak flow in late spring, with a rainbow appearing in the spray of the falls, viewed from the Mist Trail, Yosemite National Park, California
Vernal Falls at peak flow in late spring, with a rainbow appearing in the spray of the falls, viewed from the Mist Trail.
Kelp frond showing pneumatocysts, Macrocystis pyrifera, San Clemente Island
Kelp frond showing pneumatocysts.
A kelp forest, with sunbeams passing through kelp fronds.  Giant kelp, the fastest growing plant on Earth, reaches from the rocky bottom to the ocean's surface like a submarine forest, Macrocystis pyrifera, San Clemente Island
A kelp forest, with sunbeams passing through kelp fronds. Giant kelp, the fastest growing plant on Earth, reaches from the rocky bottom to the ocean's surface like a submarine forest.
Yosemite Valley Tunnel View, Storm clouds at sunset, Yosemite National Park
Yosemite Valley Tunnel View, Storm clouds at sunset, Yosemite National Park.
Yosemite Falls at peak flow in late spring, viewed from Cooks Meadow, Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite Falls at peak flow in late spring, viewed from Cooks Meadow.
Oceanside Pier at dusk, sunset, night.  Oceanside
Oceanside Pier at dusk, sunset, night. Oceanside.
Aspen trees display Eastern Sierra fall colors, Lake Sabrina, Bishop Creek Canyon, Populus tremuloides, Bishop Creek Canyon, Sierra Nevada Mountains
Aspen trees display Eastern Sierra fall colors, Lake Sabrina, Bishop Creek Canyon.
Sunrise breaking wave, dawn surf, The Wedge, Newport Beach, California
Sunrise breaking wave, dawn surf.
Sunrise breaking wave, dawn surf
Sunrise breaking wave, dawn surf.
2006 Mavericks surf contest champion Grant Twiggy Baker of South Africa.  Final round, Mavericks surf contest, February 7, 2006, Half Moon Bay, California
2006 Mavericks surf contest champion Grant Twiggy Baker of South Africa. Final round, Mavericks surf contest, February 7, 2006.
Bristlecone pine displays its characteristic gnarled, twisted form as it rises above the arid, dolomite-rich slopes of the White Mountains at 11000-foot elevation. Patriarch Grove, Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, Pinus longaeva, White Mountains, Inyo National Forest
Bristlecone pine displays its characteristic gnarled, twisted form as it rises above the arid, dolomite-rich slopes of the White Mountains at 11000-foot elevation. Patriarch Grove, Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest.
Yosemite Falls and star trails, at night, viewed from Cook's Meadow, illuminated by the light of the full moon, Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite Falls and star trails, at night, viewed from Cook's Meadow, illuminated by the light of the full moon.
Breaking wave, morning, barrel shaped surf, California
Breaking wave, morning, barrel shaped surf, California.
The Milky Way arches over Half Dome, and the Yosemite High Country, Yosemite National Park
The Milky Way arches over Half Dome, and the Yosemite High Country, Yosemite National Park.
San Diego Bay and Skyline at sunset, viewed from Point Loma, panoramic photograph
San Diego Bay and Skyline at sunset, viewed from Point Loma, panoramic photograph.
Dune Evening Primrose bloom in Anza Borrego Desert State Park, during the 2017 Superbloom, Oenothera deltoides, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Borrego Springs, California
Dune Evening Primrose bloom in Anza Borrego Desert State Park, during the 2017 Superbloom.
Townsley Lake (10396'), a beautiful alpine lake sitting below blue sky, clouds and Fletcher Peak (right), lies amid the Cathedral Range of glacier-sculpted granite peaks in Yosemite's high country, near Vogelsang High Sierra Camp, Yosemite National Park, California
Townsley Lake (10396'), a beautiful alpine lake sitting below blue sky, clouds and Fletcher Peak (right), lies amid the Cathedral Range of glacier-sculpted granite peaks in Yosemite's high country, near Vogelsang High Sierra Camp.
Enormous blue whale, exhaling as it surfaces from a dive, aerial photo.  The blue whale is the largest animal ever to have lived on Earth, exceeding 100' in length and 200 tons in weight, Balaenoptera musculus, Redondo Beach, California
Enormous blue whale, exhaling as it surfaces from a dive, aerial photo. The blue whale is the largest animal ever to have lived on Earth, exceeding 100' in length and 200 tons in weight.
Sky Rock petroglyphs near Bishop, California, sunrise light just touching clouds and the Sierra Nevada. Hidden atop an enormous boulder in the Volcanic Tablelands lies Sky Rock, a set of petroglyphs that face the sky.  These superb examples of native American petroglyph artwork are thought to be Paiute in origin, but little is known about them
Sky Rock petroglyphs near Bishop, California, sunrise light just touching clouds and the Sierra Nevada. Hidden atop an enormous boulder in the Volcanic Tablelands lies Sky Rock, a set of petroglyphs that face the sky. These superb examples of native American petroglyph artwork are thought to be Paiute in origin, but little is known about them.
San Diego city skyline at sunset, showing the buildings of downtown San Diego rising above San Diego Harbor, viewed from Harbor Island.  A panoramic photograph, composite of thirteen separate images
San Diego city skyline at sunset, showing the buildings of downtown San Diego rising above San Diego Harbor, viewed from Harbor Island. A panoramic photograph, composite of thirteen separate images.
Yosemite Falls and rainbow, Half Dome in distance, viewed from the Yosemite Falls trail, spring, Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite Falls and rainbow, Half Dome in distance, viewed from the Yosemite Falls trail, spring.
Approaching sunrise and star trails over the San Diego Downtown City Skyline.  In this 60 minute exposure, stars create trails through the night sky over downtown San Diego
Approaching sunrise and star trails over the San Diego Downtown City Skyline. In this 60 minute exposure, stars create trails through the night sky over downtown San Diego.
Ancient bristlecone pine trees at night, under a clear night sky full of stars, lit by a full moon, near Patriarch Grove, Pinus longaeva, White Mountains, Inyo National Forest
Ancient bristlecone pine trees at night, under a clear night sky full of stars, lit by a full moon, near Patriarch Grove.
Childrens Pool Reef Exposed at Extreme Low Tide, La Jolla, California. Aerial panoramic photograph
Childrens Pool Reef Exposed at Extreme Low Tide, La Jolla, California. Aerial panoramic photograph.
Half Dome and Clouds Rest, Sunset, Yosemite National Park
Half Dome and Clouds Rest, Sunset, Yosemite National Park.
San Diego Bay and Downtown City Skyline at Dawn, spectacular clouds light up over the city. Mount San Miguel in the distance
San Diego Bay and Downtown City Skyline at Dawn, spectacular clouds light up over the city. Mount San Miguel in the distance.
Cathedral Range peaks reflected in the still waters of Townsley Lake at sunrise, Yosemite National Park, California
Cathedral Range peaks reflected in the still waters of Townsley Lake at sunrise.
San Clemente Island Pyramid Head, the distinctive pyramid shaped southern end of the island.  San Clemente Island Pyramid Head, showing geologic terracing, underwater reefs and giant kelp forests
San Clemente Island Pyramid Head, the distinctive pyramid shaped southern end of the island. San Clemente Island Pyramid Head, showing geologic terracing, underwater reefs and giant kelp forests.
Stars and the Milky Way rise above ancient bristlecone pine trees, in the White Mountains at an elevation of 10,000' above sea level.  These are some of the oldest trees in the world, reaching 4000 years in age, Pinus longaeva, Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, White Mountains, Inyo National Forest
Stars and the Milky Way rise above ancient bristlecone pine trees, in the White Mountains at an elevation of 10,000' above sea level. These are some of the oldest trees in the world, reaching 4000 years in age.
Ancient bristlecone pine trees at night, under a clear night sky full of stars, lit by a full moon, near Patriarch Grove, Pinus longaeva, White Mountains, Inyo National Forest
Ancient bristlecone pine trees at night, under a clear night sky full of stars, lit by a full moon, near Patriarch Grove.
Sunset light on Half Dome and Clouds Rest, Yosemite National Park
Sunset light on Half Dome and Clouds Rest, Yosemite National Park.
North Peak (12,242') rises over lower Conness Lake, its water colored deep blue-green by glacier runoff.  Mount Conness (12,589') towers in the upper left.  Hoover Wilderness, Inyo National Forest, Conness Lakes Basin
North Peak (12,242') rises over lower Conness Lake, its water colored deep blue-green by glacier runoff. Mount Conness (12,589') towers in the upper left. Hoover Wilderness, Inyo National Forest.
Parasitic zoanthid anemones cover, encrust and overwhelm a golden gorgonian.  The gorgonian on the left has been completely parasitized by zoanthid anemones, while the gorgonian to the right remains free of zoanthids (for now). A garibaldi swims below the two sea fans. The golden gorgonian is a filter-feeding temperate colonial species that lives on the rocky bottom at depths between 50 to 200 feet deep. Each individual polyp is a distinct animal, together they secrete calcium that forms the structure of the colony. Gorgonians are oriented at right angles to prevailing water currents to capture plankton drifting by, Muricea californica, Parazoanthus lucificum, Savalia lucifica, Macrocystis pyrifera, San Clemente Island
Parasitic zoanthid anemones cover, encrust and overwhelm a golden gorgonian. The gorgonian on the left has been completely parasitized by zoanthid anemones, while the gorgonian to the right remains free of zoanthids (for now). A garibaldi swims below the two sea fans. The golden gorgonian is a filter-feeding temperate colonial species that lives on the rocky bottom at depths between 50 to 200 feet deep. Each individual polyp is a distinct animal, together they secrete calcium that forms the structure of the colony. Gorgonians are oriented at right angles to prevailing water currents to capture plankton drifting by.
The Kelp Forest and Rocky Reef of San Clemente Island. Giant kelp grows rapidly, up to 2' per day, from the rocky reef on the ocean bottom to which it is anchored, toward the ocean surface where it spreads to form a thick canopy. Myriad species of fishes, mammals and invertebrates form a rich community in the kelp forest. Lush forests of kelp are found throughout California's Southern Channel Islands, Macrocystis pyrifera
The Kelp Forest and Rocky Reef of San Clemente Island. Giant kelp grows rapidly, up to 2' per day, from the rocky reef on the ocean bottom to which it is anchored, toward the ocean surface where it spreads to form a thick canopy. Myriad species of fishes, mammals and invertebrates form a rich community in the kelp forest. Lush forests of kelp are found throughout California's Southern Channel Islands.
The Kelp Forest and Rocky Reef of San Clemente Island. Giant kelp grows rapidly, up to 2' per day, from the rocky reef on the ocean bottom to which it is anchored, toward the ocean surface where it spreads to form a thick canopy. Myriad species of fishes, mammals and invertebrates form a rich community in the kelp forest. Lush forests of kelp are found throughout California's Southern Channel Islands, Macrocystis pyrifera
The Kelp Forest and Rocky Reef of San Clemente Island. Giant kelp grows rapidly, up to 2' per day, from the rocky reef on the ocean bottom to which it is anchored, toward the ocean surface where it spreads to form a thick canopy. Myriad species of fishes, mammals and invertebrates form a rich community in the kelp forest. Lush forests of kelp are found throughout California's Southern Channel Islands.
Red gorgonian on rocky reef, below kelp forest, underwater. The red gorgonian is a filter-feeding temperate colonial species that lives on the rocky bottom at depths between 50 to 200 feet deep. Gorgonians are typically oriented at right angles to prevailing water currents to capture plankton drifting by, Leptogorgia chilensis, Lophogorgia chilensis, San Clemente Island
Red gorgonian on rocky reef, below kelp forest, underwater. The red gorgonian is a filter-feeding temperate colonial species that lives on the rocky bottom at depths between 50 to 200 feet deep. Gorgonians are typically oriented at right angles to prevailing water currents to capture plankton drifting by.
Red Gorgonians form a lush colorful garden below a submarine arch, while two scuba divers pass through the opening to the cavern, Leptogorgia chilensis, Lophogorgia chilensis, San Clemente Island
Red Gorgonians form a lush colorful garden below a submarine arch, while two scuba divers pass through the opening to the cavern.
Wildflowers bloom across Carrizo Plains National Monument, during the 2017 Superbloom, Carrizo Plain National Monument, California
Wildflowers bloom across Carrizo Plains National Monument, during the 2017 Superbloom.
Supermoon Eclipse at Moonrise over San Diego, September 27 2015
Supermoon Eclipse at Moonrise over San Diego, September 27 2015.
Cholla cactus, brittlebush, ocotillo and various cacti and wildflowers color the sides of Glorietta Canyon.  Heavy winter rains led to a historic springtime bloom in 2005, carpeting the entire desert in vegetation and color for months, Encelia farinosa, Fouquieria splendens, Opuntia, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Borrego Springs, California
Cholla cactus, brittlebush, ocotillo and various cacti and wildflowers color the sides of Glorietta Canyon. Heavy winter rains led to a historic springtime bloom in 2005, carpeting the entire desert in vegetation and color for months.
Bull elephant seal exits the water to retake his position on the beach.  He shows considerable scarring on his chest and proboscis from many winters fighting other males for territory and rights to a harem of females.  Sandy beach rookery, winter, Central California, Mirounga angustirostris, Piedras Blancas, San Simeon
Bull elephant seal exits the water to retake his position on the beach. He shows considerable scarring on his chest and proboscis from many winters fighting other males for territory and rights to a harem of females. Sandy beach rookery, winter, Central California.
Rainbow and clearing storm clouds, sunrise light on Manly Beacon, Zabriskie Point, Death Valley National Park, California
Rainbow and clearing storm clouds, sunrise light on Manly Beacon, Zabriskie Point, Death Valley National Park, California.
Downtown Los Angeles at night, street lights, buildings light up the night
Downtown Los Angeles at night, street lights, buildings light up the night.
Broken Hill and view to La Jolla, panoramic photograph, from Torrey Pines State Reserve, sunrise, San Diego, California
Broken Hill and view to La Jolla, panoramic photograph, from Torrey Pines State Reserve, sunrise.
The Milky Way at Night over Sky Rock.  Sky Rock petroglyphs near Bishop, California. Hidden atop an enormous boulder in the Volcanic Tablelands lies Sky Rock, a set of petroglyphs that face the sky. These superb examples of native American petroglyph artwork are thought to be Paiute in origin, but little is known about them
The Milky Way at Night over Sky Rock. Sky Rock petroglyphs near Bishop, California. Hidden atop an enormous boulder in the Volcanic Tablelands lies Sky Rock, a set of petroglyphs that face the sky. These superb examples of native American petroglyph artwork are thought to be Paiute in origin, but little is known about them.
Batiquitos Lagoon and Ponto, stormy sunset, aerial panoramic photograph, Carlsbad, California
Batiquitos Lagoon and Ponto, stormy sunset, aerial panoramic photograph.
Mother and calf gray whale, aerial photo, embryonic folds visible on the very young calf, Eschrichtius robustus
Mother and calf gray whale, aerial photo, embryonic folds visible on the very young calf.
Sunrise over The Mount Soledad Cross, a landmark in La Jolla, California. The Mount Soledad Cross is a 29-foot-tall cross erected in 1954. Aerial photo
Sunrise over The Mount Soledad Cross, a landmark in La Jolla, California. The Mount Soledad Cross is a 29-foot-tall cross erected in 1954. Aerial photo.
Emerald Bay Lake Tahoe, aerial panoramic photo of the mouth of the bay, early morning
Emerald Bay Lake Tahoe, aerial panoramic photo of the mouth of the bay, early morning.
South Casa Cove and Childrens Pool sea wall, with tourist crowds at sunset on a low tide, La Jolla
South Casa Cove and Childrens Pool sea wall, with tourist crowds at sunset on a low tide, La Jolla.
San Clemente Island aerial photo, Pyramid Head and Balanced Rock (China Hat) at the southern end of the island.  San Clemente Island Pyramid Head, the distinctive pyramid shaped southern end of the island, exhibits distinctive geologic terracing, underwater reefs and giant kelp forests
San Clemente Island aerial photo, Pyramid Head and Balanced Rock (China Hat) at the southern end of the island. San Clemente Island Pyramid Head, the distinctive pyramid shaped southern end of the island, exhibits distinctive geologic terracing, underwater reefs and giant kelp forests.
Clearing storm clouds over Broken Hill, overlooking La Jolla and the Pacific Ocean, Torrey Pines State Reserve, San Diego, California
Clearing storm clouds over Broken Hill, overlooking La Jolla and the Pacific Ocean, Torrey Pines State Reserve.
Aspen trees cover Bishop Creek Canyon above Aspendel, Populus tremuloides, Bishop Creek Canyon, Sierra Nevada Mountains
Aspen trees cover Bishop Creek Canyon above Aspendel.
San Diego city skyline, dusk, clearing storm clouds
San Diego city skyline, dusk, clearing storm clouds.
Half Dome and sunset clouds, evening, Yosemite National Park, California
Half Dome and sunset clouds, evening.
The OVRO 40 meter Telescope, part of the Owens Valley Radio Observatory located near Big Pine, California, USA. The telescope is used to conduct interferometric observations along with the other telescopes in the observatory, as a Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) station and as a single dish instrument. Its main focus today is on the monitoring of blazars
The OVRO 40 meter Telescope, part of the Owens Valley Radio Observatory located near Big Pine, California, USA. The telescope is used to conduct interferometric observations along with the other telescopes in the observatory, as a Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) station and as a single dish instrument. Its main focus today is on the monitoring of blazars.
El Capitan reflected in Merced River, Yosemite National Park.  Seriously, take a close look, the image as presented here is upside down!
El Capitan reflected in Merced River, Yosemite National Park. Seriously, take a close look, the image as presented here is upside down!.
Torrey Pines seacliffs, rising up to 300 feet above the ocean, stretch from Del Mar to La Jolla.  On the mesa atop the bluffs are found Torrey pine trees, one of the rare species of pines in the world, Torrey Pines State Reserve, San Diego, California
Torrey Pines seacliffs, rising up to 300 feet above the ocean, stretch from Del Mar to La Jolla. On the mesa atop the bluffs are found Torrey pine trees, one of the rare species of pines in the world.
San Diego Coronado Bridge, known locally as the Coronado Bridge, links San Diego with Coronado, California.  The bridge was completed in 1969 and was a toll bridge until 2002.  It is 2.1 miles long and reaches a height of 200 feet above San Diego Bay.  Coronado Island is to the left, and downtown San Diego is to the right in this view looking north
San Diego Coronado Bridge, known locally as the Coronado Bridge, links San Diego with Coronado, California. The bridge was completed in 1969 and was a toll bridge until 2002. It is 2.1 miles long and reaches a height of 200 feet above San Diego Bay. Coronado Island is to the left, and downtown San Diego is to the right in this view looking north.
Bryozoan grows on a red gorgonian on rocky reef, below kelp forest, underwater.  The red gorgonian is a filter-feeding temperate colonial species that lives on the rocky bottom at depths between 50 to 200 feet deep. Gorgonians are oriented at right angles to prevailing water currents to capture plankton drifting by, Leptogorgia chilensis, Lophogorgia chilensis, San Clemente Island
Bryozoan grows on a red gorgonian on rocky reef, below kelp forest, underwater. The red gorgonian is a filter-feeding temperate colonial species that lives on the rocky bottom at depths between 50 to 200 feet deep. Gorgonians are oriented at right angles to prevailing water currents to capture plankton drifting by.
Aerial photo of the West End of Catalina Island
Aerial photo of the West End of Catalina Island.
Breaking wave, morning, barrel shaped surf, California, The Wedge, Newport Beach
Breaking wave, morning, barrel shaped surf, California.
Waves rush in at sunset, Carlsbad beach sunset and ocean waves, seascape, dusk, summer
Waves rush in at sunset, Carlsbad beach sunset and ocean waves, seascape, dusk, summer.
Yosemite Falls reflected in Flooded Sentinel Meadow, when the Merced River floods Yosemite Valley following a winter of historic snowfall in the Sierra Nevada, Yosemite National Park
Yosemite Falls reflected in Flooded Sentinel Meadow, when the Merced River floods Yosemite Valley following a winter of historic snowfall in the Sierra Nevada, Yosemite National Park.
Sunrise at San Clemente Island, south end showing China Hat (Balanced Rock) and Pyramid Head, near Pyramid Cove, storm clouds. Panoramic photo
Sunrise at San Clemente Island, south end showing China Hat (Balanced Rock) and Pyramid Head, near Pyramid Cove, storm clouds. Panoramic photo.
Torrey Pines State Beach at Sunset, La Jolla, Mount Soledad and Blacks Beach in the distance, Torrey Pines State Reserve, San Diego, California
Torrey Pines State Beach at Sunset, La Jolla, Mount Soledad and Blacks Beach in the distance.
Brown pelican in flight.  The wingspan of the brown pelican is over 7 feet wide. The California race of the brown pelican holds endangered species status.  Adult winter non-breeding plumage, Pelecanus occidentalis, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus, La Jolla
Brown pelican in flight. The wingspan of the brown pelican is over 7 feet wide. The California race of the brown pelican holds endangered species status. Adult winter non-breeding plumage.
Hotel del Coronado, known affectionately as the Hotel Del.  It was once the largest hotel in the world, and is one of the few remaining wooden Victorian beach resorts.  It sits on the beach on Coronado Island, seen here with downtown San Diego in the distance.  It is widely considered to be one of Americas most beautiful and classic hotels. Built in 1888, it was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977
Hotel del Coronado, known affectionately as the Hotel Del. It was once the largest hotel in the world, and is one of the few remaining wooden Victorian beach resorts. It sits on the beach on Coronado Island, seen here with downtown San Diego in the distance. It is widely considered to be one of Americas most beautiful and classic hotels. Built in 1888, it was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977.
Vogelsang Peak (11516') at sunset, reflected in a small creek near Vogelsang High Sierra Camp in Yosemite's high country, Yosemite National Park, California
Vogelsang Peak (11516') at sunset, reflected in a small creek near Vogelsang High Sierra Camp in Yosemite's high country.
Mobius Arch in the Alabama Hills, seen here at night with swirling star trails formed in the sky above due to a long time exposure, Alabama Hills Recreational Area
Mobius Arch in the Alabama Hills, seen here at night with swirling star trails formed in the sky above due to a long time exposure.
Sailing stone on the Racetrack Playa. The sliding rocks, or sailing stones, move across the mud flats of the Racetrack Playa, leaving trails behind in the mud. The explanation for their movement is not known with certainty, but many believe wind pushes the rocks over wet and perhaps icy mud in winter, Death Valley National Park, California
Sailing stone on the Racetrack Playa. The sliding rocks, or sailing stones, move across the mud flats of the Racetrack Playa, leaving trails behind in the mud. The explanation for their movement is not known with certainty, but many believe wind pushes the rocks over wet and perhaps icy mud in winter.
Milky Way over Tioga Lake, Yosemite National Park
Milky Way over Tioga Lake, Yosemite National Park.
A large, powerful wave breaks with offshore winds at the Wedge in Newport Beach, The Wedge
A large, powerful wave breaks with offshore winds at the Wedge in Newport Beach.
Quarter Moon over Broken Hill, Torrey Pines State Reserve, San Diego, California
Quarter Moon over Broken Hill, Torrey Pines State Reserve.
Ancient Bristlecone Pine Tree at sunset, panorama, with storm clouds passing over the White Mountains.  The eastern Sierra Nevada is just visible in the distance, Pinus longaeva, Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, White Mountains, Inyo National Forest
Ancient Bristlecone Pine Tree at sunset, panorama, with storm clouds passing over the White Mountains. The eastern Sierra Nevada is just visible in the distance.
Upper Yosemite Falls and lunar rainbow, moonbow. A lunar rainbow (moonbow) can be seen to the left of Yosemite Falls, where the moon illuminates the spray of the falls, Yosemite National Park, California
Upper Yosemite Falls and lunar rainbow, moonbow. A lunar rainbow (moonbow) can be seen to the left of Yosemite Falls, where the moon illuminates the spray of the falls.
Two surfers at sunset, blood red dusk, Encinitas
Two surfers at sunset, blood red dusk, Encinitas.
El Capitan reflection mirrored in the Merced River, Yosemite National Park
El Capitan reflection mirrored in the Merced River, Yosemite National Park.
Mount Conness (12,589') over Lower Conness Lake, Hoover Wilderness, Conness Lakes Basin
Mount Conness (12,589') over Lower Conness Lake, Hoover Wilderness.
Red gorgonian and California golden gorgonian on underwater rocky reef, San Clemente Island. The golden gorgonian is a filter-feeding temperate colonial species that lives on the rocky bottom at depths between 50 to 200 feet deep. Each individual polyp is a distinct animal, together they secrete calcium that forms the structure of the colony. Gorgonians are oriented at right angles to prevailing water currents to capture plankton drifting by, Leptogorgia chilensis, Lophogorgia chilensis, Muricea californica
Red gorgonian and California golden gorgonian on underwater rocky reef, San Clemente Island. The golden gorgonian is a filter-feeding temperate colonial species that lives on the rocky bottom at depths between 50 to 200 feet deep. Each individual polyp is a distinct animal, together they secrete calcium that forms the structure of the colony. Gorgonians are oriented at right angles to prevailing water currents to capture plankton drifting by.
Hospital Point, La Jolla, dawn, sunrise light and approaching storm clouds
Hospital Point, La Jolla, dawn, sunrise light and approaching storm clouds.
La Jolla Sunset
La Jolla Sunset.
Wildflowers bloom across Carrizo Plains National Monument, during the 2017 Superbloom, Carrizo Plain National Monument, California
Wildflowers bloom across Carrizo Plains National Monument, during the 2017 Superbloom.
Black oaks in autumn in Yosemite National Park, fall colors, Quercus kelloggii, Quercus kelloggii
Black oaks in autumn in Yosemite National Park, fall colors, Quercus kelloggii.
Sunset at San Clemente Island, south end showing Pyramid Head. Panoramic photo
Sunset at San Clemente Island, south end showing Pyramid Head. Panoramic photo.
The Botanical Building in Balboa Park, San Diego. The Botanical Building, at 250 feet long by 75 feet wide and 60 feet tall, was the largest wood lath structure in the world when it was built in 1915 for the Panama-California Exposition. The Botanical Building, located on the Prado, west of the Museum of Art, contains about 2,100 permanent tropical plants along with changing seasonal flowers. The Lily Pond, just south of the Botanical Building, is an eloquent example of the use of reflecting pools to enhance architecture. The 193' by 43' foot pond and smaller companion pool were originally referred to as Las Lagunas de las Flores (The Lakes of the Flowers) and were designed as aquatic gardens. The pools contain exotic water lilies and lotus which bloom spring through fall
The Botanical Building in Balboa Park, San Diego. The Botanical Building, at 250 feet long by 75 feet wide and 60 feet tall, was the largest wood lath structure in the world when it was built in 1915 for the Panama-California Exposition. The Botanical Building, located on the Prado, west of the Museum of Art, contains about 2,100 permanent tropical plants along with changing seasonal flowers. The Lily Pond, just south of the Botanical Building, is an eloquent example of the use of reflecting pools to enhance architecture. The 193' by 43' foot pond and smaller companion pool were originally referred to as Las Lagunas de las Flores (The Lakes of the Flowers) and were designed as aquatic gardens. The pools contain exotic water lilies and lotus which bloom spring through fall.
A fiery sunrise explodes over the La Jolla coastline
A fiery sunrise explodes over the La Jolla coastline.
Underwater sand and boulders, Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Underwater sand and boulders, Lake Tahoe, Nevada.
Split view of Trees and Underwater Boulders, Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Split view of Trees and Underwater Boulders, Lake Tahoe, Nevada.
Split view of Trees and Underwater Boulders, Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Split view of Trees and Underwater Boulders, Lake Tahoe, Nevada.
Underwater Light and Sand, Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Underwater Light and Sand, Lake Tahoe, Nevada.
Cormorants and sea lions on Seal Rock, at night, waves lit by full moon, Laguna Beach, California
Cormorants and sea lions on Seal Rock, at night, waves lit by full moon.
Wildflowers bloom across Carrizo Plains National Monument, during the 2017 Superbloom, Carrizo Plain National Monument, California
Wildflowers bloom across Carrizo Plains National Monument, during the 2017 Superbloom.
Del Mar Beach at Sunset, northern San Diego County
Del Mar Beach at Sunset, northern San Diego County.
Crystal Pier, 872 feet long and built in 1925, extends out into the Pacific Ocean from the town of Pacific Beach.  Mission Bay and downtown San Diego are seen in the distance
Crystal Pier, 872 feet long and built in 1925, extends out into the Pacific Ocean from the town of Pacific Beach. Mission Bay and downtown San Diego are seen in the distance.
New Point Loma Lighthouse, situated on the tip of Point Loma Peninsula, marks the entrance to San Diego Bay.  The lighthouse rises 70' and was built in 1891 to replace the "old"  Point Loma Lighthouse which was often shrouded in fog
New Point Loma Lighthouse, situated on the tip of Point Loma Peninsula, marks the entrance to San Diego Bay. The lighthouse rises 70' and was built in 1891 to replace the "old" Point Loma Lighthouse which was often shrouded in fog.
Ancient bristlecone pine tree, rising above the arid, dolomite-rich slopes of the Schulman Grove in the White Mountains at an elevation of 9500 above sea level, along the Methuselah Walk.  The oldest bristlecone pines in the world are found in the Schulman Grove, some of them over 4700 years old. Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, Pinus longaeva, White Mountains, Inyo National Forest
Ancient bristlecone pine tree, rising above the arid, dolomite-rich slopes of the Schulman Grove in the White Mountains at an elevation of 9500 above sea level, along the Methuselah Walk. The oldest bristlecone pines in the world are found in the Schulman Grove, some of them over 4700 years old. Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest.
Eureka Valley Dune Evening Primrose.  A federally endangered plant, Oenothera californica eurekensis is a perennial herb that produces white flowers from April to June. These flowers turn red as they age. The Eureka Dunes evening-primrose is found only in the southern portion of Eureka Valley Sand Dunes system in Indigo County, California, Oenothera californica eurekensis, Oenothera deltoides, Death Valley National Park
Eureka Valley Dune Evening Primrose. A federally endangered plant, Oenothera californica eurekensis is a perennial herb that produces white flowers from April to June. These flowers turn red as they age. The Eureka Dunes evening-primrose is found only in the southern portion of Eureka Valley Sand Dunes system in Indigo County, California.
Giant redwood, Lady Bird Johnson Grove, Redwood National Park.  The coastal redwood, or simply 'redwood', is the tallest tree on Earth, reaching a height of 379' and living 3500 years or more.  It is native to coastal California and the southwestern corner of Oregon within the United States, but most concentrated in Redwood National and State Parks in Northern California, found close to the coast where moisture and soil conditions can support its unique size and growth requirements, Sequoia sempervirens
Giant redwood, Lady Bird Johnson Grove, Redwood National Park. The coastal redwood, or simply 'redwood', is the tallest tree on Earth, reaching a height of 379' and living 3500 years or more. It is native to coastal California and the southwestern corner of Oregon within the United States, but most concentrated in Redwood National and State Parks in Northern California, found close to the coast where moisture and soil conditions can support its unique size and growth requirements.
Mobius Arch at sunrise, with Mount Whitney (the tallest peak in the continental United States), Lone Pine Peak and snow-covered Sierra Nevada Range framed within the arch.  Mobius Arch is a 17-foot-wide natural rock arch in the scenic Alabama Hills Recreational Area near Lone Pine, California
Mobius Arch at sunrise, with Mount Whitney (the tallest peak in the continental United States), Lone Pine Peak and snow-covered Sierra Nevada Range framed within the arch. Mobius Arch is a 17-foot-wide natural rock arch in the scenic Alabama Hills Recreational Area near Lone Pine, California.
Sunrise in Joshua Tree National Park, Yucca brevifolia
Sunrise in Joshua Tree National Park.
Sunset on the Last Chance Mountain Range, seen from Eureka Valley Sand Dunes, Eureka Dunes, Death Valley National Park, California
Sunset on the Last Chance Mountain Range, seen from Eureka Valley Sand Dunes.
Sunset and boulders, Joshua Tree National Park.  Sunset lights the giant boulders and rock formations near Jumbo Rocks in Joshua Tree N.P
Sunset and boulders, Joshua Tree National Park. Sunset lights the giant boulders and rock formations near Jumbo Rocks in Joshua Tree N.P.
Downtown Los Angeles at night, street lights, buildings light up the night
Downtown Los Angeles at night, street lights, buildings light up the night.
San Diego City Skyline at Sunrise
San Diego City Skyline at Sunrise.
Stone Steps Beach at Sunset, Aerial Panorama, Encinitas, California
Stone Steps Beach at Sunset, Aerial Panorama, Encinitas, California.
Surfers at La Jolla Shores Beach, aerial photo
Surfers at La Jolla Shores Beach, aerial photo.
Goldfish Point and La Jolla Caves aerial photograph, La Jolla
Goldfish Point and La Jolla Caves aerial photograph, La Jolla.
Torrey Pines Golf Course over looking Blacks Beach and the Pacific Ocean, south course, summer, afternoon, San Diego, California
Torrey Pines Golf Course over looking Blacks Beach and the Pacific Ocean, south course, summer, afternoon.
Laguna Beach Coastline including Views South to Three Arch Bay, Aerial Photo
Laguna Beach Coastline including Views South to Three Arch Bay, Aerial Photo.
Aerial Photo of Point La Jolla and Scripps Park, La Jolla Coastline
Aerial Photo of Point La Jolla and Scripps Park, La Jolla Coastline.
Broken Hill and view to La Jolla, panoramic photograph, from Torrey Pines State Reserve, sunrise, San Diego, California
Broken Hill and view to La Jolla, panoramic photograph, from Torrey Pines State Reserve, sunrise.
Sunrise Clouds and Surf, Hospital Point, La Jolla
Sunrise Clouds and Surf, Hospital Point, La Jolla.
Roosevelt elk, adult bull male with large antlers.  This bull elk has recently shed the velvet that covers its antlers. While an antler is growing, it is covered with highly vascular skin called velvet, which supplies oxygen and nutrients to the growing bone; once the antler has achieved its full size, the velvet is lost and the antler's bone dies. This dead bone structure is the mature antler, which is itself shed after each mating season. Roosevelt elk grow to 10' and 1300 lb, eating grasses, sedges and various berries, inhabiting the coastal rainforests of the Pacific Northwest, Cervus canadensis roosevelti, Redwood National Park, California
Roosevelt elk, adult bull male with large antlers. This bull elk has recently shed the velvet that covers its antlers. While an antler is growing, it is covered with highly vascular skin called velvet, which supplies oxygen and nutrients to the growing bone; once the antler has achieved its full size, the velvet is lost and the antler's bone dies. This dead bone structure is the mature antler, which is itself shed after each mating season. Roosevelt elk grow to 10' and 1300 lb, eating grasses, sedges and various berries, inhabiting the coastal rainforests of the Pacific Northwest.
Ancient bristlecone pine trees in Patriarch Grove, display characteristic gnarled, twisted form as it rises above the arid, dolomite-rich slopes of the White Mountains at 11000-foot elevation. Patriarch Grove, Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, Pinus longaeva, White Mountains, Inyo National Forest
Ancient bristlecone pine trees in Patriarch Grove, display characteristic gnarled, twisted form as it rises above the arid, dolomite-rich slopes of the White Mountains at 11000-foot elevation. Patriarch Grove, Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest.
Radio telescope antenna, part of the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA). The Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) is a system of ten radio telescopes which are operated remotely from their Array Operations Center located in Socorro, New Mexico, as a part of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO). These ten radio antennas work together as an array that forms the longest system in the world that uses very long baseline interferometry, Big Pine, California
Radio telescope antenna, part of the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA). The Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) is a system of ten radio telescopes which are operated remotely from their Array Operations Center located in Socorro, New Mexico, as a part of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO). These ten radio antennas work together as an array that forms the longest system in the world that uses very long baseline interferometry.
Childrens Pool Reef Exposed at Extreme Low Tide, Aerial View, La Jolla, California. Aerial panoramic photograph
Childrens Pool Reef Exposed at Extreme Low Tide, Aerial View, La Jolla, California. Aerial panoramic photograph.
Half Dome and the Glacier Point Road, Yosemite National Park
Half Dome and the Glacier Point Road, Yosemite National Park.
San Diego Sheraton Hotel on San Diego Bay, at dawn
San Diego Sheraton Hotel on San Diego Bay, at dawn.
Boulders and sunset in Joshua Tree National Park.  The warm sunlight gently lights unusual boulder formations at Jumbo Rocks in Joshua Tree National Park, California
Boulders and sunset in Joshua Tree National Park. The warm sunlight gently lights unusual boulder formations at Jumbo Rocks in Joshua Tree National Park, California.
The Milky Way galaxy arcs above Arch Rock, panoramic photograph, cylindrical projection, Joshua Tree National Park, California
The Milky Way galaxy arcs above Arch Rock, panoramic photograph, cylindrical projection.
Joshua Trees silhouetted against predawn sunrise light, Yucca brevifolia, Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Trees silhouetted against predawn sunrise light.
Racetrack Playa, an ancient lake now dried and covered with dessicated mud, Death Valley National Park, California
Racetrack Playa, an ancient lake now dried and covered with dessicated mud.
Red gorgonian on rocky reef, below kelp forest, underwater.  The red gorgonian is a filter-feeding temperate colonial species that lives on the rocky bottom at depths between 50 to 200 feet deep. Gorgonians are oriented at right angles to prevailing water currents to capture plankton drifting by, Leptogorgia chilensis, Lophogorgia chilensis, San Clemente Island
Red gorgonian on rocky reef, below kelp forest, underwater. The red gorgonian is a filter-feeding temperate colonial species that lives on the rocky bottom at depths between 50 to 200 feet deep. Gorgonians are oriented at right angles to prevailing water currents to capture plankton drifting by.
Kelp fronds and pneumatocysts.  Pneumatocysts, gas-filled bladders, float the kelp plant off the ocean bottom toward the surface and sunlight, where the leaf-like blades and stipes of the kelp plant grow fastest.  Giant kelp can grow up to 2' in a single day given optimal conditions.  Epic submarine forests of kelp grow throughout California's Southern Channel Islands, Macrocystis pyrifera, San Clemente Island
Kelp fronds and pneumatocysts. Pneumatocysts, gas-filled bladders, float the kelp plant off the ocean bottom toward the surface and sunlight, where the leaf-like blades and stipes of the kelp plant grow fastest. Giant kelp can grow up to 2' in a single day given optimal conditions. Epic submarine forests of kelp grow throughout California's Southern Channel Islands.
Eureka Dunes.  The Eureka Valley Sand Dunes are California's tallest sand dunes, and one of the tallest in the United States.  Rising 680' above the floor of the Eureka Valley, the Eureka sand dunes are home to several endangered species, as well as "singing sand" that makes strange sounds when it shifts.  Located in the remote northern portion of Death Valley National Park, the Eureka Dunes see very few visitors
Eureka Dunes. The Eureka Valley Sand Dunes are California's tallest sand dunes, and one of the tallest in the United States. Rising 680' above the floor of the Eureka Valley, the Eureka sand dunes are home to several endangered species, as well as "singing sand" that makes strange sounds when it shifts. Located in the remote northern portion of Death Valley National Park, the Eureka Dunes see very few visitors.
Blue whale, exhaling as it surfaces from a dive, aerial photo.  The blue whale is the largest animal ever to have lived on Earth, exceeding 100' in length and 200 tons in weight, Balaenoptera musculus, Redondo Beach, California
Blue whale, exhaling as it surfaces from a dive, aerial photo. The blue whale is the largest animal ever to have lived on Earth, exceeding 100' in length and 200 tons in weight.
Star trails and Arch Rock. Polaris, the North Star, is at the center of the circular arc star trails as they pass above this natural stone archway in Joshua Tree National Park, Alabama Hills Recreational Area
Star trails and Arch Rock. Polaris, the North Star, is at the center of the circular arc star trails as they pass above this natural stone archway in Joshua Tree National Park.
The Milky Way Galaxy shines in the night sky with a Joshua Tree silhouetted in the foreground, Joshua Tree National Park, California
The Milky Way Galaxy shines in the night sky with a Joshua Tree silhouetted in the foreground.
Joshua Tree National Park, Milky Way and Moon, Shooting Star, Comet Panstarrs, Impending Dawn
Joshua Tree National Park, Milky Way and Moon, Shooting Star, Comet Panstarrs, Impending Dawn.
Live Oak and Milky Way, rocks and stars, Joshua Tree National Park at night
Live Oak and Milky Way, rocks and stars, Joshua Tree National Park at night.
Roosevelt elk, adult bull male with large antlers.  This bull elk has recently shed the velvet that covers its antlers. While an antler is growing, it is covered with highly vascular skin called velvet, which supplies oxygen and nutrients to the growing bone; once the antler has achieved its full size, the velvet is lost and the antler's bone dies. This dead bone structure is the mature antler, which is itself shed after each mating season. Roosevelt elk grow to 10' and 1300 lb, eating grasses, sedges and various berries, inhabiting the coastal rainforests of the Pacific Northwest, Cervus canadensis roosevelti, Redwood National Park, California
Roosevelt elk, adult bull male with large antlers. This bull elk has recently shed the velvet that covers its antlers. While an antler is growing, it is covered with highly vascular skin called velvet, which supplies oxygen and nutrients to the growing bone; once the antler has achieved its full size, the velvet is lost and the antler's bone dies. This dead bone structure is the mature antler, which is itself shed after each mating season. Roosevelt elk grow to 10' and 1300 lb, eating grasses, sedges and various berries, inhabiting the coastal rainforests of the Pacific Northwest.
A sliding rock of the Racetrack Playa.  The sliding rocks, or sailing stones, move across the mud flats of the Racetrack Playa, leaving trails behind in the mud.  The explanation for their movement is not known with certainty, but many believe wind pushes the rocks over wet and perhaps icy mud in winter, Death Valley National Park, California
A sliding rock of the Racetrack Playa. The sliding rocks, or sailing stones, move across the mud flats of the Racetrack Playa, leaving trails behind in the mud. The explanation for their movement is not known with certainty, but many believe wind pushes the rocks over wet and perhaps icy mud in winter.
Paraglider soaring at Torrey Pines Gliderport, sunset, flying over the Pacific Ocean, La Jolla, California
Paraglider soaring at Torrey Pines Gliderport, sunset, flying over the Pacific Ocean.
Waves rush in at sunset, Carlsbad beach sunset and ocean waves, seascape, dusk, summer
Waves rush in at sunset, Carlsbad beach sunset and ocean waves, seascape, dusk, summer.
Del Mar Beach at Sunset, northern San Diego County
Del Mar Beach at Sunset, northern San Diego County.
Sunset light on the face of Half Dome, Yosemite National Park
Sunset light on the face of Half Dome, Yosemite National Park.
The Grizzly Giant Sequoia Tree in Yosemite. Giant sequoia trees (Sequoiadendron giganteum), roots spreading outward at the base of each massive tree, rise from the shaded forest floor. Mariposa Grove, Yosemite National Park
The Grizzly Giant Sequoia Tree in Yosemite. Giant sequoia trees (Sequoiadendron giganteum), roots spreading outward at the base of each massive tree, rise from the shaded forest floor. Mariposa Grove, Yosemite National Park.
Sunlight and sand ripples, Sand Harbor, Lake Tahoe, Sand Harbor State Park
Sunlight and sand ripples, Sand Harbor, Lake Tahoe.
Greenstone Lake and North Peak, Hoover Wilderness, 20 Lakes Basin
Greenstone Lake and North Peak, Hoover Wilderness.
Black oaks in autumn in Yosemite National Park, fall colors, Quercus kelloggii, Quercus kelloggii
Black oaks in autumn in Yosemite National Park, fall colors, Quercus kelloggii.
Milky Way over Ancient Bristlecone Pine Trees, Inyo National Forest, Pinus longaeva, Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, White Mountains, Inyo National Forest
Milky Way over Ancient Bristlecone Pine Trees, Inyo National Forest.