Explore Fossil Falls, a unique geological feature
In an effort to find all the interesting things to do off Highway 395 in California, I stumbled across Fossil Falls, a unique geological feature that was formed when a river was forced to divert it’s course over a lava flow, polishing and reshaping the rock into unique shapes and forms.
This is a short 0.02 mile flat hike to get to the lookout, and the view is well worth the stop.
Getting there:
This is probably best visited as part of a road trip traveling on Highway 395. The location is in the middle of nowhere, but it’s an easy stop if you’re heading north from Los Angeles to Lone Pine (Mt. Whitney), Mammoth, or Death Valley. From the 395 there’s a sign to turnoff and see the falls. From there you drive about one mile on a dirt road (sedans are okay as long as it isn’t snowing or raining). There’s a parking lot with a clearly marked trailhead and a bathroom.
Google Maps: Fossil Falls Trailhead
As you walk down the trails you can see all the scenery has turned to massive almost black volcanic boulders everywhere. We went in November when a storm was closing in so there were really cool clouds in the sky. Lucky for us we reached the car just before it began hailing.
You can see below the interesting rock shapes that formed from the lava flow. The short walk takes you to the top of the flow looking down into the canyon it creates. You can wander all along the edges without rails or any obstructions, but definitely watch your stop if you go in for a closer look to take photos, it’s along way down!
Fossil Falls in general is not very well known so most likely you’ll have the place to yourself. I love discovering these hidden gems throughout California and beyond. Let me know what you think, and if you know of any other interesting places under the radar in the comments below.
To see the full list of things to do, view my blog post
