When travelling along Highway 395 towards Death Valley, we stopped at the dry lava flow of Fossil Falls. Having been here on previous road trips, we knew what to expect, but more exploring was needed. The last time we visited, Harvey had been with us, so we were limited as to what we were able to do.
The massive lava bed is visible from the highway, and the turnoff, although signposted, is easy to miss.
The one-mile graded, unpaved road, is manageable for any vehicle to drive.
On arrival at the trailhead, we gathered our cameras and day pack, used the facilities and went to explore.
Hiking to the Dry Falls
From the parking area, you will see the trail. It is not a far or treacherous walk and very easy to follow.
The landscape of jagged lava rocks spread out as far as the eye can see and conceal the old river channel quite well.
Looming behind you on the trail is the large cinder cone where an aggregates company operates at the base.
It is an impressive sight to see and realise how much power it had to change the look of this landscape.
The Falls
The path eventually brings you to the edge of the old river bed, and the falls still evade detection. It’s not until you are right on them that you get a sense of the scale. Wow, what a view!
The power of the water churning against the lava rocks has polished them and created unique formations. Pockets formed in places where the water swirled around and left behind small pools. If you climb down, you see the mazelike channels carved out making for some spectacular scenery.
There are many spots to walk around along the top to get different angles of the tiered falls. We took photos of both sides. This is one of those places where you wish you could see the water flowing; it must have been gorgeous.
What Caused Fossil Falls?
The dark lava called basalt is a result of many volcanic eruptions from the Coso Mountain range dating back to over 440,000 years. Lakes formed from melting glaciers, one of which was the ancient Owens Lake.
It was the Owens River that cascaded over the basalt, carving and smoothing it before tumbling into the river channel.
This once 40-ft high waterfall is now dry, and the landscape barren. But twelve thousand years ago, it was a different story. Lakes filled the many basins, and trees lined their shores. Birds flocked to the waters, and other animals depended on these oases for their survival.
With the abundance of plants and wildlife, it was an excellent place for the Native Americans to call home. Artefacts have been discovered dating 12,000 to 3,000 years ago.
Why Are Fossil Falls Dry?
After the glaciers melted, over millenniums, the waters receded. In 1913, the water from the Owens River was diverted to “feed” the ever-growing population of Los Angeles. By 1926, the lake was dry, leaving a giant dust bowl causing the largest single source of dust pollution in the United States.
What Do We Think?
Fossil Falls is a great spot to stop and visit, and there is even a campsite. We have been here twice, and both times the parking lot was empty, and we didn’t see anyone camping.
There is a large pump at the side of the road, which is still in use and is the water supply for the campsite.
We saw a signpost for Little Lake Lookout, so continued along the dirt road. The lake is pretty much dry, and there is an off-road section that continues. Due to the recent rains, the muddy road was only passable in a 4×4, so we decided to return to the highway.
We highly recommend a visit here. Bring your camera, some walking shoes and enjoy this very different attraction.
FOSSIL FALLS IN A NUTSHELL
- Off of Highway 395 North of Little Lake, South of Coso Junction rest area – signposted
- Take Cinder Road – turn right onto Fossil Falls Access Road to the trailhead
- One-mile unpaved road suitable for 2WD
- A large dirt parking area
- Toilet and picnic table
- Large map and information board
- A 0.2-mile hike to falls
- No shade on the trail
- Take plenty of water
- Wear suitable footwear – the path is uneven with sharp rocks, and the rocks are slippery at the falls.
- Keep children close – it is easy to fall
- Not suitable for dogs
- Day use – free
- Campground about 11 sites – 4 suitable for RV’s $6 per night
- Fire ring, grill, picnic table
- Pit toilet
- Hand-operated water pump
location map
- This is a great stop if you are driving to Death Valley.
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