More time in Mammoth means more exploration in new parts! While our home base in Mammoth remains Reds Meadow Campground, we took the time to venture along the 395 to some new spots…
- Obsidian Dome – An all-natural dome made of volcanic glass AKA Obsidian right off the 395 in the Inyo National Forest. This area is just beyond Mammoth Lakes, in the general vicinity of June Lake. It was created roughly 600 years ago when lava caused ground water to heat rapidly, evaporate and explode. This natural phenomenon is known as a phreatic eruption. This eruption created a massive pile of obsidian and pumice boulders, and it is quite the place to check out. It looks like you are on another planet…perhaps Mars. Years ago, natives would use these obsidian pieces for weapons and cutting tools. They would trade the naturally occurring rocks for other needed resources. While the area is on a dirt path a couple miles from the paved highway, it is worth visiting.
- Hot Creek Geologic Site – This place is a magical setting along the Eastern Sierras. Here you will see turquoise waters that are created by underground magma coming to the surface and mixing with cool stream waters. This mineral rich water can be up to 200 degrees so DO NOT touch it! The magma at this site lies only three miles below the surface! Depending on when you visit, you may see one of the geyser eruptions that occur sporadically here. If you look carefully, you will see water bubbling all along the stream on any given day. There are only a few places on Earth that have these natural wonders, so if you’re in the area, you should definitely make time for this spot. It creates for stunning photos!
- Hot Creek Fish Hatchery – This is the local trout hatchery that stocks many of the lakes and streams in the surrounding areas each year. Opened in 1941, this is the first warm water hatchery in the state of California. This makes the hot creek stream known as the Blue Forest Service Ribbon Stream, that flows beneath the geological site, one of the best fly-fishing areas in the country. FUN FACT – Much of John Wayne’s movie, True Grit, was filmed here. While hatcheries don’t always have the best reputation, this place is filled with Native browns and Rainbow Trout that you can see up close and personal.
- Mammoth Brewing Company – A little late to the party, but better late than never! This brewery is a fun place to stop. Have a beer, try their non-alcoholic homemade root beer, or eat some food at their lively venue. With frequent live music, lots of cool merch, and a fun vibe, you can’t go wrong here. Located at 18 Lake Mary Road, give this place a try, and see why locals have been loving this spot since 1995.
While this was likely our last time here for the year, we certainly made the most of it. Seeing these new places were eye-opening and enjoying some old spots, like Sotcher Lake, were a blast as usual. We went kayaking with Remington and enjoyed the evening campfires. We will miss the nightly shooting stars, the morning Chipmunk greetings, and the sound of the wind blowing through the trees, but the everlasting memories and photos will hold us over until next time…
Over the mountains and through the woods,
TnT