An interesting detour off of Hwy. 203 en route to Mammoth Lakes. By all accounts, this split (10' wide x 6' deep) in the earth's crust is more of a fissure than a fault and, although undated, is probably on the young side (at least 160 years old based on the trees growing in the fissure, per the USFS' website) and associated with the Inyo-Mono craters fault system.
9/7/02 Earthquake Fault.
9/7/02 There's an easy dirt trail from the parking area with guard rails, from which you can peer down into the fissure.
9/7/02
9/7/02
9/7/02 Towering Jeffrey pines and fir trees in the backdrop.
STATS:
Location: Mammoth region, Eastern Sierras
County/State: Mono County, CA
Management: U.S. Forest Service
Closest Town: Mammoth Lakes
Directions: From Hwy. 395, exit Mammoth Lakes (Hwy. 203) and make a left. Take Hwy. 203 (Main St.) to the second stop light and turn right on Minaret Rd. The signed turnoff to Earthquake Fault is up the hill on the right.
Contact Info: Inyo National Forest (USFS), 351 Pacu Lane, Ste. 200, Bishop, CA 93514. Tel (760)873-2400
Amenities: Vault toilet, benches along the viewing trail, picnic tables.
Trail: Short & easy dirt trail around the fissure from the parking area, well shaded by pines & firs.
Pets: Bring Fido - dogs allowed.
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