Fossil Falls
A dry waterfall carved by the ancient Owens River into basalt lava during the Ice Age, its black rock worn smooth.
Fossil Falls lies about 70 km south of Lone Pine, near a small lake. During the Ice Age, when the Owens River carried plenty of water, it carved a dry waterfall about 12 m deep and a series of potholes into the basalt lava flows left by volcanic eruptions. The river has since dried up, leaving smooth black rock channels. It is about an 800 m walk from the parking area. Climbing on the rocks requires care, as there are no railings. Admission is free, and it is often visited on the way along a road trip north or south.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Owens Lake
- Horseshoe Meadows Road
- Cerro Gordo Ghost Town
- Eastern Sierra Interagency Visitor Center
- Museum of Western Film History
- Movie Road & Film Locations
- Alabama Hills
- Mobius Arch