While Mammoth Lakes can be viewed narrowly as a popular ski resort for many Californians, I look at it more broadly as a huge part of the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountain range. Created by tectonic plate movement and subsequent volcanic activity, this region offers an incredible variety of scenery and outdoor activities.
Visiting near the end of September, our weather was generally nice, but it can snow at the higher elevations. Driving above the 9000 foot level, we were excited to encounter snow squalls. And the Fall colors were pretty nice, too.
Earthquakes are quite common in this area, and one fault was particularly evident.
Of course, glaciers did a number on these granite mountains, shaping and moving boulders, carving out lake beds and polishing mountain tops. Also, volcano craters can be seen all around.
More evidence of geothermal activity can be found in the abundant hot springs that created Hot Creek. I think it is off limits now, but back then it was a popular swimming hole for locals and tourists.
In 1989, a large number of small earthquakes occurred in the Long Valley Caldera. Afterward, trees began to die. It was determined that high concentrations of CO2 being emitted from below was the cause. More than 100 acres of trees have died, and humans can also be impacted by prolonged breathing of the gas.
Many of the craters hold water from rain or snow, making toxic pools.
