{mosimage}The name is kind of a misnomer as there is neither falling water nor fossils at Fossil Falls. A drying climate eliminated much of the water hundreds of years ago, but the final blow occurred when the Owens River, which used to flow over the falls, was hijacked to provide water for Los Angeles, much to the heartache of Owens Valley residents. But that’s a story of its own.
Fossil Falls, which is situated between Ridgecrest and Owens Lake off Highway 395, was created when lava from a volcano blocked the path of the Owens River, and the river began pouring over the lava. After thousands of years, the river sculpted and polished the rocks you see today.
Exploring the Falls
{mosimage}From the Fossil Falls day-use parking area, a short hiking trail leads a half-mile to the falls. Good walking shoes are recommended, as the ground is uneven and rocky in places. If you are hiking with young children, take their hand as you near the edge of the falls, as there are sheer drop-offs and no railings. When you reach the falls, spend a few minutes admiring the rock sculptures in front of you and the chasm below. Now you have the choice of climbing down the falls and getting close and personal with the rock formations or continuing along the top of the canyon and viewing them from afar. If you are the more adventurous type, the cracks in the vertical basalt lava columns provide “finger friendly” routes for rock climbing, and anchor bolts provide areas to attach climbing ropes.
Other interesting geological formations visible on your visit include Red Hill and a streak of obsidian in the hills to the east. Today cone-shaped Red Hill, which you will drive by on your way into the falls, serves as a quarry for volcanic rocks. The hill is mined for a porous rock called scoria. Scoria formed when molten lava erupted through a volcanic vent in the earth’s crust and cooled very quickly. Scoria is used for a number of commercial purposes. Needless to say, scoria is a very noticeable red color. The mile-long black scar on the dome-shaped hill to the east is a seam of volcanic glass known as obsidian. Obsidian was widely used by Native Americans to manufacture tools such as knives, scrapers and arrowheads.
Camping Available
{mosimage}Fossil Falls has a Bureau of Land Management campground. There are 11 spaces, many of them large enough to accommodate big RVs. Campsites are $6 per night with a 14-day limit. Campsites include a fire ring, grill and picnic table. A pit toilet is nearby. A hand pump for potable water is also available. The nearest RV dump station is about six miles north of Fossil Falls on U. S. Highway 395 at the Coso Rest Area.
Fossil Falls makes a great spot to take a break from your RV travels during the day. If you are lucky enough to end your day in the campground, be ready for a special treat. On a still, moonless night, Fossil Falls can become a stargazer’s dream. The skies are clear, the airspace is restricted, due to the proximity of nearby China Lake Air Force Base, and the stars and planets shine brilliantly, especially from October through mid-May when the desert winds are less likely to blow sand into the sky.
Dave Helgeson and his wife promote RV and manufactured home shows in Western Washington. They spend their free time traveling and enjoying the RV lifestyle.
IF YOU GO
Fossil Falls is located on the east side of Highway 395, about halfway between Owens Lake and Ridgecrest, just north of Little Lake. If you are approaching from the south on Highway 395, you’ll see a large red cinder cone volcano next to the highway. As you get closer to the volcano, watch for a little sign that says “Fossil Falls.” Turn right onto Cinder Road. If you pass the volcano, you’ve gone too far. If you are navigating by GPS, turn east off of Hwy 395 at 35 58.635’ N 117 55.323’ W onto Cinder Road, which is unpaved, and head east to the day-use parking area. The road is bumpy, but not overly long and shouldn’t present any problems to RVs if you take it slow.
You will pass the campground on the way to the day-use area. The day-use area has enough room to turn larger RVs around. Late fall, winter and early spring are the best times to visit Fossil Falls.
For more information, contact the Ridgecrest Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management, 300 S. Richmond Road, Ridgecrest, CA 93555. Phone (760) 384-5400. The Web site is www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/ridgecrest.html.
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