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    Fossil Falls

    4.6 (49 reviews)
    Open 6:00 am - 6:00 AM (Next day)

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    Fossil Falls, CA

    We enjoyed our short visit and hike to Fossil Falls. Just a quick 1-2 miles off the road on the way to Bishop. RVers beware: it is a dirt road and not rv friendly. If you are towing do not take the exit and attempt this. We ended up unhooking our tow vehicle and driving down the dirt road in our Jeep. It was a bit stressful, however the experience was worth it and we enjoyed the unique rock formations and the view.

    440,000 year old volcanic rock
    Emma J.

    Yes! Perfect stop along the 395 to break up the drive & see some trippy geological history. Fossil Falls is a string of crazy rock formations made 440,000 years ago through a period of very active volcanism & melting glacial ice. Ancient Native American tribes also had a thriving community here about 12,000 years ago, so keep your eyes peeled for some obsidian flakes & metates. The Yelp address is accurate, and there's a sizable parking lot right at the trailhead. It's a short & mostly easy walk to the dry falls & back. We stayed less than an hour, but there's also primitive campsites available for $5 with restrooms & water. We dropped in around New Years - it's chilly so wear a jacket! You'll want to climb the rocks a bit too, so skip the sandals & wear something sturdier. **TIP FOR THE ANIMAL LOVER** The landscape looks pretty barren, but keep an eye out for tiny cute squirrels and huge fast jackrabbits.

    Rachel M.

    My husband and I decided to stop by after seeing the Fossil Falls sign on highway 395 during past Mammoth road trips. There are no waterfalls, but they were around thousands of years ago. There's cool rock formations from old volcanos that looked so different from the typical California landscape. From the parking lot, you don't have to walk too far to see the volcanic rocks or what's left of the river and waterfalls. Although it's not a must see nature landmark, it's cool if you want a quick rest stop when you are road tripping.

    Amanda C.

    If you're headed up to Bishop and it's still daylight, rather than stopping at the bland rest stop a couple of miles up ahead, visit Fossil Falls. There's a good-sized parking lot, a pit toilet (bring your own wet wipes and antibacterial gel for hand washing), and beautiful views in every direction. If you have the time to go on a very short hike, you'll be rewarded by seeing some amazing lava formations. I've seen lots of people mention how clear the trails are marked and that might be the case if you're someone with hiking experience. As a nearsighted middle-aged lady whose hiking experience consists mainly of glorified walks, I had about 80% confidence I was on the trail heading to the falls but when I turned around to head back to the parking lot, I couldn't find the trail at all. It was as if all signs of it had vanished. At that point, I started imagining myself falling into a ravine and having to saw off a limb with a pocket knife like the guy from that movie or having search and rescue find my body ten feet from my vehicle and then winning a Darwin Award. Obviously I did find my way back to the parking lot but I wanted to mention this so no one gets overconfident and bounds off into a lava field with improper shoes, no water, etc. The road leading to the Falls did become dirt/gravel but it was well maintained and my Jeep had no issues with it though I think a lower vehicle would have been fine as well. I was the only person there when I arrived and when I left there was a couple pulling up in a truck so it's a very quiet, serene, low traffic spot. I'd definitely recommend checking out Fossil Falls to anyone headed up or down highway 395.

    We were here 4 years ago on our way to Mammoth, and it is a hidden gem. We couldn't remember where it was exactly and found a small sign leading us to it. Glad we could stop by on our way home. "The Fossil Falls is a unique geological feature, located in the Coso Range of California in the United States. Volcanic activity in the mountain range, along with meltwater from glaciers in the nearby Sierra Nevada, played a role in the creation of the falls. They are located near the community of Little Lake, 1.0 mi (1.6 km) off US 395 (at a red cinder cone called "Red Hill") on Cinder Road to Red Hill, with signs to Fossil Falls.[3][4" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fossil_Falls

    Paul L.

    As you drive north on Highway 395, west of Ridgecrest, you will pass a sign as you reach Little Lake: Fossil Falls. The first time I saw that sign, it stayed in my mind because it conjured up so many images. What could it be? On another occasion -- when I did have the time to turn off onto the dirt road that leads to the site -- I eagerly made the short hike through the rough landscape to a scene that looked liked a graveyard of dinosaur bones. I arrived at Fossil Falls. It is a wondrous little place that is made for play. It's a lot of fun to climb on this blackened volcanic stone that was formed over 20,000 years ago. The discharge from what was once a robust lake (that is now desert) flowed into and against the stone then worked its magic like a giant blender to mold the myriad shapes that we see now. Some hollowed out stone sections would make great hot tubs if anyone had the courtesy to bring a lot of hot water. Further down this landscape, the stone field drops off suddenly into a true dry falls that could serve as a playground for mountain climbers wanting to test their hand strength in a show of rope-less bravado. East of here is the China Lake Naval Facility and on it grounds are the Coso Range Petroglyphs. That landscape connects like a ribbon to Fossil Falls (although you'll get into serious trouble if you venture on to that government facility without permission). Fossil Falls is a worthwhile diversion when driving on Highway 395 and it can often be the best part of the journey as I almost always seem to stop there.

    Sign @ the parking lot
    Tanja N.

    A very unique stop. As you drive on Hwy 395 pay attention to the cinder cone aka Cinder Hill, once you're really close you will notice turn for the falls. I found sign to be properly displayed and visible on both sides of the hwy. After the short ride you will arrive to the parking lot with a restroom. At the end of the parking lot there is an info about the area itself and the creation of the falls. To sum it up..basalt lava from the volcanic field and cinder hill (you passed by on your turn towards the falls) during the eruption between 4,000 and 10,000 years ago mixed with some water from the river passing through the valley formed these gorgeous polished rocks of extinguished shape. Due to the shape they were named fossil, and due to some water that sometimes can be seen slowly flowing they were named fossil falls. Anyway, 10 min walk on a marked path (look for yellow markings, somewhat washed out) and to your right you'll notice shine black stones. We walked around for 10-15 min and decided to climb down. It wasn't very hard since rocks were dry, but still wouldn't recommend it if you have any joint issues. I'm happy we got to visit them, I found it to be very distinct geological feature.

    Aliesa P.

    This place is a must see if you're passing by on 395! Very cool to see what the volcanoes created during prehistoric times. Beautiful place and easy hike.

    Kody S.

    Great historic stop along the 395. The rock formations are mind blowing. Also, the hike is easy and you would enjoy the scenery. Be mindful, the road is not paved, so you must drive very slow to prevent any damage to your vehicle. Safe Travels!

    Mo S.

    I have passed this place about a million times on my day trips to Mt. Whitney, but never stopped. The name always caught my attention for the simple fact that I have a "thing" for fossils, so I immediately had visions of trilobites and ferns in my head..you wont find either here. My first impression was that the name was a bit of a misnomer until I realized the "falls" are the fossil. Regardless, it is worth exploring. Otherworldly. That is how I will describe this place. Otherworldly. In this place where molten earth met water to create these beautiful formations, one gets the sense of being on another planet. Which suits me just fine since I always felt I was plopped down on the wrong planet anyways. We attempted to climb to the bottom of the falls, but it became too precarious in some places, and considering we were alone, and the remote nature of this location, we opted to not take the risk. I had a flash of having to sever my own foot in an attempt to free myself from some narrow crevice. Or a slip and fall of about 50 feet. No thanks. Watch your steps... A misstep here could get you seriously injured... Or worse.. If you are into fantastic geologic formations, you will love this place, and for the most part it should not take you much longer than a couple of hours to explore. But it is well worth it.. Wear appropriate foot gear with good grip if you plan on climbing down the falls. Even though the falls are dry, it is slippery in places. Flip flops wont cut it here... Closed toe and heel is the order of the day...

    Giving it some scale.
    Christine A.

    Hate to break a 5-star streak, but I will speak of Fossil Falls from the perspective of a mildly acrophobic amateur hiker who wore the wrong shoes on her visit. Indeed, Fossil Falls is a geek-out for your inner geologist. There are thousands upon thousands of rocks, the result of lava flow. Most of which appear basaltic, smooth and vesicular. As mentioned, I wore the wrong shoes (we were on our way to other things north and stopped by for a short visit). My shoes had no tread whatsoever and I just wasn't feeling up to walking out to the edge of these dried-up falls, with their really smooth and slick eroded-by-water-for-thousands-of-years surfaces and looking down onto the hundreds of sharp and jagged rocks below. While on the plus side there's no chains or boundaries and you can pretty much wander where you want, I'll just say a polite no thanks for now. It's free to park and wander. The trail to the falls is fraught with mild boulder-hopping.

    Parking area and bathrooms right where the trail to the falls begin.10/15 minute walk. No strollers. Dirt path w/ small boulders
    Dark Slide Paranormal M.

    After you make that first turn off the 395, your less than 15 minutes from the actual parking Area. Once you reach the fork in the road at the volcano...go RIGHT! Left is opposite the falls. But still pretty. I took the 1st left before the 2nd sign and drove around a few camp spots. Then up over a hill where i passed the 1st bathrooms, made a right to pass up the green water pump (hand pump) and followed up to the left where i came upon the parking area and the 2nd bathrooms. Yeah...10 15 mins on the dirt path. Beautiful drive. I wouldn't take a stroller if you have kids...make them walk or you will be carrying it most of the way and back lol. . It's not far to the falls from the parking area, about a 10 to 15 minutes more. There are small boulders less than a foot high to walk over. No step hills or climbing required either. Just small boulders and jagged parts. Easier with hiking boots. There are bathrooms and picnic tables and a couple fire pits. You can camp for 6 bucks all around the area at designated spots. There are so many rock formations but one major fall area with deep formations ( that I know is accessible from this parking area) Lots if places to bike ride on dirt but not to the falls. If you like natural rock formations, your about an 1.5 hours from the Trona Pinnacles. Opposite in design but all by Mother Nature herself. Highly recommended. Instead of looking down into caverns, your looking from the ground up at tall castles in the sky made of rocks...crazy rocks. Looks like the moon or mars. And they are white instead of black. Fossil Falls is beautiful!

    Jasmine L.

    Dog friendly! No Pokestops. (Couldn't even get a cell signal out here) Interesting place, fun to see all the rocks. Small parking lot, short dirt road that leads to it but we were able to make it no problem with a Honda Accord. We didn't go out too far as the ground was a bit rocky and it was really hot for our greyhound, I would have liked to go out further. Good stop if you're driving on Hwy 395. Wear good shoes, very rocky. Outhouse style bathroom on property close to parking lot.

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Fossil Falls

    Review Highlights - Fossil Falls

    It is about 2 miles from the highway, down a dirt road, and another mile or so walk to the falls.

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    Rainbow Basin Natural Area

    Rainbow Basin Natural Area

    4.7(3 reviews)
    29.8 mi

    I've a bit of the wanderlust running through me, and it's getting stronger with each day passing…read more To try and negate some of this growing restlessness, I thought perhaps reviewing one of my past adventures would help to calm the stormy seas inside of me before I go insane. I have a dirty past. Quite literally. I am one of very few chicks that dug dirt and rocks from a very tender age (mind the bad pun). And they continue to excite me even after a decade away from school. There's hardly anything more exciting than hiking to gods know where for some geologic/paleontologic mindjob. Was that TMI? Oops, my bad. But, please, don't go anywhere! Allow me to share one of my fondest geology trips with you. I loved my majour in college. What's not to love about a study that allows you to spend more than half of your collegiate time outdoors, rain or shine? I was never much one for classroom settings. Don't let the geeky exterior fool you. I'm the type to bring a laptop out into the wild unknown to play my video games. ^_- Whoever said you can't have it all? All that's missing is a wonderful companion to share it all with. My Spring Fieldtrip assignment was to map Rainbow Basin, outside of Barstow, California. I believe the area we had to map was about 3 square miles, up and down peaks and in and out of valleys. 9 glorious days did we spend out there. Rainbow Basin is a gorgeous stretch of land. If you haven't been there yet, promise me you will. If only for a day. The best part is during sunset in the main valley. There's a specific point in the valley where you crest a rise and just sit there, waiting for the magickal moment where the sun dips just low enough in the sky to light up the cliff face where there's a huge syncline composed of various oxidized layers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Rainbow_Basin.JPG). These layers, composed of various different minerals, oxidized over time to produce different shades of colours - red, purple, yellow, green, blue... The beauty is when the sun lights up these different layers to give you the most amazing display of coloured rock ever. Hence, the name of the basin itself. I'm thinking of a road trip back there this summer to view this phenomenom once more; only this time, I'll be bringing a camera to document my memories. Will you join me? Bring your sleeping bag, but forget the tent. We'll snuggle under the summer stars together.

    Beautiful place. Love the colors and formations. Geology is wonderful. Enjoyed the scenic drives as…read morethe valley walls get closer and closer as your car wanders through the basin. The road Is nicely graded that goes through a wash. Very epic, scenic panoramic views. Highly recommend spring, fall or winter times to visit as it can get hot!! We went in February, Not too far of a drive from Barstow or on the dirt road. We also hiked among the Mojave desert vegetation and enjoyed the Joshua trees. Think we got a glimpse of the lakebed with Goldstone. Great picture taking opportunities!

    Photos
    Rainbow Basin Natural Area
    Rainbow Basin Natural Area
    Rainbow Basin Natural Area

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    Hagen Canyon Nature Trail

    Hagen Canyon Nature Trail

    5.0(3 reviews)
    47.2 mi

    Absolutely stunning nature trail! Hagen Canyon is located right before the official entrance of the…read moreRicardo Campground in Red Rock Canyon State Park. The trail consists of a sanded path that loops through beautiful red cliffs and unique rock formations. It's a super easy trail that's only about a mile or so long. There's a trail map near the entrance that you can take a picture of to help identify some of the names of the unique rocks. Some of the rocks are shaped like animals. It was actually quite the adventure trying to identify which rocks resembled specific animals. It's crazy to think that something like this exists occurs naturally. What I really enjoyed about this trail was how colorful it was. So many beautiful red and golden hues make up this beauty. It's one of those canyons that you could literally stare at for hours and never get bored. A winter visit to the canyon is perfect because the weather isn't too warm. There's absolutely no shade, so I'm sure this place is smokin' during the summer (wouldn't attempt a long adventure here during that time of the year). There's a small parking lot right at the start of the trail. This is the perfect place to take small children as the trail is easy. I'd recommend coming here in conjunction with your visit to the rest of Red Rock Canyon State Park because there's so much more to explore here. However, visit to Hagen Canyon surely isn't to be missed either. Really enjoyed exploring this less traveled area.

    Beautiful trail but do not attempt this in hot weather. We did this as a family of 6 in 99 degree…read moreweather and almost passed out from the heat. It was like that Gus Van Sant film "Gerry" bad. As mild a hike as it is, the heat was just too much. Incredible views, we felt like we were on Mars. Very limited cell reception here so load your maps onto your phones in advance. There's wifi at the visitors center in the park, where we paid $6 before realizing that the trail was behind us.

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    Hagen Canyon Nature Trail
    Hagen Canyon Nature Trail
    Hagen Canyon Nature Trail

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    Rademacher Hills Trail - Mine shaft visible along the Sunland Trail

    Rademacher Hills Trail

    4.3(4 reviews)
    31.0 mi

    It was sunset on the trail... I had never been to Ridgecrest before…read more An important little place in the middle of a desert. As for this trail hike, we took a moderate one up the mountain to the peak to sit and take in the views on all sides. It really depends who you go with. The desert can be a lonely place. Especially as the day comes to a close, it is so quiet here, it could be just you and your thoughts. Sobering. We saw some rabbits and lizards. Be on the watch for coyotes and rattlesnakes. The steep trek down I thought, was harder than going up. Make sure you have really good hiking shoes. If you come here on a whim let's say, sandals or flip flops are not going to cut it. Bring plenty of water, very hot in summer and keep in mind that there are no bathrooms here. Please pick up all your trash. This was a beautiful, clean place. The parking area felt safe and fortunately for us, there were not a lot of people there on this given Sunday. I would go back in a heartbeat. The summit views were spectacular and I always welcome the exercise and time to reflect. It can also feel very romantic. I love the desert.

    I just arrived in town and this was suggested to me at the Maturango Museum, as a quick place to go…read moreto become acquainted with some of the local plants. There were a couple of trail heads, the one behind the college having a parking lot close to the road. I walked a bit to see what was there and took some photos. I'm sure it would be more interesting the further out a person could go. It reminded me of bike rides in a state forest in Florida and I'm sure a quicker view would be more interesting but less productive for photography.

    Photos
    Rademacher Hills Trail - There are multiple trail heads.

    There are multiple trail heads.

    Rademacher Hills Trail - You don't have to go far from the parking lot to see how beautiful nature can be.

    You don't have to go far from the parking lot to see how beautiful nature can be.

    Rademacher Hills Trail - Pano view

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    Pano view

    Fossil Falls - hiking - Updated May 2026

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