in the fault, looking up
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Earthquake Fault Mammoth Lakes

4.5
·606 reviews·Mammoth Lakes, United States

Witness a dramatic fissure, a deep crack in the Earth's surface formed by ancient volcanic activity. A quick, free, and awe-inspiring geological wonde...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
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in the fault, looking up

Earthquake Fault Mammoth Lakes

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Witness a dramatic fissure, a deep crack in the Earth's surface formed by ancient volcanic activity. A quick, free, and awe-inspiring geological wonder.

4.5
(606 reviews)

"Truly amazing to see the deep hole caused by the fault. Much more fun than I expected!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Easy Access Trail

A short, easy loop trail makes this geological wonder accessible to most. Great for a quick stop!

⚠️ Safety First!

Be cautious near the fissure edges; some fencing may be down. Keep a close eye on children.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Great Fissure

The Great Fissure

Main fault line

Witness a dramatic crack in the Earth's surface, up to 60 feet deep. A truly awe-inspiring geological wonder.

Easy Loop Trail

Easy Loop Trail

Around the fault

A short, accessible 0.3-mile loop trail offers stunning views and is suitable for most visitors.

Volcanic Rock Formations

Volcanic Rock Formations

Along the fault

Observe the unique volcanic rock created by ancient lava flows, showcasing the area's fiery past.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to the Earthquake Fault

The Earthquake Fault is a popular spot, so consider visiting during weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds. While it's accessible year-round, winter can bring snow, potentially limiting access. Check local conditions before you go!

Understanding the Fault's Formation

Despite its name, the Earthquake Fault wasn't caused by a single earthquake. Geologists believe it's a fissure formed by volcanic activity and seismic shifts around 550-600 years ago. It's a fascinating glimpse into the Earth's powerful forces.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Late Spring to Early Fall
Why
Snow-free access
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Wild Willy hot springs in mammoth, CA #mammothlakes #mammoth #hotsprings
@thechristinemarieshow
598.1K likes • 4.4M views

🚶‍♀️ Easy Access Trail

A short, easy loop trail makes this geological wonder accessible to most. Great for a quick stop! Instagram

⚠️ Safety First!

Be cautious near the fissure edges; some fencing may be down. Keep a close eye on children. Reddit

We may still in September, but Mammoth Mountain in the eastern Sierra got its first snowfall of the season! The area got healthy dose of fresh powder Tuesday at its highest elevations. #mammothlakes #mammothmountain #casnow #snowfall #socalsnow #weather #abc7news
@abc7newsbayarea
112.7K likes • 952.6K views
The Earthquake Fault is a must see sight when in Mammoth Lakes, CA. It’s a short hike to see it and it’s one of the more unique geological features Brad and I have come across. It looks like something you’d see in a movie so I had to throw some Oppy soundtrack in this. 🤯 . . . . #mammothlakes #geology #earthquake #travelgram #travelblogger #historicalsite #califonia
uponarriving
116 likes • 2.7K views

📚 No Info Signs

Bring your own knowledge! There are no informational signs, so research beforehand. Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun

Leashed dogs are welcome on the trail, making it a great spot for furry friends. Instagram

Mammoth Lakes is home to some of California’s most fascinating natural wonders, and the Earthquake Fault is one that never fails to impress. 🌲 Despite the name, this dramatic fissure was not formed by a single catastrophic quake. Instead, geologists believe it opened roughly 550–600 years ago, the result of a series of powerful seismic shifts and volcanic activity tied to the Long Valley Caldera....
cinnamonbearinn
123 likes • 1.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Easy Access Trail

A short, easy loop trail makes this geological wonder accessible to most. Great for a quick stop! Instagram

⚠️ Safety First!

Be cautious near the fissure edges; some fencing may be down. Keep a close eye on children. Reddit

📚 No Info Signs

Bring your own knowledge! There are no informational signs, so research beforehand. Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun

Leashed dogs are welcome on the trail, making it a great spot for furry friends. Instagram

🚗 All-Wheel Drive Recommended

While accessible by most vehicles, AWD can be helpful on the drive in. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(606 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Earthquake Fault a 'truly amazing' and 'pretty cool' quick stop, marveling at the deep fissure and volcanic rock. However, many point out a lack of maintenance, including down safety fences and absent informational signs, leading to concerns about safety and a neglected appearance.

"Went here early October a couple years back. As seen in pics, it had already snowed. The pictures don't really do the place justice. Much better in person. Quite interesting to see the impacts of a distant earthquake. I went on a weekday and had no issues with parking. In summer and/or on weekends I could see parking being decently challenging. The fault is right close to the parking. I think I stayed like 15-30 mins, which seemed like plenty of time."

Jimmer Wagner

"Really cool spot if you’re into geology or just want to see something unique. There’s a small parking lot that holds about 10 cars, plus picnic tables and restrooms. It’s just west of Highway 203. Even though it’s called the “Earthquake Fault,” it’s actually a dramatic fissure, about 10 feet wide and nearly 60 feet deep. The trail is short and fenced in, but at some points you can cross the crack and snap some great photos. Best times to visit are early morning or late evening for the lighting."

Juliet Joyee

"Easy parking and not crowded at all. No one else was there except one older gentleman in the parking area who was probably an off duty park Ranger, as he told us all about the fault. This is not a safe place for younger kids, as they’ve fallen in according to the guy."

Justin Miller

What People Like

Impressive geological fissure
Unique volcanic rock
Quick and easy visit

What People Dislike

Poor safety barrier maintenance
No informational signs
Appears neglected

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Earthquake Fault is located off 7 Minaret Road in Mammoth Lakes, CA. Most vehicles can make the drive in, and it's a short 0.3-mile walk from the parking lot. Instagram+1

The road leading to the parking area is generally accessible for most vehicles, though it can be rough in places. AWD is recommended for added ease. Instagram

While the fault itself is a geological feature, winter conditions in Mammoth Lakes can bring snow, potentially making access difficult or impossible. It's best to check local road conditions before visiting during winter months. TikTok

Yes, there is a designated parking area near the trailhead for the Earthquake Fault. It's a convenient starting point for the short walk to the fissure. Instagram

Follow 7 Minaret Road, and look for signs or the parking area for the Earthquake Fault. Many visitors use GPS or navigation apps to find the specific location. Instagram+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, visiting the Earthquake Fault is completely free! It's a natural attraction that doesn't require any admission fees. Instagram

The Earthquake Fault is an outdoor natural attraction and is generally accessible year-round during daylight hours. However, winter snow can impact accessibility. TikTok

There is no entrance fee to visit the Earthquake Fault. It's a free natural wonder for everyone to explore. Instagram

Tours are not typically offered for the Earthquake Fault itself, as it's a self-guided natural site. However, many Mammoth Lakes tour operators include it as part of broader area excursions. Instagram

The main restriction is to be mindful of safety due to the fissure's depth and potential for unstable edges. Dogs are allowed on leash. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Most visitors spend about 10-15 minutes at the Earthquake Fault, as it's a quick stop to view the fissure and surrounding volcanic rock. Reddit

You'll see a dramatic fissure, a deep crack in the Earth's surface, surrounded by unique volcanic rock formations. It's a striking geological feature. Instagram+1

While the trail is short and relatively easy, it may not be fully ADA compliant. Some reviews suggest it looks like efforts were started but not completed. Reddit

There are no restrooms or other facilities directly at the Earthquake Fault site. It's a natural area with minimal amenities. Reddit

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the short loop trail. The terrain is mostly even but can be uneven in places. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Early morning or late afternoon light can offer dramatic shadows and highlight the fissure's depth. Weekdays will also mean fewer people in your shots. TikTok

Capture the dramatic fissure, the unique volcanic rock textures, and the expansive Sierra Nevada landscape in the background. Instagram+1

Drone regulations can vary by location and time. It's best to check current regulations with the Inyo National Forest or local authorities before flying a drone. Instagram

You can walk along the designated path next to the fissure, but be extremely cautious. Some areas may have missing safety barriers. Reddit

Experiment with different angles to capture the depth of the fissure. Looking down into the crack from the edge of the trail provides a dramatic perspective. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Earthquake Fault offers a unique educational opportunity for families. The short, easy loop trail is manageable for little legs, and the dramatic fissure is sure to capture children's imaginations. Instagram However, extreme caution is advised due to the depth of the fault and potentially compromised safety barriers. Reddit Keep a very close eye on children at all times and consider visiting when the area is less crowded to minimize risks. InstagramReddit Since there are no informational signs, consider bringing along some age-appropriate facts about volcanoes and earthquakes to share.

🚶‍♀️ Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts

For hikers and nature lovers, the Earthquake Fault is a fascinating geological stop. The short loop trail provides a great opportunity to observe unique volcanic rock formations and understand the powerful forces that shaped the Sierra Nevada. Instagram+1 While the fault itself is the main draw, it can be incorporated into a larger exploration of Mammoth Lakes' natural wonders, such as nearby hot springs or other geological sites. TikTokReddit Remember to wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for the lack of amenities and interpretive signs. Reddit

📸 Photographers

The Earthquake Fault offers dramatic photographic potential. The deep fissure, contrasted with the rugged volcanic rock, creates striking compositions. Instagram+1 Aim for early morning or late afternoon light to enhance shadows and textures. TikTok Visiting on a weekday can help you capture the fault without a crowd of people in your shots. Reddit Be mindful of safety when framing your shots, especially near the edges of the fissure. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Geological Marvel: Understanding the Fault

The Earthquake Fault in Mammoth Lakes is a captivating geological feature, but its name is a bit of a misnomer. Geologists explain that this dramatic fissure, stretching for several hundred feet and reaching depths of up to 60 feet, wasn't formed by a single catastrophic earthquake. Instead, it's believed to have opened up approximately 550 to 600 years ago as a result of a series of powerful seismic shifts and volcanic activity in the region. Instagram+1 The fault cuts through hard volcanic rock, a testament to the intense geological forces that shaped this landscape. Instagram+1

Visitors can explore this natural wonder via a short, easy loop trail that offers striking views into the fissure. InstagramReddit While the area is visually impressive, it's important to note that there are no informational signs on-site, so coming prepared with some background knowledge enhances the experience. Reddit The unique rock formations and the sheer scale of the crack make it a compelling stop for anyone interested in the Earth's dynamic processes. Instagram+1

Despite its natural beauty, some visitors have noted that the maintenance of the safety barriers around the fissure could be improved, with portions reportedly down. Reddit This underscores the importance of exercising caution and staying aware of your surroundings, especially when visiting with children. InstagramReddit Nevertheless, the Earthquake Fault remains a must-see for its raw geological power and unique visual appeal in the stunning Mammoth Lakes area. Instagram+1

Navigating Your Visit: Practical Tips

Planning a visit to the Earthquake Fault is straightforward, thanks to its accessibility and free entry. The short 0.3-mile loop trail makes it an easy walk for most visitors, and it's even dog-friendly on a leash. Instagram However, it's crucial to be aware of the lack of informational signage at the site; researching the fault's formation beforehand will enrich your understanding. Reddit Also, pay attention to safety, as some fencing near the fissure may be in disrepair, posing a potential hazard. Reddit

The best times to visit for a more serene experience are typically weekday mornings, when crowds are thinner, allowing for better photo opportunities and a more peaceful exploration. TikTok While accessible year-round, winter conditions can bring snow, potentially limiting access, so checking local weather and road reports is advisable. TikTok The drive to the fault is manageable for most vehicles, but all-wheel drive can offer added confidence on the terrain. Instagram

Mammoth Lakes offers a variety of attractions, and the Earthquake Fault is often included in popular itineraries, such as a two-day plan that also features lakes, waterfalls, and geological sites. Instagram Combining your visit with nearby hot springs can also make for a well-rounded day of exploration. TikTokReddit

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