For our family vacation this year, we spent a week in Mammoth Lakes. Here are a few photos. More description of our week is on my GeoBlog.
Laurel Canyon
Not far from Mammoth Lakes, this lovely canyon is reached by a rocky 4×4 road visible in the distance.
Minarets view
A 4×4 road starts near the signed Minarets viewpoint and heads up to a 10,000 ft peak with unobstructed views of Banner, Ritter, and the Minarets.
Champion Mine
Yes, the trail, such as it is, does go all the way up there. The peak is honeycombed with mine tunnels. Ore was packed down a narrow trail by mules. Much of the trail has now been obliterated by rock slides, so in those places the hike is a bit dicey.
Black Eagle Camp—The Hilton
The mining camp for the Champion mine is located about 1200 ft below the mine. Several structures remain, and many have been restored by an ad hoc group of volunteers. One of the cabins functions as an interesting museum about the mine.
The Hilton or Room with a View
This cabin is remarkably well equipped. Folks often backpack in for a free stay—first come, first served.
Rock Creek Canyon
What a lovely spot at Mack Lake in the Rock Creek canyon.
Mono Lake tufa
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