Volume IIA The Loop (A Science, Nature and Technology Guide to the American Southwest)

First Edition Copyright © 2019 by Raymond Kirk Cover and internal design © Raymond Kirk

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I have been careful to avoid copyright infringement, but if anyone reading this book is aware of an infringement, please notify the author at [email protected] and the infringing material will be removed or a citation will be added, whichever is appropriate. Table of Contents How To Use This Book...... Introduction...... The Sierra Nevada Loop...... 1st Leg – L. A. To Mammoth Lakes...... Vasquez Rocks Nature Park Lamont Odette Vista Point Overlook Los Angeles Aqueduct Mojave Desert Devil's Punchbowl Poppy Reserve Ripley Desert Woodland S. P. Cat House Edwards Air Force Base Silver Queen Mine Mojave Alta Wind Farm Tehachapi Loop 20 Mule Team Borax Mine Red Rock Canyon S. P. Highway 178 Junction Walker Pass Lake Isabella China Lake Museum Maturango Museum Trona Pinnacles Highway 395 Olancha Fossil Falls Red Hill Cinder Cone Lone Pine Lone Pine Film History Museum Alabama Hills Independence Onion Valley Big Pine Owens Valley Radio Observatory Bristlecone Pine N. M. Bishop Lake Sabrina Sherwin Grade Geological Feature Rock Creek Mcgee Creek Crowley Lake Whitmore Pool Benton Hot Springs Hot Creek Fish Hatchery Hot Creek Gorge Convict Lake Casa Diablo Geothermal Plant Mammoth Lakes Area...... Mammoth Visitor Center Lake Mary Lake Mamie Lake George Horseshoe Lake Twin Lakes Earthquake Fault Minaret Summit Red's Meadow Devil's Postpile N. M. Rainbow Falls Lookout Mountain Inyo Craters Panum Crater June Lake Loop Glass Creek Dome Obsidian Dome Mono Craters Mono Lake Tufas S. P. Mono Basin Visitor's Center 2nd Leg – Mammoth Lakes to Yosemite...... Tuolumne Meadows Tenaya Lake Lembert Dome Olmsted Point High Sierra Camp Loop Tuolumne Grove Merced Grove Yosemite N. P. Ahwahnee Hotel Glacier Point Nevada/Vernal Falls Yosemite Falls Bridal Veil Falls El Capitan Monolith Hetch Hetchy Valley 3rd Leg – Yosemite to L. A...... Mariposa Grove Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad Nelder Grove Coarsegold Bass Lake Sierra Vista Scenic Byway Sierra Heritage Scenic Byway Sequoia N. P. King's Canyon N. P. California State Mining and Mineral Museum Kern River The Grapevine Castaic Lake Magic Mountain And Finally... Acknowledgments...... Appendix 1 – Recommended Reading...... Appendix 2 – Useful Web Sites...... Appendix 3 - Helpful hints...... Appendix 4 - About The Set...... Volume I – The Cities...... Volume II – The Road Trips...... Volume III – The Field Guide...... About The Author...... How To Use This Book The following image illustrates the various hyperlinks that are available to the reader and what each of them does. In order to best utilize the hyperlinks contained herein, you must have access to the Internet from the device that you are using to read this book. With map links in particular, you may want to save maps to your device so that they will be available when you do not have Internet access. Most modern smartphones and even many of the newer cars have the ability to serve as “Wi-Fi hotspots”. This feature allows you to connect your laptop, tablet or other device to the Internet via your smartphone's telephone network. Thus, as long as you have a decent cellular service signal on your phone, you can use it to access the Internet from your other devices. This would allow you to use the hyperlinks in this e-book from any location that has a decent cellular signal. You would no longer have to search for a Wi-Fi enabled cafe, motel, etc., although many of those places offer free Wi-Fi these days. Additional helpful tips can be found here. Introduction The sites listed in this e-book are in the order that the reader would encounter them on the tour. It is felt that this arrangement is the best way to organize the information so that it is presented in a reader friendly format. Welcome to the new era of publishing. This book is on the vanguard of a new generation of means for the dissemination of information. It has been designed exclusively from the beginning to be used on computers, tablets, smart phones and e-readers. Because it is published in electronic form, it is not limited in size or scope, and incorporates features such as hyperlinks unavailable in printed matter.

If you find inaccurate information or dead hyperlinks, please notify us at [email protected]. If you know of new sites that you think should be added, please feel free to notify us at [email protected]. The Sierra Nevada Loop

Additional Information Additional photos

This tour is a wonderful expedition that explores a number of geological features, most of which are gray and white granite and not the red sandstone prevalent throughout most of the southwest. These include: Red sandstone (at Red Rock Canyon,) a tilted plateau, an ancient ocean floor, sheer 10,000-foot granite walls, alluvial fans, lateral and terminal moraines, glacially carved lakes, a volcanic caldera, hot springs with bubbling mud pots, a dormant volcano, an earthquake fault, explosion pits, cinder cones, lava flows, tufas, obsidian domes, columnar basalt formations and some stuff I forgot. A real-life geology class. And you will visit some of the best trout fishing locations in America along the way. The loop is divided into three main parts. The first part covers the southern Sierras from Los Angeles to Lee Vining on the shore of Mono Lake, a distance of approximately 300 miles. The second part goes from Lee Vining through Tuolumne Meadows to Yosemite Valley, a distance of approximately 100 miles. The third part goes from Yosemite Valley down the western slopes of the Sierras back to Los Angeles, a distance of approximately 300 miles. It is recommended that you budget at least a week for each leg, if possible. Total distance (not counting all the site visits) is about 700 miles, but visiting the sites will, of course, add significantly to this figure. Spring and fall are the best times to go, and you should monitor road conditions to make sure that the passes will be open during your visit. Lots of facilities and accommodations are along the way, and rarely more that 30 or 40 miles away. Keep in mind that reservations are recommended (and in many cases, required) during the summer months for hotels, motels and campgrounds. Wilderness permits are required for most hikes and some of these are limited to a certain number of hikers per day. Plan ahead! And, this road trip is not recommended during the winter due to hazardous driving conditions and road closures. 1st Leg – L. A. To Mammoth Lakes

Starting out on Interstate Highway 5 in the San Fernando Valley (north of Los Angeles), we proceed north to Highway 14 east. We follow this road into the Mojave Desert where we connect with Highway 395 north of Mojave. We then follow this road north along the eastern scarp of the Sierra Nevada, to State Road 203 about 40 miles north of Bishop. Take this road west a few miles into the town of Mammoth Lakes. If you take no stops and observe speed limits, this trip can be done in about 5 hours (with good traffic.) Avoid Friday afternoons/evenings, if possible. Of course, you can spend a couple of weeks getting to Mammoth if you stop at all the locations in this book. Bird watching in the Eastern Sierra Fishing in the Eastern Sierra Basic fishing video Hot springs Vasquez Rocks Nature Park

Photo By Thomas – CC BY-SA 3.0 Additional Information Additional Images This location is a short distance north of Highway 14 and about an hour or so north of Los Angeles. The Aqua Dulce exit is well marked and directions to the park are clearly posted. Vasquez Rocks is an unusual and interesting geological formation that has been featured in numerous movies, television shows and commercials. Part of a 75 million-year-old formation, it was exposed by activity along the nearby San Andreas Fault. This 932-acre county park has an interpretive center and picnic facilities but the location is quite rural. Be sure to have plenty of gasoline and bring your own food and supplies. Although hiking on the rocks is permitted, it can be dangerous. Supervise little people closely. Rattlesnakes are not uncommon here, so keep a close watch of where you're going. The park is closed on Mondays. Next stop is about 20 miles ahead. Lamont Odette Vista Point Overlook No publicly copyable image is available. Additional Images Video This turnout along the Antelope Valley Freeway (Highway 14) as it descends into the Mojave Desert, provides an excellent view of the San Andreas Fault. The fault line is clearly visible from this vista point and is indicated on a bronze plaque that shows the layout of the entire view area. In 1857 an earthquake along this section of the fault was estimated to have been in the area of 8.0 on the Richter scale. You can see the Antelope Valley Freeway below as it cuts through the fault. As you travel through this cut note on both sides of the road the slope of the geological features as you enter, in the center, and as you exit. You will see that as you enter, the slope is in one direction whereas in the center the rock strata are jumbled, and as you exit the rock strata are in the opposite direction. The Los Angeles Aqueduct (see below) can also be seen in the foreground. Los Angeles Aqueduct

Photo by City of Los Angeles – Public domain Additional Information Additional Images Highway 395 parallels this aqueduct for most of the way to Mammoth Lakes and it will be crossed several times along the way. The first place you can see it is to the right of Interstate Highway 5 as you leave the San Fernando Valley. It is a concrete cascade where the water is aerated upon entering the valley. However, the cascade is often empty with water descending through a pipe, instead. The first crossing is just beyond the Lamont Odette Vista Point (see above.) It originates from creeks in the Mammoth Lakes area and travels 300 miles south, being propelled almost exclusively by gravity. An amazing engineering feat completed in 1913, it is on the List of Historic Civil Engineering Landmarks. The primary engineer on the project was William Mulholland, a very colorful and tragic figure. Be careful when you exit this vista point back onto the freeway as the traffic is very fast. The road steeply descends into the Mojave desert only a couple of miles ahead. Mojave Desert The Mojave Desert occupies a significant portion of Southern California stretching eastward into Arizona. Upon entering the Mojave Desert along Highway 14, you proceed down a somewhat steep stretch of the freeway and onto the flat desert floor. Highway 14 continues about 60 miles to a junction with Highway 395 which we will then take northward through the Owens Valley. Joshua Trees

These plants are quite common in the Mojave Desert and were given their name by Mormons who imagined them to have some unexplained resemblance to Joshua. They are members of the Yucca family and are protected.

Creosote Bushes (Now considered the oldest living things on earth) Also very common in the Mojave Desert. Sometimes referred to as chaparral. Devil's Punchbowl

Photo by NYArtsnWords – Public domain Additional Information Additional Images Located about 16 miles east of Palmdale south of Highway 138, this 1,310-acre geologic feature consists of tilted uplifts of sedimentary rock. There is a 7.5 mile hiking trail, an amphitheater and a visitor center. A number of hosted programs are available including a San Andreas Fault tour. An 11-inch telescope is available for night viewing sessions, which are popular during celestial events due to the particularly dark skies. California Poppy Reserve

Photo by BorisFromStockdale –GNU 1.2 Additional information Additional Images This 1,780-acre reserve is located 15 miles west of Lancaster at 15101 Lancaster Road. From Highway 14, take the Avenue I exit and head west 15 miles. Avenue I becomes Lancaster Road. Turn right at the sign marking the entrance to the reserve. The season is typically from mid-February through late May, peaking in mid-April. There are 8 miles of hiking trails, shaded picnic tables and a visitor center. Their website has a current status report. Ripley Desert Woodland S. P.

Photo by Scottthezombie – CC BY-SA 3.0 Additional information Additional Images Located about 7 miles west of the California Poppy Reserve (see above), this 566-acre park contains a fine stand of Joshua Trees and Junipers as well as a variety of wildflowers. There is a self-guided nature trail, a picnic table and a pit toilet (yuck!) Cat House No publicly copyable image is available. Additional Images Video Directions This location is near Rosamond which is a short distance before the town of Mojave. The Exotic Feline Breeding Compound/Feline Conservation Center (aka The Cat House) is a breeding zoo for 70 of the world's most endangered felines in 19 species including Leopards, Jaguars, Tigers, Ocelots, Cougars, Bobcats, Servals and Fishing Cats among others. It is a non-profit organization staffed largely by volunteers. These are not rescue animals. They are involved in a captive breeding program with zoos around the world. Edwards Air Force Base

Photo by NASA - Public domain Additional Information And yet more information Additional Images Located about 22 miles NE of Lancaster off of Highway 14, this is America's test facility for next-generation aircraft (and, sometimes, spacecraft.) This was the alternate landing site for the Space Shuttle back in its heyday, and I saw 2 landings there. Memorable. Most, if not all combat aircraft developed since the start of WWII were flight tested here. Chuck Yeager first broke the sound barrier here. The base is home to the Air Force Flight Test Museum, which is open to the public once per month, by reservation only. You must call ahead at least a week in advance to give them time to process a security check on you. Silver Queen Mine No publicly copyable photo is available.

Renamed to Golden Queen Mine, it has re-opened in 2015 as a silver AND gold mine. Privately owned and still in operation. Visible just to the north of highway 14 as you approach the city of Mojave. Not open to the public. Mojave No publicly copyable image is available. Additional Images Amenities At about 1 ½ to 2 hours north of Los Angeles, this is a good place to stop and take a rest. The Primo restaurant is a very reasonably priced diner/burger joint and I always stop there on my trips to Mammoth. The Airplane Graveyard can be seen from the highway, although it is no longer open to the public. Some are junk, some are in temporary storage in the dry climate of the area. The Tehachapi Rail Loop, the Alta Wind Farm and the Silver Queen Mine are nearby. The next civilization is Lone Pine which is 115 miles to the north. Make sure you are gassed up and well provisioned. Alta Wind Farm

Photo by Z22 – CC BY-SA 3.0 Additional Information Additional Images

Visible to the north of the city of Mojave, at over 9,000 acres, this is the 2nd largest onshore wind farm in the world. Currently supplying over 1,500 MW, it will grow to over 3,000 MW over the next 25 years. Unfortunately, there is no visitor center and the grounds are off-limits to the public. Tehachapi Loop

Photo by David Brossard – CC BY-SA 2.0 Additional Images Located near the town of Tehachapi which is less than an hour from Mojave, this mainline section was created in the 1870's by 3,000 Chinese workers. One of the busiest rail lines in the world, about 36 freight trains use this loop daily as it is part of the primary north- south rail line into L. A. The tunnel visible on the left is one of 18 encountered between Bakersfield and Mojave as this section of track crosses Tehachapi Pass. The town of Tehachapi has a small railroad museum. 20 Mule Team Borax Mine

Photo by Marcin Wichary - CC BY-SA 2.0 Additional Information Additional Images From highway 14 in Mojave, take Highway 58 east (fast, 4 lanes) 26 miles toward Boron. Borax road intersects from the north. A very interesting visitor center educates the public about the uses of borates in modern materials including glass, detergents, ceramics, wood treatment, pesticides, etc. This is one of only two borax deposits in the world. A film starts a self-guided tour which ends at an overlook of the largest open-pit mine in California. Red Rock Canyon S. P.

Photo by Brocken Inaglory - CC BY-SA 3.0 Video Additional Information Additional Images Located 25 miles northeast of Mojave, Highway 14 passes directly through the park, affording you a very beautiful little respite from the flat desert landscape. This park lies at the southernmost tip of the Sierra Nevada mountains, and shortly after traversing the park, the road will bear to the north along the Eastern Sierra Escarpment. Camping and hiking the various tributary canyons is popular here. Owens Valley

Photo by G. Thomas – Public domain Additional Images After leaving Red Rock Canyon the road continues northeast toward the southern end of the Sierra Nevada Range. Rounding the bottom of the range, we enter the Owens Valley. This valley is one of the deepest in America, even though the average elevation of the valley floor is 4,100 feet. It is a graben (a dropped valley sitting between two vertical faults. The western flank is the Sierra Nevada Escarpment whose average elevation is over 10,000 feet and maximum elevation is over 14,000 feet (Mt. Whitney.) The eastern flank is the Inyo Mountain Range in the south and the White Mountain Range in the north, with an average elevation over 10,000 feet. In the south, it empties into the Mojave Desert at around the highway 178 intersection. In the north it ends at the Sherwin Grade, north of Bishop. The above image is a southward looking view of the southern part of the valley and the Sierra Nevada Escarpment, taken from near Harkless Flat in the Inyo Mountains. The valley is in the rain shadow of the Sierras and thus is a very dry desert. Any water that was once here came from snow-melt in the Sierras and not rainfall. Today it is mostly alkali flats. The Owens Valley fault runs through the valley for about 60 miles from Owens Lake northward to Big Pine. In 1872 it generated a 7.2 earthquake. The Los Angeles Aqueduct runs the full length of the valley and beyond, both north and south, bringing water from creeks in the Mono Basin area to Los Angeles. Numerous cinder cones, lava flows, alluvial fans and moraines can be seen all along the valley. Highway 178 Junction This highway goes from Highway 99 in Bakersfield in the west, eastward through Kern Canyon and by Lake Isabella, over Walker Pass, across Highway 395 to Ridgecrest, China Lake Naval Weapons Station and finally to Trona Pinnacles, the easternmost terminus, a distance of 132 miles. But here, we are listing locations of interest from the intersection of Highway 395 with Highway 178, so going west, we encounter those locations from east to west. Walker Pass As Highway 178 west climbs up a straight and steady grade to the summit at 5,250 feet, we pass through a forest of Joshua Trees. They can only grow at elevations between 1,300 and 5,900 feet. Looking backward (or on your return trip to highway 395), you see a spectacular view of the northern Mojave Desert. In the distance is Ridgecrest and the China Lake Naval Weapons Station. At the summit, the pass crosses the Pacific Crest Trail, a backpacking trail that runs from the Mexican border to the Canadian border (over 1,400 miles.) Keep your eye out for weary, dusty backpackers as you cross the trail. This pass is the last well-traveled route westward from highway 395 until we arrive at Tioga Pass which is 190 miles to the north. Keep in mind that when you return to highway 395, that long, steep grade will test your brakes. Watch your speed, and consider pulling over once or twice to cool them and enjoy the view. As we descend from the summit going east, we leave the Joshua Trees behind. Next stop is Lake Isabella. Lake Isabella This lake is a shadow of its former self. Drought and repairs to the dam have reduced it to about 2/3 of its original size of 11,000 acres. Recent seismic studies have discovered that the earthen dam is built atop a fault once thought to be extinct, but now known to be still active. Flowing into the lake is Upper Kern River, a source of white- water-rafting, some of the best trout fishing in the world and a little- known back entrance to Sequoia N.P. Flowing out of the lake, the Lower Kern River travels through the steep and narrow Kern Canyon, a beautiful and wild stretch of road that abruptly exits the canyon into the just east of Bakersfield. At this point the river is diverted for crop irrigation, and to contribute to the California Aqueduct feeding Bakersfield and Los Angeles. This site is covered in more detail below on the southbound leg of the loop. China Lake Museum

Photo by U. S. Navy – Public Domain Additional information Additional Images Videos Located in Ridgecrest, about 13 miles east of Highway 395 on Highway 178 and covering over 1.1 million acres, this is the Navy's advanced weapons test range. The museum contains an impressive collection of aircraft, weapons and technology. There is a gift shop. Note that, because this museum is located on a highly classified military installation, you must show a valid driver's license, proof of current auto insurance and pass a security check, which can take up to 2 hours. They suggest that you visit the Maturango Museum (see below) while you wait. Within its borders is Little Petroglyphs Canyon National Historic Landmark which contains over 20,000 images dating from as far back as perhaps 16,000 years. Note that this is rugged and remote terrain. You and your vehicle must be in good shape and properly prepared. Access is by pre-arranged tours. Call 760-939-1683 to make arrangements, or book a tour through the Maturango Museum in Ridgecrest (see below). Maturango Museum

Photo by Qfl247 – CC BY-SA 3.0 Additional Information Additional Images Located in Ridgecrest, about 13 miles east of Highway 395 on Highway 178, this museum holds a collection of natural and historical artifacts of the upper Mojave Desert. It is also the primary source for tours of the Little Petroglyphs Canyon National Historic Landmark. It also acts as an information center for Death Valley and Highway 395. There is a gift shop. Trona Pinnacles

Photo by Doug Dolde – Public domain Additional Information More Information Additional Images Video Located about 10 miles south of Trona which is about 24 miles east of Ridgecrest. Here you will find over 500 tufa pinnacles that formed beneath an ancient lake between 10,000 and 100,000 years ago. Some stand as much as 140 feet tall and 40 feet wide. They are formed by the same process that created the tufas at Mono Lake. They are a popular filming location for movies and commercials. They are accessed by a 5-mile-long dirt road that begins at the east end of Highway 178. Although the road is generally navigable by 2-wheel- drive vehicles, it may be closed due to rain. Highway 395

Photo by Davemeistermoab – CC BY-SA 3.0 Additional Information More Information Even More Information Additional Images Extending from the junction of Interstate 15 at Hesperia in the south to the Canadian border in the north, this is one of the most beautiful and varied scenic highways in America; a virtual wonderland of geological formations, lakes, mountains, deserts, volcanoes, etc. This is the road we will be taking for the rest of the northward leg of the road trip. We will pass through several small towns as the Los Angeles Aqueduct parallels the road for most of our trip to Mammoth Lakes. Note that the Highway Patrol is very active all along this road. Most of it is 2 lanes in each direction, separated by a wide center margin, but parts of it are still 1 lane each way. Passing can be dangerous. There are a lot of big-rigs and motor homes along this road. You should be especially aware of your speed as you pass through the small town speed traps. I recommend taking your time and enjoying the scenery. After all, isn't that why you're here? At Conway Summit, north of Mammoth Lakes, it reaches its highest point; 8,138 feet (the highest point of any U. S. Highway.) Olancha

Photo by Justin Johnsen – CC BY-SA 2.0 Additional Images Blink your eyes and you'll miss it. But the unblinking eye of the Highway Patrol's radar gun won't miss YOU! A very small village of under 200 people. The above image is of , the southernmost peak of the Sierra Nevada range. So, I guess you could say that the Sierras officially start here. In recent years the Crystal Geyser company built a bottling plant here to take advantage of the pure mountain spring water. This has prompted a water-rights war among the residents and local farmers and ranchers. You will cross over the L. A. aqueduct near here which is a concrete-lined open trench at this point. As you proceed north, it can be seen above you to the west, along the flanks of the Sierras. Engineered by the famed William Mulholland, it flows from the Mammoth Lakes area, all the way to L. A. by gravity alone. Fossil Falls

Photo by Wvannorden – CC BY-SA 3.0 Additional Information More information Additional Images Field Guide This site is located about 20 miles (more-or-less) north of the Highway 178 Junction, 1 mile off Highway 395 about a mile before you get to a red cinder cone. You will be traveling through a field of black basalt thrown great distances from ancient eruptions. Traveling through the air and cooling quickly resulted in the lattice like shapes. Look for Cinder Road coming in from the east. This geological feature was formed when melt-water from the Sierras during the last ice age formed the that was dammed up by a basaltic lava flow. The water spilling over the dam formed these interesting shapes in the vesicular basalt. WARNING! This road leads to the top of a sheer cliff. Keep your kiddies close. Red Hill Cinder Cone No publicly copyable image is available Additional Images Gigapan Estimated to be the youngest volcano in the area at around 10,000 years, this 630-foot-high cinder cone is part of the Coso Volcanic Field which is located between Little Lakes and Lone Pine. Highway 395 goes within feet of the cone and part of it has been cut away to accommodate the road, with a beautiful view into the black core of the red cone. The surrounding lava field is littered with black basalt boulders. Lone Pine

Photo by Ha'Eri – CC BY-SA 2.5 Additional Information Amenities This is the first real civilization you will encounter after leaving Mojave. The town has a small airport, a hospital, a golf course and a number of motels, restaurants, gas stations and merchants. Nearby are the Film History Museum, Mt. Whitney, The Alabama Hills and Manzanar. Lone Pine Rock and Gift is a very nice rock shop with a large collection of mineral specimens for sale. There is a visitor center 1.5 miles south of town with mineral exhibits, photos of the area and a bookstore. The next civilization is Independence which is 16 miles north. Lone Pine Film History Museum

Photo By Paul Hermans – CC BY-SA 3.0 This museum chronicles the history of over 400 motion pictures filmed in this area from the 1930's all the way to the present. For example, Iron Man and Gladiator were partially filmed here as well as a number of great films of the past including Around the World in 80 Days, Charge of the Light Brigade, Chaplin, The Great Race, Gunga Din, High Sierra, How the West Was Won, Lost Horizon, Star Trek V, Star Trek Generations and Zabriskie Point. There are cars, props and costumes on display and you can get a map of the adjacent Alabama Hills, showing a number of film shooting locations. Every October the museum hosts a film festival featuring guest speakers, actors and bus tours. Mount Whitney

Photo by Geographer- CC BY-SA 1.0 Additional Information Hiking Whitney Additional Images At 14,505 feet, this is the highest peak in the contiguous U. S. Driving 13 miles west of Lone Pine on Whitney Portal Road, the road climbs steeply to a dead-end at the Whitney Portal trailhead at 8,360 feet. From the trailhead, the hike to the summit is another 22 miles round-trip gaining another 6,000 feet. It is strenuous, crowded, and permits are required. They are issued in an annual lottery from Feb. 1 – Mar. 15. Even though you very likely will not do the climb (I strongly discourage it), the drive to the trailhead is interesting and affords spectacular views of the Owens Valley. Alabama Hills

Photo by Bobak Ha'eri - CC BY-SA 2.5 Additional Information Movie Road Tour Brochure Additional Photos Encompassing over 30,000 acres of some of the most beautiful and bizarre landscape in America, these hills have been used as the shooting location for hundreds of films over the years. From downtown Lone Pine, drive west on Whitney Portal Road 2.5 miles to Movie Road. Turn right to enter the hills. It is possible to traverse the park and exit north of town back on highway 395, but you'll need good directions to keep from wandering aimlessly and endlessly in this alien landscape. Well worth the hour or two detour on your way north. Independence

Photo by Paul Fretheim – CC BY-SA 3.0 Additional Information Additional Images This little town (pop. 650) is the Inyo County Seat. Mt. Williamson, shown above, towers 14,375 feet above the town. The strange looking rock in front of the courthouse is volcanic tufa (tuff.) Manzanar National Historic Site, the remains of a WWII era Japanese internment camp is just south of the town. There is a museum there. Also nearby (2 miles north of town) is the Mt. Whitney Fish Hatchery, a beautiful old half-timbered building constructed in 1917. There are picnic tables, a museum and gift shop. Guided tours are available. Come see how trout are bred for the lakes and streams of the area. And, don't forget to bring quarters to feed the fish (25 cents for a handful of pellets.) Amenities are few in this very small town. Next civilization is Big Pine which is 26 miles to the north. Onion Valley No publicly copyable image is available. Additional Images Images for Kearsarge Pass For one of the best camping and hiking experiences in all the Sierras, take Market street west from the center of Independence. It turns into Onion Valley Road and climbs into the heart of the Sierras (a total of 16 miles.) It is the steepest and most challenging road going into the Sierras and is popular with road cyclists for this reason. The trail- head (at 9,200 feet) has a beautiful, but very popular campground with 29 sites, running water, bear-proof lockers and toilets. Bears are a problem in this area. Reservations are strongly recommended and wilderness permits are required. See the campground web site (above) for details. It offers campers and hikers access to the Kearsarge Lakes area, a spectacularly beautiful collection of peaks, spires and lakes. The trail is 4.7 miles each way and climbs to 11,760 feet at Kearsarge Pass. It is rated difficult, but worth it. It can be crowded and you should be well prepared for a physically demanding day. For those less adventuresome, just staying at Onion Valley is still well worth the trip. Weather can be unreliable. Big Pine

Photo by Clinton Steeds CC BY-SA 2.0 Additional Information Additional Images The entire town (pop. 1,800) is visible in the above photo. Palisade Glacier, the southernmost in North America and the largest in the Sierras, looms over the town. The town was named after a Giant Sequoia that was planted at the intersection of Highways 395 and 168 which crosses over the White Mountains at Westgaard Pass (to the east.) The Bristlecone Pine Forest (see below) is located north of Westgaard Pass. Located 7.5 miles north of Big Pine, Keough Hot Springs is the largest in the Eastern Sierra. Since the 1920's this has been a popular recreation location. There is a 100X40-foot pool which is kept in the upper 80's and a 15X40 foot hot pool which is kept at 104 degreees. Camping, lodging and a small gift shop are on offer. Amenities are few in Big Pine and I recommend proceeding on to Bishop which is 15 miles north of Big Pine. Owens Valley Radio Observatory

Photo by Antony-22 - CC BY-SA 3.0 Additional information Additional Images East of the highway, off in the distance, you will see the dishes of one of the largest university-operated radio observatories. Tours are given on the first Monday of the month at 1 pm. See the web site for details and directions. One of 10 dishes making up the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) is adjacent to this facility although not a part of it. An associated array of smaller dishes (CARMA) can be seen from the Westgard Pass road on the way to/from the Bristlecone Pines. Bristlecone Pine N. M.

Photo By Jrbouldin – Public Domain Additional Information More Information Additional Photos The oldest living trees on earth, some of them are over 4,600 years old (older than the Pyramids.) Because these fallen trees don't rot, studying their rings has given scientists a very accurate chronology of the world's climate for the last 10,000 years. Take Highway 168 east from Big Pine 13 miles to White Mountain Road. Turn left and proceed another 10 miles to the Schulman Grove Visitor Center. This is a steep road, climbing to about 10,000 feet. As with other steep roads along this road trip, heavily laden vehicles and motor homes are strongly cautioned. There are several turnouts on the west side of this road and I recommend that you take advantage of them on the way back to cool your brakes and take in the magnificent views of the Owens Valley and the Sierra Escarpment beyond. The Patriarch Grove is another 10 miles beyond the Schulman Grove down a well- maintained dirt road. There are hiking trails, picnic tables and toilet facilities. Bishop

Photo By Larbox – CC BY-SA 3.0 Amenities Additional Images This is the largest town on the eastern side of the Sierras and the northernmost settlement in the Owens Valley. There is a hospital, auto repair facilities and lots of other amenities. The annual Mule Days are held in late May and include concerts, dancing, BBQ's and the longest non-motorized parade in the world. The Laws Railroad Museum, located on the site of the 1883 train depot, also has several historic buildings which were relocated from around the Owens Valley. Mahogany Smoked Meats, the purveyor of a variety of jerky and other smoked meats is worth a stop, as is Erick Schat's Bakery – home of the original Sheepherder's Bread. I stop at both, every time I go through Bishop. From an elevation of around 4,000 feet, the road climbs to about 7,000 feet just north of town and will stay at a high elevation from here all the way to Yosemite Valley. Lake Sabrina

Photo by Photographersnature - CC BY-SA 3.0 Additional Information Additional Images At over 9,000 feet, this lake is located in the heart of the Sierras about 19 miles west of Bishop on Highway 168. There is a store, boat landing, boat and pontoon rentals, horseback riding, pack horse trips, fishing and a cafe. The trailhead into the Evolution Wilderness area is here. Forks in the road lead to South and North Lakes, but those roads can be treacherous. Still, some prize-winning trout have been taken from North Lake. Sherwin Grade Geological Feature

Photo by Dcrjsr - CC BY-SA 3.0 Additional Information In the above photo you are looking south from Sherwin Summit (6,240 feet) into the Owens Valley with the Sierra Nevada Mountains on the right. At the upper center is the road to Lake Sabrina (not visible), and in the foreground is the original wagon road. Before reaching the summit there is a turnout on the right with ample parking. It is an excellent place to rest your car and to look back at the 100 mile view of the Owens Valley and the Sierra Nevada Escarpment. This formation is actually the face of the Bishop Tuff, a volcanic pyroclastic flow that was created about 750,000 years ago from the creation of the Long Valley Caldera (see below.) Rock Creek

Photo by Jane S. Richardson - CC BY-SA 3.0 Additional Images Little Lakes Valley Images Not far past Sherwin Summit, entering Highway 395 from the north (left), this is one of the most beautiful canyons in the Sierras. Rock Creek drains the lakes of the Little Lakes Valley, 16 miles into in the heart of the Sierras, into Upper and Lower Rock Creek Lake. This is bear country, so take appropriate precautions. At the end of the road (at 10.5 miles) is Mosquito Flat (appropriately named) at 10,000 feet. A parking area (crowded at times), backpacker's campground, drinking water and restroom facilities are here. The hiking trail heads back several miles into the John Muir Wilderness, passing the beautiful alpine lakes of the Little Lakes Valley along the way. The trail is a bit strenuous, not because of the terrain, but the altitude. Bring water as there is none available along the way. Mcgee Creek

Photo by Dcrjsr - CC BY-SA 3.0 Additional Images West of Highway 395 near Crowley Lake (see below), this canyon contains a quaint but rustic lodge, a pack station and a campground. Beyond the campground, the trail leads back into the John Muir Wilderness with its many pristine alpine lakes and rough-hewn crags. Camping, fishing, hiking and horseback riding are popular activities. Long Valley Caldera

Photo by S. R. Brantley - Public domain Additional Information Additional Images Video Field Guide Virtual Tour At 20 miles long and 11 miles wide, this is one of the world's largest calderas. When it erupted 750,000 years ago, it scattered ash over most of the western U. S., which extended eastward all the way to Kansas. A mighty eruption, indeed. An associated pyroclastic flow sent a river of material several thousand feet thick southward nearly to Bishop. The Sherwin Grade is the southernmost terminus of this flow. The caldera is now the home of Crowley Lake (see below), but Mammoth Mountain and many other volcanic features in the area are part of the caldera complex and they are individually listed below. Crowley Lake

Photo by Dcrjsr – CC BY-SA 3.0 Additional Information Additional Images Formed by a dam on the Owens River, this 12-mile-long by 5-mile- wide lake provides some of the best trout fishing in California. A 26 lb. brown trout was taken here. Turn east on Benton Crossing Road. The only access is via the Crowley Lake Fish Camp. Camping, boat rentals, kayak rentals, cabins, RV sites and a tackle shop are available here. Bald Eagles among other birds make this area their winter home. Whitmore Pool No publicly copyable image is available. Images for Whitmore Pool Video Images for Whitmore Hot Springs Located a short distance from Mammoth Lakes, the Whitmore pool is a public swimming pool which is filled with natural spring water from the Whitmore Hot Springs. It is an outdoor, 25 meter, 6 lane pool with a children's wading pool, picnic area with BBQ's, hot showers, restrooms, vending machines and a spectacular view of the mountains. There is a modest fee. It is typically open from mid-June to mid-September. Take route 203 out of Mammoth to Highway 395 south. After about 5 miles, turn left onto Benton Crossing Road. Proceed 22 miles to the pool. Benton Hot Springs

Photo by Buck2825 – CC BY-SA 3.0 Additional Information Additional Images These hot springs are located at Benton Crossing which is 43 miles from Mammoth lakes on the Benton Crossing Road (duh!). The pools are rustically developed and surrounded by the lodge and its cabins. But they are accessible to the public without booking a room at the lodge. The lodge boasts 7 rooms. In addition, there is a bungalow, Conway House and Old House, each with an adjoining hot tub. There are 10 camping sites with hot tubs. Hot Creek Fish Hatchery

Photo by Marcie Wingard – With permission Additional Images Operated by the California Department Of Fish And Game, this hatchery specializes in the breeding of several varieties of trout that are used to stock a number of lakes and streams in the area. The hatchery offers guided tours at certain times of the year. Contact them for more information. It is located 3 miles south of the Mammoth Lakes exit from US Highway 395. Watch carefully for the small sign. Even if tours are not available, you can still walk around the trout pens and see thousands of large breeders, wishing you could cast a line in amongst them. But, at least, you can put a quarter in the bubble gum machine and get a handful of trout food to instigate a feeding frenzy. Adjacent to the hatchery is the Hot Creek Ranch. This excellent private fishing retreat offers accommodations, guides and access to some of the best trout fishing in all of the Sierras. Hot Creek Gorge

Photo by USGS – Public Domain Additional Information Additional Images Field Guide Officially, its name is Mammoth Creek and it originates at the base of Mammoth Mountain, flowing into the Hot Creek Fish Hatchery and then into the shallow gorge beyond. . But as it flows through this geologically active shallow gorge, its path goes directly over a hot spring. The spring water mingles with the icy creek water to produce an interesting bathing experience. Be warned though that this canyon is VERY dangerous to enter as the ground is unstable and the bubbling mud pots are constantly appearing, growing and disappearing and several people have been scalded to death from the waters of the hot spring. It was once a favorite spot for travelers from around the world to “take the waters.” But now, even entering the gorge is, if not totally forbidden, at least strongly discouraged. In my youth, I have soaked in the creek downstream from the hot spring on numerous occasions. And on one occasion it turned my silver ring to a gold color. I discovered later that it was the result of the high concentrations of heavy metals including arsenic that are dissolved in the water from the hot spring. This beautiful little canyon has been featured in several motion pictures, including True Grit (original) and North to Alaska. It is an outstanding location for fly fishing although it is “catch and release on barbless hooks only”. Also, the pathway down into the gorge is quite steep. From Mammoth Lakes, take route 203 to Highway 395 south. After 3 miles, turn left onto Hot Creek Fish Hatchery Road. The gorge can be reached by a gravel road that runs near the Hot Creek Fish Hatchery. The road sign marking the entrance can be easy to miss, so keep a sharp lookout or consult the web page for specific directions. Convict Lake

Photo by Inkknife_2000 CC By SA 2.0 Additional Information Additional Photos Field Guide Amenities This is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Sierras. And the most interesting, geologically. Formed by an ancient glacier which literally cut a mountain in half, exposing its core, it left its droppings in a clearly defined moraine that you must drive over to get to the lake. It was named after an event from the 1800's where 3 escaped convicts from Carson City were cornered here. They got away after a shootout in which Robert Morrison was killed. They were later apprehended and 2 were hung. One of the deepest lakes in the Sierras, it offers boating, fishing, hiking, picnic tables with BBQ's and camping. There is a general store with boat rentals. The Inn at Convict Lake is a rare (in these parts) fine dining experience with a well-stocked wine cellar and a variety of wild and domestic game meats among other delectables. Experience the dubious pleasure of feasting on a Venison steak while a morose deer peers into the window at you, making you feel sooo guilty! Or not! Only a few miles south of Mammoth Lakes on Highway 395. Don't miss this one! Casa Diablo Geothermal Plant

Photo by USGS – Public Domain Additional Information Additional Images Field Guide Named after the Casa Diablo geyser that was once here, this facility produces much of the electricity for the Mammoth Lakes area. Once an Obsidian mine operated by local Native Americans, then the location of a trading post, then a stagecoach station and finally a tourist stop with a “trading post” and gas station. All of them have long since turned to dust. The power station produces approximately 45MW, enough energy to power over 40,000 homes and that number has been slowly growing since it first started operating in 1984. Unfortunately, there are no facilities for visitors, so the best one can do is see it from the road. It can be seen directly ahead when you take the Mammoth Lakes exit from Highway 395. Mammoth Lakes Area

Photo by USGS – Public Domain Geology (general info) Amenities More amenities The name refers to a group of lakes at the base of Mammoth Mountain in the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains. But it also refers to the nearby town of Mammoth Lakes. This town offers accommodations ranging from Motel 6 to very expensive homes and condos. There is a large Safeway store, numerous restaurants and shops, a movie theater and even medical facilities. This makes it an ideal base for you to use in exploring the surrounding area. All of the locations that follow, up to and including Tuolumne Meadows are easily reached from here, and it could take you several days to see them all. In the winter, the town is overrun with skiing enthusiasts who come to the mountain which, in addition to being a dormant volcano, is one of the premier ski resorts in the world. In the summer, it is a very popular location for fishing, hiking, mountain biking, camping, climbing and just enjoying the beauty of it all. Mammoth Visitor Center

Photo by Nandaro – CC BY-SA 3.0 Additional Information This U. S. Forest Service Ranger Station is also a very nice visitor center and an excellent introduction to the area. Maps, books, a large 3d relief map of the area, a 20 minute introductory video, picnic tables, restrooms are available. It's the place to go to get wilderness permits and general information. I strongly recommend that you make this your first stop as you come into town. You can't miss it. There's a big sign on the right. Mammoth Mountain

Photo by Hike395 - CC BY-SA 3.0 Additional Photos Amenities Field Guide This volcano is actually a collection of 2530 overlapping domes. At 11,000 feet, this dormant volcano dominates the area. In winter, it is a world class ski resort and in summer, a popular destination for nature lovers. At the base of the mountain are 7 lakes which together are known as the Mammoth Lakes (see below). The entire Long Valley Caldera and the with its can be seen from the summit. A gondola ascends to the summit from the base of the mountain. It is well worth the ticket price. Keep the kiddies close at hand on the summit as there are places quite close to the gondola which very deceptively pass the point of no return. It is always cool at the summit and sometimes extremely cold. Lake Mary

Photo by Marcie Wingard – With Permission Additional Images Amenities Offering one of the best and most popular campgrounds in the eastern Sierras, hiking, fishing, boat rentals, cabins and a lodge, this lake is one of several high elevation lakes (9,000 feet) that make up the Lakes Basin at Mammoth. Surrounded by craggy spires and several other lakes, this is the largest in the area at almost 150 acres. You may even see a brave (crazy??) swimmer in the icy cold water. Across the road from the south side of the lake is a footbridge across a spillway that controls the water level in Lake Mary. After leaving the gate and passing under the footbridge, the water plunges over a cliff into Twin Lakes below. Near there, at the Twin Falls Overlook, you will find picnic tables in the trees, with a spectacular view of Twin Lakes. The ground gently rolls off into a cliff so keep the children and pets close at hand. The Lakes Basin Path is a popular, paved, 5.3-mile hiking trail. Closed in winter. Lake Mamie

Photo by Marcie Wingard – With Permission Additional Images Amenities Adjacent to but smaller (19 acres) than Lake Mary, this lake is more secluded. The above photo was taken from a bridge over a spillway that routes water from Lake Mary and Lake Mamie over Twin Lakes Falls and into Twin Lakes. The photo of Twin Lakes was taken from the footbridge shown above. Kids and pets should be closely supervised as the dropoff is not visible and a couple of hundred feet straight down. There is a lodge with rental cabins, boat rentals and a tackle/snack shop. Closed in winter. Lake George Photo by Marcie Wingard – With Permission Additional Images Lots of bears here. In the parking area there are trailheads to several lakes in the upper basin including T. J. Lake, Barrett Lake and Cristal Lake which is only about 1.5 miles from the trailhead. There is a small campground. Swimming or any other kind of body contact with the water is not allowed. Horseshoe Lake

Photo by Allen M. Chen - CC BY-SA 3.0 Additional Images Field Guide The last time I was there, this lake was off-limits due to the danger of suffocation from carbon dioxide coming from the mountain that comes up from the ground. Not only does it penetrate the soil, but it creates a soda water lake, which sounds charming until even a small earthquake shakes the lake water and causes a large release of CO2. In several places around the world, this phenomenon is responsible for the deaths of tens of thousands of uninformed people. Many of the trees surrounding the lake are dead and there are no fish. Best to avoid it. Twin Lakes

Photo by Nandaro – CC BY-SA 3.0 Additional Images At 8,600 feet, these lakes are the lowest of the Mammoth Lakes. At one end is a 300-foot waterfall which originates at the Lake Mary Spillway. At the other end, these lakes form the headwaters of Mammoth Creek which flows from there, through Sherwin Meadow, across Highway 395 to the fish hatchery, through Hot Creek Canyon and then into the great beyond of the Long Valley Caldera. Fishing is excellent all along the route. At Twin Lakes there is a campground, hiking trails, fishing, general store, tackle shop, boat rentals and a lodge with one of the best restaurants in the area. Although it's nice to sleep to the sound of the waterfall, these lakes are notorious for their mosquitos. Why, once when I camped there, I awoke to find two of them standing at the foot of my sleeping bag. One of them said “Should we eat him here or take him back to the lake?” To which the other one said “Better eat him here. If we take him back to the lake, the big guys will take him away from us!” Earthquake Fault

Photo by Marcie Wingard – With Permission Additional Images Video On the road to the mountain, this fault crosses the road, although without a sign you would miss it. The sign points the way to a secluded parking area where you can view the fault. Don't get too close. You can also see the fault from the other side of the road and some people even walk into it for an eerie experience. Minaret Summit

Photo by Davefoc CC BY-SA 3.0 Additional Images A few miles past the main ski area, a sign directs you to a secluded parking lot on a high ridge with a stone lookout platform. From here, you have a magnificent view of the Minarets and the valley below. The John Muir and Pacific Crest Trails are united as they wind their way through the valley. To the right is Donahue Pass which backpackers must ascend to reach Tuolumne Meadows. The ground slowly and deceptively rolls off to an unseen steep cliff. Keep children close at hand. On moonless nights, this is one of the best places in the Sierras for stargazing and in the summer, there are often astronomy clubs there with their telescopes set up for public viewing. Even without them, a good pair of binoculars will give you excellent views of several globular clusters embedded in the clearly visible Milky Way. For city dwellers this can be a very humbling experience. Red's Meadow No publicly copyable image is available.

Additional Images A beautiful meadow at the base of Mammoth Mountain in a valley where the middle fork of the briefly slows as it meanders through the meadow. Excellent trout fishing can be found in this part of the river. This is bear country and they are quite active in this area, so appropriate precautions must be taken. A resort, pack station, general store and post office are located in an area beyond the turnout for the Devil's Postpile. Backpackers often mail packages of provisions to this post office, addressed to themselves at General Delivery. In this way, they don't have to depart the Pacific Crest Trail down into civilization to re-supply. This is one of a handful of places where the 1200 mile trail is easily accessible to the public. A nearly constant stream of backpackers can be seen here. Hot spring fed private baths are available for a very small fee and are a welcome opportunity for weary backpackers to dissolve away the accumulated layers of grime, as well as for visitors to partake of the “healing waters”. A short, well maintained trail takes the visitor from the ranger shack parking area to the Devil's Postpile National Monument (see below.) The meadow is only accessible during summer, via a steep, winding paved road with a number of sheer cliff drop-offs. Private vehicle traffic is only allowed during early morning hours unless you have a handicapped placard. Otherwise, you must take a shuttle bus which departs on a frequent schedule from the base of the Mammoth Mountain Gondola parking area. Devil's Postpile N. M. Photo by Frank Covalchek CC BY-SA 2.0 Additional Information Additional Images Field Guide Visitor Photos and Comments This striking example of a columnar basalt formation is located about a quarter of a mile down a dusty, but well-maintained trail which starts at the ranger shack in Red's Meadow (which is below Mammoth Mountain). An unpaved parking lot is adjacent to the shack along with several well-placed, shady picnic tables. This area is only accessible during the summer via a steep, winding paved road with a number of sheer cliff drop offs The road descends from Minaret Summit at over 10,000 feet to Red's Meadow at 7,600 feet. Private vehicle traffic is only allowed during early morning hours unless you have a handicapped placard. Otherwise, you must take a shuttle bus which departs on a frequent schedule from the base of the Mammoth Mountain Gondola parking area. Two miles further down the Postpile Trail you will find Rainbow Falls. The trail to the Postpile parallels the middle fork of the San Joaquin River, a deceptively rapid flowing river. Don't wade in this river as several people have been swept away only to meet their fate at Rainbow Falls. This stretch of the river is a very popular trout fishing location. Shortly after starting your hike, you will pass a footbridge across the river. This is where the Pacific Crest hiking trail joins with your path. It then proceeds past the Postpile and Rainbow Falls over Donahue Pass and into Tuolumne Meadows and beyond, all the way to the Canadian border. Although there is a short, steep side trail to the top of the Postpile, it is quite rugged and the top is glacially polished and quite slippery. More than one unfortunate explorer has fallen to their death upon the jumble of rocks below. Not recommended for children and adults in less than excellent condition. Rainbow Falls

Photo by Frank Kovalchek - CC BY-SA 2.0 Additional Information Field Guide Additional Images This 100-foot waterfall often displays a rainbow in the mist due to its orientation to the sun. It is accessed via a wide, well-maintained 2.5 mile trail which begins at the Red's Meadow Ranger Station and goes past the Devil's Postpile (see above.) If you hike down the steps to the base of the falls, you can swim. But don't get near the falls as the falling water will drag you under. Keep the kids close at hand around the falls area because of steep cliffs, slippery rocks and fast water. There is a lower falls further along the trail but it is not as beautiful, although the rock formations there are more interesting. Lookout Mountain

Photo by USGS – Public Domain Field Guide This is a volcano with excellent views of the west side of the Long Valley Caldera including several domes. The summit crater is over a mile wide and is covered in black Obsidian which is particularly free of defects and occlusions. Sharp tools and points made of this Obsidian have been found all along the west coast of North America, even as far north as southern Alaska. The turnout to Lookout Mountain is about 5 miles beyond Mammoth on Highway 395, and about a mile down the turnout road takes you to the mountain. The road to the summit is dirt but well-maintained. Not recommended in inclement weather or in winter although snowmobilers enjoy the ascent during snowy times. Inyo Craters

Photo by USGS – Public domain Additional Information Additional Images Field Guide Formed only about 600 years ago from rising magma along a narrow fissure, these explosion craters are part of a chain of features beginning just south of Deer Mountain and including Deadman Flow, Glass Creek Flow, Obsidian Flow and Wilson Butte. They form when upwelling magma has a high concentration of gasses and steam which escape explosively when they reach the surface, scattering lava and pumice over a wide area. The ground around the vent collapses, forming the craters. Panum Crater

Photo by Jitze Couperus – CC BY-SA 2.0 Field Guide The northernmost of the Mono Craters, it is around 600 years old. It is the best-formed of the craters in the chain with a distinctive ejecta ring and central dome. There is a path from the parking area to the top of the ejecta ring, down into the crater, then up to the top of the dome. This, to me, is the most accessible, interesting and beautiful of all the Inyo Craters. June Lake Loop

Photo By Photographersnature – CC BY-SA 3.0 Additional Information Additional Images Video Amenities About 20 miles north of Mammoth Lakes, the June Lake Loop (south end) intersects with Highway 395. The loop is about 14 miles distance and returns to Highway 395. After turning off 395, you will encounter a low ridge with a turnout with a sign saying “Oh Ridge.” Take the turnout, park and behold one of the most beautiful views in America (pictured above.) Oh Ridge is the remnant of a terminal moraine from one of the glaciers that formed this canyon. Carson Peak towers above this glacially-formed wide canyon which contains June, Gull, Silver and Grant Lakes. Fishing is best in Silver Lake and worst in Grant Lake. There is a small village here with various amenities (see above.) Fishing, boating, skiing, hiking, camping, mountaineering, biking, etc. are available. There are rental cabins and condos. And there is a pack station offering access to the back country. The June Mountain ski area is MUCH smaller than Mammoth, but is generally less crowded. Be sure to take the ski lift in summer for a spectacular view of the area. Glass Creek Dome

Photo by USGS – Public Domain Additional Images Field Guide Both Glass Creek Dome and Obsidian Dome can be reached via a 2.7 mile road which intersects Highway 395 about 11 miles north of Mammoth Lakes. These domes erupted around 600 years ago. If you decide to hike to the top, use the road as the cliff face is strewn with very sharp pieces of Obsidian. Camping is nearby. Obsidian Dome

Photo by Wilson44691 – Public Domain Additional information Additional Images Field Guide See the Glass Dome entry above. Mono Craters

Photo by Daniel Mayer – CC BY-SA 3.0 Additional Information Additional Images Formed by a series of eruptions ending about 600 years ago, this 11- mile-long string of 27 volcanoes, cinder cones and lava domes separate the Mono Basin from the Long Valley Caldera. The highest one rises 2,400 feet above the surrounding landscape. The road to the Mono Lake Tufas goes close by these craters. Although easily climbed, they are hard on the sneakers. Beware! Mono Lake Tufas S. P.

Photo by Yukinobu Zengame - CC BY 2.0 Video Additional information Additional Images These bizarre “tufa towers” are composed of calcium carbonate that is the result of interaction between freshwater springs upwelling from underground and the alkaline water of Mono Lake. The springs are fed by snow-melt from the Sierra Nevada mountains nearby. There are no fish in the lake due to its high concentration of salt and alkaline chemicals. A swim in the lake is a bit of an adventure because the high salt concentration (three times the salinity of the ocean) causes the swimmer to be buoyed up higher than in pure freshwater. The lake hosts a population of trillions of brine shrimp as well as the sand flies that feed on the shrimp. At times, the entire lake-shore is lined with sand flies but only for a few feet from the water. The sand flies are surprisingly well behaved and, although you may disturb them as you walk near the shore, the swarm stays close to the ground and they rarely pose a nuisance to the visitor. The most impressive of the denizens of the lake are the thousands of sea gulls that call this place their home. A significant number of the total population of California coastal gulls come here to breed. The best place to start your visit is at the Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor's Center (see below). The location is reached via a road that intersects with Highway 395 near the town of Lee Vining. There is a small entrance fee at the gravel parking lot. Outhouses are available there, but there are no other facilities, so be sure that you have enough gas. In the summer, a ranger-guided Tufa Walk is conducted every evening at 6 pm. Mono Basin Visitor's Center

Photo by Daniel Mayer - CC-BY-SA 3.0 Additional Information Field Guide Providing an excellent introduction to the Mono Lake Basin, this modern building houses a number of exhibits depicting the flora and fauna of the area, as well as historical information about the lake. It is located just off Highway 395 north of Lee Vining. Restroom facilities and a gift shop are contained within the building. With a large paved parking lot, there is no admission fee. Check out the Whoa Nellie Deli in the Chevron Station just south of Lee Vining. A great little restaurant/gift shop with a beautiful view of the lake and picnic tables. And every summer the village of Lee Vining hosts a Bird Chautagua (festival). 2nd Leg – Mammoth Lakes to Yosemite

Lee Vining is about 27 miles north of Mammoth Lakes. And, Yosemite Village is about 75 miles west of Lee Vining. But those are some of the most spectacular 75 miles you'll ever see! Tioga Pass cuts into the very heart of the Sierras. And at the top of the pass, you will enter Tuolumne Meadows. These alpine meadows are filled with wildflowers, streams, lakes, polished, glacially carved granite domes and spires. After the meadows, the road descends through thick pine forest to Yosemite Valley. Note that there are almost no facilities along this drive. Although there is a small grocery store in the Meadows, there are no restaurants, gas stations, motels, etc. Although there is a very nice campground, it can fill up quickly during summer months and many of the campsites require reservations.

Note that Lee Vining is the starting point for the Northern Sierra Loop which is covered in volume 2 of this series. If you decide to combine these two loops into one long loop trip, you are strongly advised not to bypass Tuolumne Meadows. Pack a picnic lunch, and take a full-day side trip over Tioga Pass and into the meadows. Have your picnic at Olmsted Point and then return to Lee Vining to begin the Northern Loop. Tioga Pass

Photo by Marcie Wingard – With permission Additional Images Road conditions Also known as California State Route 120, this is the highest paved road in California, peaking at 9,940 feet. The elevation change from the entrance of the pass at Lee Vining on Highway 395 is 3,000 feet over a 12-mile distance with an average grade of 5%. Take your time, enjoy the sweeping vistas and go easy on the car. Going west, the road hugs the mountainsides and is much less dangerous than going the other way. I have seen families of Bighorn Sheep on the steep mountainside just a few yards from the road. Beautiful! This road cuts right through the granite core of the Sierras and the views are spectacular. The road is usually open from June through October, so check ahead for road conditions. Tuolumne Meadows

Photo by Daniel Mayer – CC BY-SA 3.0 Additional Information Additional Photos Video Campground The altitude of this beautiful sub-alpine meadow ranges from 10,000 feet at the Tioga Pass entrance to about 8,000 feet in the main part of the meadow. It is surrounded by 11 major and 7 minor (but still tall) polished granite domes popular with climbers and photographers. Beautiful, easy hiking trails run throughout the meadows and beyond into the heart of the Sierras. Good fishing can be found in its lakes and streams. Please don't wander off the trails as it takes many years for the fragile plants and alpine flowers to recover from a single smush. My favorite place is at Olmsted Point which marks the western edge of the meadows. Excellent views in all directions, along with limited parking and the occasional Marmot or Pika make this a great place for a picnic. The Tioga Pass road starting at Lee Vining in the east, runs through the meadows and then down into the Yosemite Valley. Tenaya Lake

Photo by Stan Shebs – CC BY-SA 3.0 Additional Images One of the most beautiful lakes in the world, this lake, at 8,150 feet elevation is the largest in this part of the park. It was formed by the glaciers that created the surrounding domes as well as Yosemite Valley to the west. Tioga Road through Tuolumne Meadows goes right by the lake. Good fishing and non-motorized boating, but swim at your peril for it's as cold as a... Well, it's darn cold. Lembert Dome

Photo by InKlein – CC BY SA-3.0 Additional Images Rising over 800 feet above Tuolumne Meadows, this polished granite dome sits 8 miles west of the Tioga Pass entrance to the park. It offers an easy hike to the summit from the back side (1.5 - 3 hrs.) and several not-so-easy free-climbing routes up the front. But climbing even an easy one like this requires vigilance and care. Vistas from the summit are spectacular. Olmsted Point

Photo by EeeKster – CC BY-SA 3.0 Additional Images Video At the western end of Tuolumne Meadows, the Tioga Road passes by this turnout on the left (south) side of the road. The turnout is on a blind curve with pedestrians, children, animals and entering/exiting vehicles combining to create a hazardous left turn, so take special care here. During peak activity, you may want to consider continuing west beyond the turnout to the next available opportunity to make a U-turn and come back to the turnout from the opposite direction which is far safer and easier. In spite of the above, the stop is definitely worthwhile, with views back into the Meadows and westward into Tenaya Canyon with Half Dome in Yosemite Valley off in the distance. A rock jumble below the parking area offers hideouts for Marmots and Pikas, which sometimes come out to beg for food when children and pets are not around. There are a couple of hiking trails through the polished granite. On the other side of the road is a polished granite mountainside that ascends several hundred feet, offering additional vistas. Note that this mountainside can be slippery and, once underway, there is nothing to stop the unfortunate hiker from tumbling into the roadway. This is a good place to stop for lunch or a snack before the 1 to 2 hour descent through thick evergreen forest into Yosemite Valley. High Sierra Camp Loop

Photo by Angela Sevin – CC BY-SA 2.0 Additional Images Map For a less stressful way to really get into the high country, these 6 camps are spaced at about 6 to 10 mile intervals along a loop in the crest of the Sierras. They range in elevation from 7,000 feet to over 10,000 feet. Keep that in mind when judging your fitness to participate in this adventure. They offer dining and tents, thus relieving the hiker of carrying food, utensils, sleeping and shelter in their backpacks. Most explorers can do with nothing more than a day pack. Horse pack trips are also available for those who would prefer to trade sore feet for sore butts. And guided hikes are also available. Accommodations are by reservation only and must be made the prior year. Winners are chosen by lottery. Menu choices are non-existent. You get what you get. Tuolumne Grove

Photo by Dcrjsr – CC BY-SA 3.0 Additional Information Additional Images As you travel from Tuolumne Meadows to Yosemite Valley, as you near Crane Flat, you will pass a turnout on the right which takes you to a small parking lot. You are advised to get there early to avoid having to wait for a spot. From there you must hike about a mile down an old logging road (but it's paved) where you will find a small grove of about a dozen or so Giant Sequoias. Less visited than other larger groves. A 450-foot elevation change means it's a fairly easy hike if you're in good shape. It's all downhill going in and (duh!) all uphill going out, so conserve your energy. There are a few picnic tables and toilets in the grove. Merced Grove

Photo by Mike Barlow – CC BY-SA 2.0 Additional Images The smallest of the Sequoia groves within Yosemite, there are only about 40 big trees here. It is quite near the more popular Tuolumne Grove. It is about 1.5 miles downhill on a well-marked and maintained dirt trail that was once a stagecoach route to Yosemite. But with a 600 foot elevation change, you should conserve your energy for the return hike, especially because of the 6,000-foot elevation here. The trail-head parking area only accommodates about a dozen vehicles, so come early. The only facilities are a pit toilet at the trail-head; nothing in the grove itself. Yosemite N. P.

Photo by David Iliff - CC-BY-SA 3.0

Additional Information

Additional Images Considered one of the most beautiful places in the world, this valley was carved out by glaciers during ice ages. It is the second national park created by the US Government, primarily due to the efforts of the famous naturalist John Muir. The altitude of the valley floor is approximately 4,000 feet, but the walls of the valley rise to over 10,000 feet. There are a number of sites in this park worthy of your attention, including Bridal Veil Falls, Yosemite Falls, El Capitan monolith, Half Dome, Nevada Falls, Vernal Falls and Glacier Point. The valley is VERY crowded during the summer months. The park offers hiking, horseback riding, guided tours, rock climbing, fishing, camping, etc. The Ahwahnee Hotel is a beautiful old-fashioned lodge that is open year-round, but reservations are very difficult to come by and often are booked months or even years in advance. Curry Village in the center of the valley offers accommodations and facilities including camping, rental cabins, restaurants, gift shops, etc. Contact them for further information or reservations. Additional information about the various sites in the park can be found below. Ahwahnee Hotel

Photo by Amadscientist – CC BY-SA 3.0 Additional Information Additional Images Listed as number 26 on the list of America's Favorite Architecture by the American Institute of Architects, it was built by the same architects that built the Zion Lodge, Bryce Canyon Lodge and the Grand Canyon North Rim Lodge. Consisting of 99 rooms and 24 cottages, this is a very swank joint, with prices to match. But, it's a beautiful place and well-situated for views. Interiors were featured in The Shining and The Caine Mutiny. Plan on booking your reservation a year in advance. Glacier Point

Photo by David Iliff – CC BY-SA 3.0 Additional Information Additional Photos This spectacular overlook is at 7,200 feet and has a straight down vertical drop of over 3,200 feet to the valley floor. Excellent views of Half Dome, Yosemite, Nevada and Vernal falls can be had as well as the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. It can be reached by the Glacier Point road in the valley floor. Note that this location is very crowded in the summer. Also, stay clear of the wildlife as there have been a number of cases of plague brought by foreign visitors and infecting the hapless creatures thereabouts. Four-hour bus tours are available and recommended because they allow all members of your party to enjoy the views equally. This location is ADA accessible. An excellent site for stargazing. There are scheduled ranger programs available. Keep a close eye on the kiddies as the railings here are right on the brink and a child could easily climb through. Nevada/Vernal Falls

Photo by David Iliff – CC BY-SA 3.0 Additional Information Additional Images Nevada Falls, at almost 600 feet is the senior partner of Vernal Falls. Both are on the Merced river and the flow from Nevada Falls cascades down to Vernal Falls which has a 317 foot drop. There is a hiking trail to these falls, although it is not recommended. Several people have died on this trail and while swimming in the deceptively calm pools. Yosemite Falls Photo By Chensiyuan – CC BY-SA 4.0 Additional Images Considered by many to be the most beautiful falls in California, this famous landmark is certainly the most beautiful in the valley. At 2425 feet this is the world's 5th highest falls. It descends in 3 cascades from the summit to the valley floor. The upper fall is 1,430 feet (one of the 25 tallest in the world), followed by 675 feet of middle cascades (usually hard to see because of the narrow gorge they are in) and culminating in a 320-foot lower fall. The summit can be reached via a strenuous 3.5-mile hike. For those of us less adventuresome, a similar view (although from the opposite side of the valley) can be had by driving up to Glacier Point. Bridal Veil Falls

Photo by David Iliff – CC BY-SA 3.0 Additional Images This beautiful waterfall is over 600 feet high. During the warm summer months the water sometimes does not reach the ground but, instead evaporates into a fine mist. At any time, the water can be blown by the wind from side to side. It is the only fall that can be seen from the entrance to the valley. A short, steep trail leads to the base where you can stand under the cool mist on a hot day. El Capitan Monolith

Photo by Mike Murphy – CC BY-SA 3.0 Additional Images Considered the guardian of the entrance to the valley it sits opposite Bridal Veil Falls and the two together present a spectacular and famous welcoming image. 3,000 feet straight down (or up, depending on your spirit of adventure), this granite rock monolith is popular with rock climbers. A good, strong pair of binoculars just might disclose climbers in their multi-day ascent, clinging to the face of this giant. The intrepid, but not insane, adventurer can reach the summit via a strenuous trail up the backside which starts next to Yosemite Falls. Hetch Hetchy Valley

Photo by King Of Hearts – CC BY-SA 3.0 Additional Information Additional Images The best kept secret in Yosemite, this glacially carved valley is similar to Yosemite Valley. It is somewhat less spectacular, but nonetheless worthy of a visit. This valley was dammed in the 1920's to provide water for the San Francisco area, thereby restricting access to hikers only (no peeing in the pool.) Controversy has always been a part of the project, but San Francisco needs the water now more than ever, so I can't see the valley being drained any time soon. There are several relatively easy hikes around and above the lake. Swimming and boating are prohibited, but fishing is good. 3rd Leg – Yosemite to L. A.

This leg of our road trip meanders down the western slopes of the Sierras, which are distinctly different from the eastern granite scarp. On this side the land gradually rises from the flat plain of the San Joaquin Valley in the west to a north-south row of gently rolling hills that become more steep and dramatic as you go east, culminating in the Sierra Crest. Mariposa Grove

Photo by Meburian – CC BY SA-3.0 Additional Information Additional Images Located at the southern exit of Yosemite on highway 41, this is the largest grove of Giant Sequoias in Yosemite with about 500 trees over 200 feet tall. Some of them are believed to be over 2,400 years old. Free maps describing several easy walking tours were available. Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad

Photo By Bobtalbot61 – CC BY-SA 3.0 Additional Information Additional Images Just outside the south entrance to Yosemite, this 4-mile-long scenic railroad takes visitors on a trip back in time to the days when logging was the primary means of earning a living. The 2 narrow-gage trains and track were purchased from several extinct logging companies and assembled here as a tourist attraction. In addition to the 3-hour ride into the forest along an old logging road, they also offer a gold panning opportunity as well as a BBQ, entertainers, a gift shop and rest rooms. Nelder Grove Photo by Bradluke22 – Public Domain Additional Information More Information Additional Images About 12 miles south of the Yosemite south entrance, this 1,540 acre grove consists of about 100 mature Sequoias. The turnoff sign for 632 is small and easily missed. If you pass the Bass Lake turnoff, you've gone too far. Seven miles down 632 is the turnoff to the grove. From there, a 1-mile, well-maintained dirt road leads to the grove. Parking is very limited, so come early. There are 5 trails through the grove and all but one have a very moderate 50-foot elevation gain. No accommodations. Bring mosquito repellent. Note the image above of the Bull Buck tree is vertically compressed to fit in the format of this book. The tree is actually 246 feet high with a circumference of 100 feet. The image obviously doesn't do it justice. Coarsegold No publicly copyable image is available. Images Just another of a number of leftovers from the gold rush, now a tourist town. Gold was discovered here in 1849 and there were a number of mines close-by. Not much going on here these days besides some touristy gold panning and, oh yeah, the annual Tarantula Festival which is held in mid-late October each year. They literally come out of the woodwork to mate and take over the town! Bass Lake

Photo by Harmanocp – Public domain Additional Images Amenities About 14 miles south of the south entrance of Yosemite off of Highway 41, turn onto highway 222 at Yosemite Forks. Bass Lake is at 3,425 feet in elevation. This is a good place to stay when visiting Yosemite Valley. With 8 campgrounds, motels, restaurants, and a resort, this location offers a variety of amenities and activities including boating, fishing, camping, hiking and just relaxing. This lake is noted for its 80-degree warm water in the summer. Note that the campgrounds require reservations in advance, so call ahead. This is also the starting point for the Sierra Vista Scenic byway (see below.) Sierra Vista Scenic Byway

Photo by Guywelch2000 – Public domain Additional Information Additional Images Map This 83-mile scenic road (hardly a highway, by any means) begins at the Beasore Road on the eastern shore of Bass Lake and ends at North Fork just a few miles to the south on highway 274. But, for some reason, the map indicates that the road begins at North Fork and ends at Bass Lake. Perhaps it would be wise to do the trip in that direction (?) At any rate, this is a spectacularly beautiful but narrow and little-traveled road. No cell service, gas stations or anything else but raw nature, so be prepared. Sierra Heritage Scenic Byway

Photo by Sue Exline – USDA FS

Additional Images Shaver Lake Images Huntington Lake Images Edison Lake Images This beautiful 70 mile road (Highway 168) travels eastward from Clovis, east of Fresno, up the western slopes and into the heart of the Sierra Nevada. On its way it goes by Shaver Lake and Huntington Lake. It ends in Sierra Canyon in the Kaiser Wilderness. But for those of you who are more adventurous and who have suitable vehicles, the road (narrow, steep, dangerous and spectacular) continues another 24 miles, over Kaiser Pass (9,175 feet) ending at the Vermillion Campground, on the southwest end of Edison Lake (7,300 feet.) Ferry boat service is available to the eastern shore where you will find the Vermillion Valley Resort, a very small facility offering a few rooms and a general store. This little gem is only a mile away from the Pacific Crest/John Muir trail and backpackers use this place as a respite from the wild and a re-provisioning point. Sequoia N. P.

Photo by Jim Bahn – CC BY-SA 3.0 Additional Information Additional Images Video What can I say? It's the biggest tree in the world. But there is much more to this park than trees. Beautiful lakes, meadows, canyons, granite rocks (big rocks) are among the many features of this park. The main access is from the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada and the road is endlessly winding. Make sure you have good brakes. Its sister park, King's Canyon is adjacent and they share a common border. You can easily see both parks in a day or two. King's Canyon N. P.

Photo by CRD637 – CC BY-SA 3.0 Additional Information Additional photos At a depth of over 8,000 feet, this is the deepest canyon in the U. S., surpassing the Grand Canyon by several thousand feet. The high peaks of the Sierra Nevada can be seen in the distance, rising to over 14,000 feet. This park is very popular with hikers. The road that leads down to the floor of the canyon isn't too steep, but it is a very long, continuous downhill grade with lots of turns. Not for those prone to car sickness. But it is a very worthwhile trip. There are accommodations in the canyon, and some excellent trout fishing can be found in the King's River on the canyon floor. California State Mining and Mineral Museum

Photo by California Dept. of Parks and Recreation – Public Domain Additional Information Additional Images Video This museum houses a fine collection of over 13,000 rocks, gems, minerals, fossils and historic artifacts including a rare example of crystallized gold – the 13 pound Fricot Nugget. Concentrating on the Gold Rush era, this museum houses a mine tunnel where visitors can get a feel for what it's like to work all day in a dark mine. There is a museum shop with a very nice selection of minerals for sale. A robbery in 2012 netted the thieves over $2,000,000 in gems and gold. The thieves were caught, but the stolen items have not been recovered. Kern River

Photo by Bobak Ha'Eri – CC BY- SA 3.0 Additional Information Additional Images Divided into the upper and lower Kern Rivers by Lake Isabella, an artificial lake created by a dam on the river. The lower Kern flows through a deep narrow canyon from Lake Isabella into the San Joaquin Valley. The river can be very treacherous and fast when full. Several people each year drown in this river. The upper Kern River flows through less spectacular mountains from Sequoia National Park into Lake Isabella. This section of the river is noted for its white water rafting experiences and for some of the best trout fishing in the Sierra Nevada. Golden trout are native to this area and are the rarest of all the trout species. The Grapevine

Photo by George Louis – CC BY-SA 3.0 Additional Information Additional Images This section of Interstate Highway 5 goes from the San Joaquin Valley over Tejon Pass and into Southern California. It reaches an elevation of almost 4,500 feet and is a 6% grade throughout most of the traverse. The pass is a geological formation caused by the San Andreas Fault which ruptured in 1857 with an estimated 7.9 earthquake. Use caution when traversing this pass because of its steep nature and heavy truck traffic. Don't over-strain your car's engine. You might want to turn off your air-conditioning until you reach the summit. The descent will bring you into the Santa Clarita Valley, passing Magic Mountain, continuing into the San Fernando Valley and finally entering the Los Angeles basin. Castaic Lake

Photo by Chevy111 – CC BY-SA 4.0 Additional Information Additional Images The primary source of water for this lake is the California Aqueduct that runs through the San Joaquin Valley and over the Grapevine. The lake has an Aquatic Center and offers boating, picnic tables, swimming and fishing. Some of the biggest bass on record have been caught in this lake. It provides water for northern Los Angeles County. Magic Mountain

Photo by Jeremy Thompson – CC BY-SA 2.0 Additional information Additional Photos Magic Mountain is an amusement park north of Los Angeles in the Santa Clarita Valley. From a distance it resembles a plumbing pipe storage yard that suffered a cataclysmic explosion. According to Theme Park Magazine (yes, there actually is a magazine devoted to theme parks), Magic Mountain has the most and best roller coasters of any theme park in the world. It is a thrill ride lover's paradise. More geared to the teens/twenties than Disneyland, for example. It's quite hot and crowded in mid-summer (July-September). And Finally... After leaving the Magic Mountain area you will traverse the Newhall Pass (a rather small one as passes go) into the San Fernando Valley in Greater Los Angeles. In the late 50's-early 60's, as a youth I spent several wonderful summers on YMCA caravans and Boy Scout camping trips. We visited many of the sites described in this book and it was during those trips that I developed a profound sense of appreciation for the wonders of nature; something akin to a religious experience. At the end of each trip, when descending into the hot, noisy, smoggy San Fernando Valley, I experienced a sense of great loss and sadness. Not just because it marked the end of a vacation, but because I had to leave part of my soul behind in those mountains. It resides there still. It compels me to return often for a recharge. I hope that, in this book, I have communicated some of that appreciation and wonder to you, and that you will enjoy these special places as much as I have. Good luck to you in your journeys! Acknowledgments

In addition to the unknown thousands, perhaps even millions, of thankless volunteers who donated freely of their time to publish their experiences, photos and videos on the Internet, I owe a particular debt of gratitude to the following: Michael Schneck – My media mogul. Web-master, Facebook moderator, graphics designer, etc. Susan Harvey – My wife. Editor, idea source, patient giver of her time. Yolanda Kirk – My ex-wife. Ditto. Trina Atherton – Primary editor and our good friend. Ditto. Huell Howser — Huell was a much beloved journalist who worked tirelessly for the people of the state of California over the last quarter century or more. He has created many public television series featuring various aspects of life in California. One of those series highlights the state parks in California, and he and PBS have graciously allowed the state of California to provide links to these videos on the websites that the state has created for the state parks. I have included several scientifically interesting state parks in this book and have provided hyperlinks to those videos. Hillclimb Media - publishers of websites which consolidate information about the national parks. I have included hyperlinks to those pages pertaining to the national parks in the American southwest, which are highlighted in this book. VirtualTourist - publishers of websites which consolidate information about points of interest, cities, etc. These websites allow individuals like you and I to leave our opinions, photographs, warnings and evaluations for the benefit of others and I have made liberal use of this information by providing hyperlinks to various sites enumerated in this book. DesertUSA.com – publishers of websites regarding travel in the American Southwest. Many thanks for your very informative and entertaining videos which I have hyper-linked to in this e-book. Google.com images – publishers of thousands of photographs. Although copyrighted by Google, I have provided hyperlinks to many of these images. Many thanks both to Google for hosting these images, as well as the thousands of individuals who have shared them with the world. Creative Commons (creativecommons.org) – an organization for the sharing of images by the thousands of photographers whose generous contributions have allowed me to incorporate their beautiful photos into this book. National Park Service - The National Park Service has joined the modern age by creating websites for each of the national parks and monuments in America. These websites provide basic information about the parks, but little information in the way of photographs, traveler experiences, etc. Still, the information is quite useful, and I appreciate their efforts and encourage them to continue to enhance these websites. California State Park Service - Similarly, I would like to thank the California State Parks service for their efforts in creating web pages for each of the state parks in California, and likewise encourage them to continue to enhance these websites. And I applaud, vigorously, their effort at incorporating the videos created by Huell Howser and PBS, although, as of this writing, those videos do not appear to play properly on the Kindle. Hopefully Amazon will rectify that situation. Author's Insiders Club – An excellent e-book template for Microsoft Word or OpenOffice. Without it, formatting this book to meet Kindle standards would have been difficult, frustrating and tedious. Many thanks to the developers of this product. WebResizer.com – This very handy free, web-based tool was used to properly format and compress all the photographs in this book. It was a very helpful tool and I thank all those involved in its development. And finally, I would like to thank my family and friends for their contributions. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I have enjoyed creating it. I hope you find it useful and educational for you, your family and friends. Please be safe in your travels, and feel free to contact me with your experiences at [email protected]. Appendix 1 – Recommended Reading

Observatories Archeology Geology also here Alltrails.com - There are literally hundreds of hikes in the southwest. The above link will take you to a wonderful web site operated by AllTrails.com. There, you can select filters such as Easy/Moderate/Hard, Length of Trail and Rating, among others. I have hiked only a few of them, all in my youth, and I can vouch for the “Hard” filter. They are DARN hard. Maps The following links are to Benchmark brand topographic maps of the states visited in this guide. They are as beautiful as they are useful. They also contain campground and motor home parks. These maps are highly recommended. However, they are not very useful as replacements for a good road atlas, which is more detailed regarding streets in metropolitan areas. California Nevada Appendix 2 – Useful Web Sites

All About Birds Eastern Sierra Birding Trail Map Fishing Reports California Road Conditions Nevada Road Conditions The Universe Today Science Daily Weather Desertusa.com wildflower bloom reports – national and state parks. Appendix 3 - Helpful hints

Regarding video links: Some of the video links embedded in this book may not be viewable from your e-reader, although they might work fine when viewed from your PC. It seems that Amazon's web browser does not support the file format of these videos. Hopefully, this situation will be rectified soon.

Regarding photographic images: Although these images appear quite small, you can view them in a larger format by “double-tapping” on them. If you turn the Kindle horizontally, you can see a larger image. And, using the “two- finger pinch”, you can expand them even further.

Regarding viewing of linked web pages: Most of these pages will appear small on the Kindle screen. You can improve this by orienting the screen horizontally, and by enlarging the image using the “two-finger pinch” technique. Warning! If you are not viewing linked web pages using wi-fi, but instead, using 3g or 4g cellular telephone networks, you should keep a close eye on your download usage so as not to exceed your monthly allotment and incur additional fees.

Regarding travel planning: The best times to travel in the southwest are early May to mid-June, and from mid-September to late October. Of course, if you have (or are) school age individuals, you may not be able to travel during these months. The advantages to traveling during these times are that the tourist population is significantly reduced and the weather is more moderate. The desert can be very uncomfortable in the summer, and the mountains can be treacherous or even inaccessible in the winter. Please be aware of road conditions when planning your visits. Appendix 4 - About The Set This e-book is an excerpt from Southwest Science Guides, Volume 2 – The Road Trips. The Southwest Science Guides are a 3-volume set of e-books containing information about over 500 locations around the American southwest. These locations are representative of over a dozen different areas of science, and should be of interest not only to scientists, but to their families, friends and even the general public. For the purposes of the guides, the southwest is defined as 6 states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah. The guides were divided in this way for several reasons including: keeping costs down, giving the reader the option to purchase only the parts of interest and keeping the download size to a manageable figure so as not to cause bandwidth and storage problems. As there are a number of general information travel guides currently available, there will be no effort to incorporate information about restaurants, hotels, etc., except where a site is remote and there are no facilities conveniently located, in which case these books will attempt to include nearby support facilities. In addition, information regarding hours of operation, admission fees (if any), ADA accessibility, road conditions, etc. have been omitted because of the volatile nature of these kinds of information. In most cases this information can be found on the location's web site. I have refrained from including map hyperlinks because MapQuest.com is an excellent tool for locating a particular point of interest and getting detailed directions on how to get there from your current location. In order to appeal to a broader audience, I have incorporated a number of site references that are not scientifically oriented per se: sites such as theme parks, IMAX theaters, and a few other locations that would be of interest to the entire family and could provide a bit of variety. Although much of the information contained in this guide is provided by way of Internet hyperlinks, the true value of the book is in the amount of research expended in consolidating and organizing this information. Many of the sites are little-known, off the beaten path and hard-to-find. The books have been designed exclusively from the beginning to be used on computers, tablets, smart phones and e- readers and should be readable on any device that supports the PDF e-reader format, including Apple products, Android and iPhones, Mac and Windows PC's/tablets/laptops as well as e-book readers. They are on the vanguard of a new generation of means for the dissemination of information. Because they are published in electronic form, they are not limited in size or scope, and incorporate features unavailable in printed matter: features such as hyperlinks, for example. There are thousands of hyperlinks in the set.

The areas of science included in these books are: Anthropology, Archaeology, Architecture, Astronomy, Biology, Botany, Computers, Energy, Geology, Marine Biology, Medicine, Nuclear Physics, Oceanography, Paleontology, Space science, Transportation and Zoology.

The kinds of locations include Aquariums, Botanic Gardens, Museums, National Parks, National Monuments, Observatories, Planetariums, State Parks, Theme Parks, Zoos and a number of sites that are hard to categorize. The listings in the books are in the following format:  The site name, which is hyper-linked to the official web page for the site,  A photograph which has been selected based on its informative content as well as its aesthetic beauty,  A “Photo by” citation hyper-linked to the photographer's copyright information,  “Additional Information,” which, in most cases is hyper- linked to a Wikipedia article about the site,  “Additional Photos,” which, in most cases is hyper-linked to a collection of as many as several hundred photos of the site,  And, finally, some general information text about the site which is designed to give the reader enough information to let them decide if they would like to visit. Note that unlike most travel guides, these guides do not include volatile information such as directions, hours of operation, admission fees, etc., because the most current data of this type can be found on the official web page of the site, which is easily accessed via the site name hyperlink. Volume I – The Cities The first volume, “The Cities,” focuses on almost 240 sites in and around the major cities of the southwest which include:

Albuquerque – 22 sites, Denver – 23 sites, Los Angeles – 78 sites, Phoenix – 21 sites, San Diego – 30 sites, San Francisco – 64 sites. Total = 238 sites.

The sites are grouped into the following general scientific categories:  Architecture – sites of particular interest because of their unique, trend setting and/or aesthetically pleasing characteristics,  Animals – Zoos, Aviaries, Aquariums, etc.,  Botanic Gardens – which are of particular interest to horticulturists, scientific illustrators, biologists, etc.,  Miscellaneous – Observatories, Parks and Monuments, sites of unusual interest, etc,  Museums – Children's Museums, Natural History Museums, Science Museums,  Technology – tours of scientifically interesting but hard to categorize sites,  Theme Parks – Although of only minimal scientific interest, it is felt that the family needs a break.  Transportation – Planes, Trains and Automobiles. Volume II – The Road Trips The second volume, “The Road Trips,” presents several suggested road trips which visit over 300 additional locations in the southwest. They include:  The Primary Road Trip at over 2700 miles, is the longest road trip. It is a loop trip which starts in Los Angeles, proceeds eastward to Albuquerque, northward to Denver, westward to San Francisco and finally southward back to Los Angeles.  En-route, it passes through jumping off points for several optional loop trips which are:  Laughlin, Nevada (a jumping off point for the Nevada Loop road trip),  Flagstaff, Arizona (a jumping off point for the Southern Arizona Loop road trip),  Albuquerque, New Mexico (a jumping off point for the Southern New Mexico road trip),  Salt Lake City, Utah (a jumping off point for the famous Grand Circle loop trip traversing southern Utah and Northern Arizona,  A loop trip from Los Angeles to San Diego,  A loop trip north along the eastern flank of the Sierra Nevada mountains to Mono Lake, across Tioga Pass to Yosemite National Park and south along the western flank back to Los Angeles.  Embedded in the loop trips are several of the smaller cities and their environs, including: Flagstaff, Las Vegas, Mammoth Lakes, Sacramento, Salt Lake City and Tucson. Note that the above locations are simply way-points. There are a great many sites between each way-point.  16 National Parks  20 National Monuments  19 State Parks  7 Observatories  25 Museums  10 Botanical Gardens and sites Volume III – The Field Guide The third volume, “The Field Guide,” (still in development with a publication target of late 2020), is a collection of information about the living and non-living things of the southwest. Although not intended as a complete collection, it includes those examples most likely to be encountered, or representative of a larger group. It is divided into the following categories: Trees and Shrubs, Flowers, Birds, Mammals, Insects, Reptiles, Fish, Minerals, Geological Formations, Clouds and Stars. About The Author Ray Kirk was born in 1947 and has been alive ever since. A true maverick, he managed to survive a public education as well as 13 years working for Ma Bell (phone company) in several states as a computer hardware and software technician. In 1985, he left the clutches of Ma Bell and struck out on his own to find his fortune as a Computer Consultant. He built PC's for clients as well as sold, installed, maintained and customized accounting (and other) software products. His adventures eventually led him to begin consulting for corporate America where he developed database systems. Some of his more illustrious clients include Disney, MGM, Universal Studios, General Electric and Deloitte Touche among many others. He suffered from a lifelong case of Wealthophobia (fear of becoming rich), tirelessly battling his inner demons of greed and avarice to which many of his “successful” peers in the software development arena had succumbed. He retired in 2011 and is now enjoying his dotage with 2 cats and friends. As an avid science and nature enthusiast, he has educated himself in several disciplines. He has visited most of the sites in this book and hopes you will appreciate them as much as he does. He may be annoyed, hassled, threatened and/or cajoled at [email protected].