Fossil Falls Hike

Happy Mother’s Day! I hope all of you mom’s are enjoying the day and being loved on by your family. Mother’s Day is going to be different this year, but it doesn’t mean you are loved any less. I wanted to dedicate this post to my mom and my mother-in-law, both of whom have been so incredibly supportive to me and who are just amazing, strong, positive, caring human beings (to my moms: we’ll see each other in the future some day, but in the meantime, know that you are loved and that we are thinking of you).

My mom and dad have been sheltering in place in their apartment in Japan since January and I just want to tell them – ganbatte (loosely translated from Japanese as good luck, or keep going and persevere)! I wanted to virtually take them on a hike to a place they’ve never been before and mentally, at least, get outside.

Ok then, grab your water bottle (cup of coffee) and a jacket (a cozy blanket) and let’s explore Fossil Falls (get comfortable on your sofa). Fossil Falls is located on the east side of the Sierra Mountains along Hwy 395, a little north of Red Rock Canyon State Park in California. The hike is short and flat with 360° views, but the main attraction is exploring Fossil Falls.

Fossil falls, as you see, is not actually a water fall. Nor are there any fossils of animals from long past. The “falls” is made up of lava rocks which have been sculpted smooth and polished by rushing water and wind during the last ice ages.

There are circular shaped holes in the rocks which are called “potholes.” It seems that high current eddies were formed with granite rocks inside, drilling holes into the volcanic rock.

Although we stayed on the area above the chasm, there were people rapelling down to the bottom or finding easier, less steep routes to hike down. However you explore, there is beauty all around. Just take the time to look close and appreciate what nature created.

Thanks for joining us on this short hike to explore Fossil Falls. I hope you enjoyed the scenery and maybe one day you will be able to make an in-person visit. Please stay safe and healthy everyone.

Sending love and well wishes to ALL the mom’s out there! Have a wonderful Mother’s Day.