Owens Valley Stop 1: Fossil Falls

In this video I discuss the geology of the "Fossil Falls" site near the southern end of Owens Valley, where an extinct river used to flow down a waterfall across lava flows from the still-active Coso volcanic field.

Driving directions, if heading north on Highway 395:
Reset your odometer where the 14 and 395 merge.
A little while after the merge with Hwy 395, soon you will approach cliffs of basalt showing columnar jointing on your right. These flows are about 500-400 thousand years old. They and the other volcanic rocks on your right are part of the Coso Volcanic Field. After passing a little lake (named Little Lake), a cinder cone will come into view.
19.8 miles Before you get to the cinder cone, turn right on Cinder Rd.
20.4 miles Turn right at the sign for Fossil Falls.
21.0 miles Arrive at parking lot. (35.9718, -117.9108) Stop 1: Fossil Falls/Coso Volcanic Field.