Scenic 395 - The Official Guide 2022/2023

2022 Scenic 395 37 Inyo County the Rainbow Falls trailhead and passes by the lower Rainbow Falls before heading down canyon along the trail designated as Fish Creek trail. It parallels the San Joa- quin which cuts into the landscape below as granite ridges rise to create deep, nar- row canyons. The trail flows alternately through the forest and out onto massive granite blocks. Crater Creek begins east of this valley near the south side of Mammoth Moun- tain. On its way to the San Joaquin, the waters of Crater Creek plunge over the massive granite benches that delineate these canyons. The view of this falls is from the brink of the drop and just off to the side. Both views provide a grand view of it plummeting over a near vertical cliff. Be extra careful of sand, water, or ice on the granite as a slip here could have very serious consequences. The roundtrip hike is just under 9 miles with a little over 3,000 feet of cumulative elevation gain and loss. It’s a big day … and it’s a big falls. Be safe The Bishop Visitor Center also cautions safety above anything else. “Always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back. Cell phone reception is limited or non-ex- istent in many of the places described above,” the Visitor Center states. “Study the maps, download GPS tracks, and take paper maps as a backup. Pack layers for sudden changes in weather, extra food or plenty of snacks, take plenty of water or a water filter, and carry a flashlight or headlamp.” Above all, stay on the designated paths and don’t attempt cross-country unless some is required. An additional note includes the possi- bility that some waterfalls might be low or not as active after a low snow or dry winter. If you hike into the backcountry in early spring do not cross ice bridges over creeks or falls. Note too, that water follows the path of least resistance and sometimes a designated trail becomes a temporary stream. Continued from Page 36