Hot Creek Geologic Site
The Hot Creek Geologic Site which is 8 miles east of Mammoth Lakes, California is an interesting place to explore. Along Hot Creek geology in action can be observed with steam vents and bubbling blue pools. There are also scenic vistas to behold.
Hot Creek is in a narrow gorge which one hikes down to get to the creek.
Farther down the steam rising from the blue pools can be seen. The blue color is due to minerals deposited in the pools. Some of the pools and the area around the pools have occasional geysers spouting water as high as 6 feet. However we did not see any eruptions while we were there.
The heat originates from a chamber of hot magma which is about three miles below the surface of the earth in this area. Water the infiltrates to these depths, is heated and then rises through the earth with some of the hot water making it to the surface.
We hiked a short distance along Hot Creek with this impressive rock column on the hillside.
There was a beautiful view of the mountains in the distance.
The view in the opposite direction.
Birds were some of the wildlife we saw along the stream.
This bird was keeping a watchful eye on those in the canyon.
Hot Creek is also a fishing destination for some like these people. The creek has trout which can be a challenge to catch as the creek is small, shallow and open so it can be difficult to fish without being noticed by the fish.
Some areas along Hot Creek are closed to people but with good reason. The geologic activity causes changes which are not predictable and can result in sudden spouting of extremely hot water or other dangerous events. In the past people have been badly burned and even killed as this sign attests. So if you visit be sure to stay out of the closed areas.
We returned to our car the way we came with this view upstream from the pools.
One last view of the pools before we leave.
More Information:
Hot Creek Geologic Site Wikipedia article
USGS Fact Sheet for the Hot Creek Geologic Site (PDF)
