Big Bear, CA
I quiet mountain community full of back country adventure.
Lake Mary – Mammoth Lakes
Lake Mary is the largest and most prominent lake in the Mammoth Lakes Basin in the Eastern Sierra Nevada of California, renowned for its stunning alpine scenery, clear waters, and recreational opportunities. Located near the town of Mammoth Lakes in Mono County, it serves as a crown jewel of the region, drawing visitors year-round for its natural beauty and accessibility.
Physical Description and Geography
Lake Mary sits at an elevation of approximately 8,900–8,920 feet (around 2,713–2,719 meters). It measures roughly 1 mile (1.6 km) long and about 0.5 miles wide, covering around 140–143 acres with a maximum depth of about 114 feet. Its clear, cold waters reflect the surrounding landscape dramatically.
The lake occupies a glacial cirque basin carved by ancient ice movements in the Sierra Nevada. It is a natural lake (not man-made or dam-controlled), fed by multiple inlets—including four year-round ones and seasonal streams—plus natural warm springs from beneath the surface. These features support a rich ecosystem.
Surrounding the lake are dense stands of lodgepole pines and other conifers, with dramatic granite peaks rising in the background. Key landmarks include the prominent white monolith of Crystal Crag and the dark granite walls of the Mammoth Crest. These create iconic reflections in the lake’s calm waters, especially on clear days. Nearby peaks in the John Muir Wilderness reach 9,000–10,000+ feet, contributing to a rugged, high-alpine setting.
The lake connects to other bodies of water in the basin, such as Lake Mamie (to the east), Lake George, and Twin Lakes, forming a scenic chain accessible via Lake Mary Road (off CA 203 from Mammoth Lakes town, about 3–5 miles away).
Scenic Beauty and Visual Appeal
Lake Mary is frequently described as serene, breathtaking, and one of the most beautiful spots in the Mammoth Lakes area. Its crystal-clear waters mirror the surrounding Sierra Nevada peaks, pines, and sky, creating postcard-perfect vistas. Visitors highlight:
- Reflections — Especially of Crystal Crag and the Mammoth Crest, which appear almost painterly on still mornings or afternoons.
- Alpine contrasts — Deep blue or turquoise waters against dark granite, evergreen forests, and often lingering snow patches (even into July in some years).
- Seasonal transformations — Summer brings lush greenery and wildflowers; fall offers golden aspens (though more prominent nearby); winter transforms it into a snowy wonderland for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing along groomed trails.
Many call it the “crown jewel” of the basin due to its size, accessibility, and views. It feels pristine yet approachable, with picnic areas, trails, and lodges enhancing the experience without overwhelming the natural setting.
Ecology and Wildlife
The lake supports a thriving fishery, heavily stocked with rainbow, brook, and brown trout (it receives the highest number of plants in the basin). Large holdover trout are common, with historical records including fish over 25–28 pounds and legends of even bigger ones. Warm springs and inlets create productive spawning and feeding grounds, also attracting waterfowl like ducks.
The surrounding forests and wilderness host typical Sierra wildlife. Swimming is generally not permitted in the basin lakes to protect water quality, but the area supports hiking, paddling, and other low-impact activities.
Human History and Development
The broader Mammoth Lakes area has ties to the Gold Rush era and later logging/mining, with some historic ruins nearby. Lake Mary itself has long been a recreational focal point. Facilities include:
- Campgrounds (e.g., Lake Mary Campground with dozens of sites among pines, some with lake views; open roughly mid-June to mid-September).
- Marinas and lodges — Pokonobe Lodge/Marina and Lake Mary Marina offer boat rentals (kayaks, canoes, sailboats), fishing supplies, and snacks. Crystal Crag Lodge provides rustic cabins on the southwest shore.
- Trails and paths — Lakes Basin Path and other paved or mixed trails for walking, biking, or e-biking; connections to hiking in the John Muir Wilderness.
The lake is popular but can feel crowded during peak summer weekends. A free trolley from Mammoth Village provides easy access.
Recreational Activities
- Boating and paddling — Excellent for sailing (due to its width), kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. The waters are generally calm.
- Fishing — Highly regarded for trout; popular spots near inlets.
- Hiking and biking — Lakeside trails, plus connections to broader networks.
- Camping and picnicking — Abundant spots with views.
- Winter sports — Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on groomed trails.
- Other — Photography, wildlife viewing, and as a base for exploring nearby lakes and waterfalls.
Practical Information and Conservation
Access is via paved Lake Mary Road, with parking and day-use areas. The area is managed by Inyo National Forest. As part of the Eastern Sierra, it lies near the geologically active Long Valley Caldera, contributing to the dramatic landscape (though the lake itself is stable).
Visitors should follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve water quality and the fragile alpine environment. Facilities include flush toilets and water at campgrounds, but services are seasonal.
In summary, Lake Mary embodies the quintessential high Sierra beauty: a large, reflective alpine lake framed by granite peaks and pine forests, offering both tranquility and adventure. Its combination of accessibility, size, and scenic grandeur makes it a must-visit destination in Mammoth Lakes, whether for a day trip or an extended stay. For the latest conditions, check with Visit Mammoth or Inyo National Forest resources.
Potosi, Nevada – Clark County Ghost Town
Potosi (also known as Potosi Camp or Crystal City in the 1870s) is a historic mining ghost town and mining district in Clark County, southern Nevada, located in the Spring Mountains approximately 30–35 miles southwest of Las Vegas. The site, at an elevation of about 5,705 feet, centers on Potosi Mountain (around 8,504 feet) and Potosi Spring. It is significant as the location of Nevada’s first lode mine (the Potosi Mine), with operations dating to the mid-19th century. The Potosi Mining District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The name “Potosi” derives from the famous silver-mining mountain in Bolivia (Cerro Potosí), passed indirectly through Potosi, Wisconsin, the hometown of an early mine manager. The area’s history spans possible pre-contact Native American use, Spanish exploration theories, Mormon settlement efforts, multiple mining booms and busts, and contributions to national needs during World War I. Today, it is largely abandoned but retains interpretive value and attracts hikers and history enthusiasts.
Early History and Pre-Mormon Activity
Indigenous peoples, including the Chemehuevi, had connections to the area. A giant cave on Potosi Mountain was reportedly used for vision quests by Chemehuevi shamans in the mid-19th century. Paiute guides later directed settlers to mineral deposits.
Speculative accounts suggest Spanish missionaries or Mexican prospectors may have explored or worked silver mines in the region as early as the 1770s or 1830s, possibly linked to the Old Spanish Trail (blazed in 1829–1830). However, these lack strong documentation, and modern recorded history begins in the 1850s. Artifacts like old coins or religious items have been anecdotally reported but are not definitively tied to large-scale operations.
Mormon Era and the First Lode Mine (1850s)
The modern history of Potosi is tied to the Mormon (Latter-day Saints) mission at Las Vegas Springs, established in 1855 as part of efforts for economic self-sufficiency in what was then considered part of southern Utah (later New Mexico/Arizona Territory before becoming Nevada). Lead was critically needed for bullets and other uses.
In 1856, a Paiute guide informed Mormon settlers of a lead deposit on the western slope of the Spring Mountains. Nathaniel V. Jones, an experienced miner dispatched from Salt Lake City, inspected and developed the site, naming it Potosi. A small camp with log cabins was built in a ravine below the mine, near a spring. Ore was initially smelted locally with limited success due to fuel and water issues, then hauled to Las Vegas for processing in a smelter inside the stockade (considered the first smelter west of the Missouri River operating in Nevada).
About 9,000 pounds of lead were recovered, but high zinc content complicated smelting. Operations ceased in early 1857 (or late 1856 per some accounts) when Brigham Young recalled the colonists amid tensions with the U.S. government. Potosi became Nevada’s first abandoned mine and ghost town.
Later 19th-Century Revivals (1860s–1870s)
Mining resumed sporadically. In 1861, the Colorado Mining Company (California interests) reopened the mine for silver, building a smelter at Potosi Spring and a camp with rock cabins housing up to 100 miners. Activity lasted until around 1863.
In the 1870s, the Silver State Mining Company worked the mine (sometimes called the Comet) and established Crystal City at Potosi Spring with stone buildings. This phase lasted roughly three years. Prospectors continued small-scale work intermittently for decades.
20th-Century Zinc Boom and Industrial Operations (1900s–1920s)
The arrival of the San Pedro, Los Angeles and Salt Lake Railroad (later Union Pacific) in 1905 enabled economic shipping of complex ores. New assays revealed significant zinc alongside lead and silver, sparking renewed interest.
Operations expanded in the 1910s. The Empire Zinc Company (New Jersey, with Denver offices) took over around 1913, building a modern camp with uniform housing, an electrical plant, a calciner, and an aerial tramway (constructed 1913) to transport ore down the steep hillside. Ore was trucked to railheads like Arden. A Yellow Pine railroad spur aided logistics.
During World War I, Potosi was designated a priority defense project for zinc, lead, and silver production. The mine yielded substantially for the war effort. Population grew temporarily; local newspapers noted births in the camp in 1918. Post-armistice, operations scaled back. The Empire Zinc Company dismantled much of the camp by 1919.
Subsequent lessees, including A.J. and A.R. Robbins and the International Smelting Company (mid-1920s), extracted more zinc (e.g., 31,000 tons in 1925), but high costs led to final abandonment around 1928–1930. Total estimated production reached about $4.5 million in lead, silver, and zinc. Other minerals included gold, copper, and traces of others.
Significance and Legacy
- Mining Milestone: Nevada’s first lode mine, predating major strikes like the Comstock Lode in importance for early regional development.
- Mormon Influence: Exemplifies early LDS efforts in the American West for self-sufficiency and settlement.
- Economic and Military Role: Contributed to national metal supplies, especially in wartime.
- Cultural/Historic Sites: Nevada State Historical Markers (e.g., No. 115) commemorate the site. The Potosi Mining District is on the National Register of Historic Places. Ruins are minimal today, but the mine itself (multi-level) and tram remnants remain points of interest for explorers.
The site is near the Old Spanish Trail and accessible via dirt roads (high-clearance vehicles recommended). It offers hiking opportunities, including to Potosi Mountain summits and cliffs.
Conclusion
Potosi embodies the boom-and-bust cycle of Nevada mining towns—driven by mineral riches, technological advances (railroads, trams), and national demands, yet challenged by remoteness, ore complexities, and economics. From a short-lived Mormon outpost to a contributor in World War I, its legacy as Nevada’s pioneering lode mine endures in historical markers, archives, and the rugged landscape of the Spring Mountains. While retired and deserted, it remains a tangible link to the state’s frontier past.
Sources: Compiled from Nevada SHPO historical markers, Travel Nevada Magazine archives, and related historical accounts. For on-site visits, consult current land access and safety information, as old mines pose hazards.
Potosi is a designated at Nevada State Historic Marker no. 115.
Town Summary
| Name | Potosi |
| Location | Clark County, Nevada |
| GNIS | 849366 |
| Latitude, Longitude | 35.9708, -115.5408 |
| Elevation | 5705 |
| Population | 100 |
Potosi Trailmap
References
Lake Mamie – Mammoth Lakes
Lake Mamie is a small, scenic alpine lake in the Mammoth Lakes Basin of the Eastern Sierra Nevada, Mono County, California. It is one of the chain of lakes accessible via Lake Mary Road, just a few miles from the town of Mammoth Lakes.
Location and Access
Lake Mamie sits at approximately 8,900–8,901 feet (about 2,713 meters) elevation, nestled in a sub-alpine forested setting between larger Lake Mary (to the west/upstream) and Horseshoe Lake (to the east). It is easily reachable by car along Lake Mary Road (about 3–3.5 miles from town), with parking and trail access near the Twin Falls Overlook or along the Lakes Basin Path. In summer, facilities like Wildyrie Lodge/cabins nearby offer boat rentals, tackle, and snacks. Winter access is by ski or snowshoe only.
The lake forms part of the broader Mammoth Lakes Basin, a large glacial cirque carved by ancient ice and featuring rugged peaks, including views of Crystal Crag and Mammoth Mountain.
Physical Description
- Size: Roughly 19 acres, making it the smallest lake in the Mammoth Lakes Basin. It has a relatively short shoreline (about half a mile), which contributes to its intimate, protected feel.
- Depth: Shallow, generally around 8–10 feet or so at its deeper points, with excellent water clarity. This shallowness supports good visibility and makes it suitable for certain activities while limiting others (e.g., no motorboats).
- Hydrology: Water flows in from Lake Mary through a canopy of evergreens at the inlet. The outlet feeds a spillway/waterfall that drops toward Twin Lakes below. A dam influences water levels, and the lake is part of the connected basin system.
- Surroundings: Surrounded by towering pines, evergreens, and sub-alpine forest. It lies in a glacial moraine setting within the broader Sierra Nevada landscape shaped by volcanism (including Mammoth Mountain) and glaciation.
The water is typically clear and calm, especially since motorboats are prohibited, preserving a tranquil environment.
Natural Beauty and Scenic Qualities
Lake Mamie is frequently praised for its jaw-dropping scenery despite its small size. It is framed by dense woods, with reflections of snow-capped peaks (like Crystal Crag) and granite features on its clear waters. The setting offers “breathtaking views at every angle,” with light playing across the surface, especially at sunrise, sunset, or from the road crossing above the dam.
One angler/author described it as having “perhaps one of the best views of any lake in the world.” The protected, wooded location makes it feel more intimate and secluded than larger neighboring lakes, with opportunities to spot wildlife such as deer, coyotes, waterfowl, and occasionally bears (especially in summer).
In fall, the area features vibrant colors; in winter, it transforms into a snowy wonderland accessible for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. The easy accessibility combined with its peaceful character makes it ideal for photography, lounging, and quiet contemplation.
Ecology and Recreation
The lake supports fishing and is regularly stocked with trout, including rainbows, brookies, and notable browns/Alpers trout. It is popular for shore fishing, float tubes, canoes, and kayaks. Dusk is often cited as a prime time.
Other activities include picnicking at scenic spots (with views of Mammoth Mountain and the spillway), short loops or trails around the lake (e.g., an easy ~1-mile Lake Mamie Loop with minimal elevation gain), and general lounging. No swimming is allowed in the basin lakes. Nearby camping is available at sites like Twin Lakes.
History and Naming
The name “Mamie” has a couple of origin stories. One links it to Lake Mary (possibly after Queen Mary), with “Mamie” as a nickname or for a smaller related lake. Another ties it to colorful local figures from the area’s mining-era dancehall days. The basin itself has ties to mining history (e.g., nearby Mammoth Consolidated Mine) and was shaped by the Long Valley Caldera volcanism and glaciation.
Summary of Appeal
Lake Mamie stands out as a gem for those seeking serenity amid stunning alpine scenery. Its small size belies its visual impact and recreational value—offering clear waters, forested shores, mountain backdrops, and easy access without the crowds of larger lakes. Whether for a peaceful paddle, a productive fishing session, a family picnic, or simply soaking in the views, it exemplifies the natural beauty of the Mammoth Lakes area. Visitors should practice Leave No Trace principles, be aware of wildlife (including bears), and check conditions, as the high-elevation environment can change quickly.
This report draws from local tourism, trail, and recreation sources for an up-to-date overview as of 2026. For the latest access, fishing regulations, or safety info, consult Inyo National Forest or Visit Mammoth resources.
Twin Lakes – Mammoth Lakes
Twin Lakes in Mammoth Lakes, California, is a scenic pair of connected alpine lakes in the Mammoth Lakes Basin within the Inyo National Forest in Mono County. They sit at the base of the southeastern slope of Mammoth Mountain in the eastern Sierra Nevada.
Physical Description and Geography
Twin Lakes are the lowest in the Mammoth Lakes Basin, with a surface elevation of approximately 8,563–8,600 feet (about 2,610 m). They are accessible by car year-round via Lake Mary Road and Twin Lakes Road, unlike many higher lakes in the basin.
The lakes are often described as a single body of water with a narrow “choke” or connection in the middle, sometimes bridged for visitors. They consist of an Upper and Lower Twin Lake, linked by the picturesque Twin Falls (also called Twin Lakes Falls), which cascades from the upper section (fed from Lake Mamie above) into the lower. The primary inflow is Twin Falls, and the primary outflow is Mammoth Creek, making the lakes the source of this waterway.
One side features dramatic lava cliffs formed by eruptions of Mammoth Mountain, highlighting the area’s volcanic geology. The other side borders forested areas with the Twin Lakes Campground and Tamarack Lodge. The basin was shaped by glacial activity, with surrounding features like Panorama Dome.
Size details vary in sources, but they form a substantial alpine lake system (one reference notes around 108 acres for fishing purposes; related Twin Lakes in the region are larger). Depths reach up to around 40–55 feet in channels. The water is typically clear and cold, reflecting the high Sierra environment.
Scenic Beauty and Surroundings
Twin Lakes are renowned for their stunning natural beauty, nestled amid lodgepole pine forests, with views of Mammoth Mountain (elev. ~11,059 ft) and surrounding peaks. The area offers mirror-like reflections on calm days, especially at sunrise or early morning, and vibrant seasonal changes—green summers, golden aspens in fall, and snow-covered winter landscapes.
The waterfall between the lakes (or from above) is a highlight, creating dramatic cascades visible from bridges, shores, and overlooks like Twin Falls Overlook. Panoramic views extend across the lakes to the town of Mammoth Lakes and beyond. The setting combines alpine lake serenity with volcanic rock formations and dense evergreen forests, often called part of the “California Alps” due to the rugged Sierra Crest and Sawtooth Ridge influences.
Visitors frequently praise the gorgeous scenery, clear water, and photo opportunities, with easy access enhancing its appeal. It feels pristine yet welcoming, with the scent of pines and mountain air.
Recreation and Amenities
- Fishing: Popular for trout (stocked lakes); fish cleaning stations available.
- Boating/Paddling: Boat rentals, kayaking, canoeing on the glassy waters.
- Hiking/Biking: Lakeside paths, Lakes Basin Path (paved), connections to Mammoth Mountain trails, and nearby hikes like to Heart Lake or Panorama Dome.
- Camping: Twin Lakes Campground with ~93 sites in three loops, suitable for tents and RVs, lakeside access.
- Other: Tamarack Lodge (historic, with restaurant), general store, boat rentals, winter cross-country skiing, and an outdoor wedding chapel.
It’s family-friendly with easy access, though high elevation (~8,600 ft) requires acclimation for some.
History and Ecology
The area has volcanic and glacial history, with Mammoth Mountain’s lava domes and past mining activity nearby (e.g., Mammoth Consolidated Mine ruins). Ecologically, it supports trout fisheries and coniferous forests in a high-elevation environment.
Twin Lakes stands out as an accessible gem in the Mammoth Lakes area—beautiful year-round, with its connected waters, waterfall, volcanic backdrop, and forested shores creating a quintessential Sierra Nevada alpine scene that draws photographers, outdoor enthusiasts, and nature lovers.
For the most current conditions (e.g., road access, fishing regulations, or weather), check official sources like the U.S. Forest Service or Visit Mammoth.
Earthquake Fault
The Mammoth Earthquake Fault (or Earthquake Fissure) on Mammoth Mountain is a striking geological feature located in Inyo National Forest near Mammoth Lakes, California. It is a prominent, nearly straight fracture in the volcanic rock at the base of Mammoth Mountain, rather than a true fault with significant lateral or vertical displacement between the rock blocks.
Dimensions
- Length: The visible fissure extends for several hundred feet (some descriptions note portions or related features along a longer alignment).
- Width: Up to about 10 feet (roughly 6–10 feet in places, with sides that fit together like puzzle pieces when viewed closely).
- Depth: Up to 60 feet.
- It runs roughly north-south, cutting through hard, glassy rhyolite lava flows from Mammoth Mountain. The jagged, uneroded walls and lack of significant pumice fill indicate it is geologically young.
A short, easy 0.3-mile interpretive trail (mostly paved with some uneven stone steps) allows visitors to walk alongside and even descend into parts of the fissure. It sits at approximately 8,600 feet elevation in a forested area.
Geological History
The fissure formed primarily due to tectonic stresses in the Earth’s crust, associated with the ongoing volcanic and extensional activity in the Long Valley Caldera region. It is part of a broader system linked to the Mono-Inyo Craters volcanic chain.
Scientists estimate its formation occurred roughly 200–600 years ago (around 550–650 years ago in some accounts), during a period of intense volcanic unrest. This timeframe aligns with eruptions at the Inyo Craters, Inyo Domes, and related steam blasts and dome-building events. The fissure aligns with the dike (magma intrusion pathway) that fed some of these northern domes.
It is not the result of a single major earthquake but rather a fracture opened by crustal stretching and volcanic-related stresses. Trees growing in and around the fissure (some over 160 years old) confirm it has been open for at least that long, with its fresh appearance underscoring its relative youth in geologic terms.
The Mammoth Lakes area remains geologically active, part of the Long Valley Caldera system with a history of eruptions, earthquake swarms (notably in 1980 and 1989), and magma movement at depth. While this fissure itself is not directly tied to a specific historic quake, it highlights the region’s dynamic tectonic and volcanic environment, where future activity (magma rise or gradual infilling) remains possible.
Visitor Notes
The site is easily accessible off Highway 203, with parking, picnic tables, and interpretive signs. It offers a cool microclimate (cold air often rises from the depths, and snow can linger inside even in summer). Historically, local Native American groups reportedly used the fissure for food storage due to its natural refrigeration. Always practice Leave No Trace, watch your footing on the trail, and respect any seasonal closures or warnings.
This feature provides an excellent, hands-on look at the powerful forces shaping the eastern Sierra Nevada. For current conditions, check the Inyo National Forest website or visitor centers in Mammoth Lakes.