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Excerpt from www.visitmammoth.com/trip-ideas/exploring-hot-creek-geolo...:
Hot Creek is a scenic wonderland containing dozens of natural hot springs bubbling up within the rocky walls of a river gorge and in the shadows of towering Eastern Sierra mountain peaks.
It is a breathtaking place where boiling, bubbling water rich in dissolved minerals emerges in turquoise pools rimmed by layers of travertine rock and shrouded in veils of steam. A short drive and hike is all it takes to meander along trails that run alongside the creek. From here sightseers get a first-hand view of the geological processes actively shaping the distinctive Eastern Sierra landscape.
Easily accessible throughout most of the year, a well-maintained trail descends into the heart of the geothermal activity. The short, asphalt trail descends into the gorge from the parking area and is lined with interpretive markers and signs. Once you reach the creek, the trail turns to dirt and adequate footwear is strongly suggested to ensure safe footing. Swimming is illegal at this location due to the rapid fluctuation of water temperatures, as changes of 200 degrees (F) over mere seconds have been recorded within the stream.
There are only a handful of places on Earth like Hot Creek’s active geologic setting, which makes it a nice addition to your next adventure in Mammoth Lakes. Within the shallow gorge, groundwater heated by subsurface bodies of molten rock (magma) reaches the surface and mixes with the cool waters of Hot Creek, creating a picturesque environment with otherworldly features. Below the hot springs, healthy populations of fish thrive off the abundant nutrition generated by the consistently warm waters of the creek. Delicate rock formations created by the precipitation of minerals rim the hot spring pools. Like most geothermal springs, the area is constantly changing and evolving. Once-active geysers and springs are now dormant or extinct, and new springs appear annually. Restrooms and picnic facilities are available at the parking area. The interpretive area is open from dawn to dusk throughout the year, although road conditions may prevent access in the winter.
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Lake George never fails me when it comes to reflection shots. In the early morning its waters are usually glassy smooth. In this shot it appears that the fishing boats are sitting on the granite mountain.
Looking down upon Twin Lakes at their junction at the bottom of the falls. Mammoth Lakes, California. It was a beautiful sunny morning that makes you feel grateful to be alive, especially, with this view to keep you company.
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It's an upside down world at Lake George as the still water reflects the Sierra Nevada granite behind it. The prominent feature is Crystal Crag, a rock climbers destination.
I go to this lake every year on my visit to Mammoth Lakes. It has never failed to provide a reflection photo. I think that its location shelters it from the morning wind and so the water remains calm. If I am lucky I get there when the autumn color enhances the trees.
Note that the water is so clear you can see the bottom in the photo.
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The still water of Lake George, my favorite of the Mammoth Lakes in the Sierra Nevada, reflect Crystal Craig, a popular rock climbing destination. The new sun casts shadows on the granite slopes to highlight their features.
The early riser gets to experience such serenity before the folks rent the boats and stir up the water.
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On my trip to Mammoth Lakes last year, I picked Lake George to see if I could get some sunrise color on Crystal Crag. On a cold morning just before sunrise, as I drove by Lake Mary I noted some mist on the water and, when I got to Lake George, I found the same. In researching later, I found that this phenomenon is evaporation fog over a lake which gives the appearance of steam rising out of the water and is sometimes referred to as a steam fog.
At any rate, when the sun did begin to add a touch of gold to the Sierra Nevada and the crag, I caught this shot which included a nice reflection on the still water as well.
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Robert Service, the Bard of the Yukon, wrote of a little lake that adored her mountain. Each morning she would still her water to reflect the haughty peaks in her mirror. I think of this poem when I find a scene like this one at Lake George, one of the Mammoth Lakes in the Sierra Nevada.
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As I stood here at sunrise, I recalled the words of the Robert Service poem, Spell of the Yukon, which reads, 'Its the beauty that fills me with wonder, it's the silence that fills me with peace."
The lake has not awoken as the new sun lights Crystal Crag and the still water mirrors the granite peaks to give me a two for one shot.
Today's photo - "Waterfall"
The day before saw us rise very early do go fishing and later a massive 6 mile hike up to lake with kids, and moms in the party. Well after that grueling hike we decided to take it easy and we found what we thought was going to be an easy 1 mile hike. It was more than a mile and not easy. But it was worth it after finding this waterfall. We dipped our feet in it, the water was warmer than that of the lake's.
Cheers.
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Sometimes Mother Nature plays tricks on our eyes. This morning at Lake George in the Mammoth Lakes Region of the Sierra Nevada, the water was very still and offered a mirror reflection of Crystal Crag in the background. Also, the water was extremely clear, so that you could see the bottom of the lake (notice the old logs). Together these elements made it seem that there was another set of mountains under the water. These are the moments when the Photo Gods smiles on you.
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At 10,364 feet, Crystal Crag is a dramatic and rugged mass of rock that is a recognizable landmark on the Mammoth Crest. The crag is a popular destination among mountaineers and climbers and sits above Lake George. The lake is one of many that make up the Mammoth Lake region of the Sierra Nevada.
This morning the lake was mirror smooth and I got two images for one. Note the sunken logs under the clear water.
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I'm a sucker for this sort of scene. When a lake has calmed to a mirror and reflects it background, my shutter finger starts to twitch. This day I found that condition at Lake Mary, in the Mammoth Lakes region of the Sierra Nevada in California.
Early settlers named the lake after Queen Mary of England, with the smaller lake nearby named for George, the King.
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It's quiet on Twin Lakes except for the ducks and some fishermen. The Sierra Nevada rise above the calm water with Crystal Crag, a popular climbing destination, the most prominent feature.
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My favorite photo opportunity comes when I find a still lake which mirrors its surroundings.
I was hiking around Lake George in the early Fall when I found this one.
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The sun is just rising over Lake George in the Mammoth Lakes region of the Sierra Nevada. The fishing boats await the anglers. The trees and foliage are just putting on their Autumn color.
There is a lot of luck in getting a good photo. I headed up to the Mammoth Lakes region in late September hoping to find some Fall color shots. When I got to Lake George there was some color. And there was also a totally calm lake to reflect the scene. That's the kind of thing that makes me happy.
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A couple of weeks ago I had a chance to check out the Fall color up in the High Sierra country near Mammoth Lakes. The peak of color was still a few weeks away, but the early bird Aspens were showing off and they are my favorite for their bright yellow and gold colors.
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Sometimes fates and nature bring you to a perfect spot for a photo and such was the moment when I walked to the edge of Lake George one early morning.
The deep blue water was perfectly still and reflecting the image of the Sierra Nevada with Crystal Crag standing proudly above.
The fishing boats were waiting for the anglers. All was still and quiet.
Thank you, Photo Gods.
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Yes, there are such places as this, thank God. This shot shows the reason for the name, Twin Lakes. They are some of the many lakes around Mammoth Lakes, CA. Alpine air, green forests, and blue water are a balm for minds too full of everyday cares.
Look closely and you'll find a man in a canoe who is experiencing some of Mother Nature's therapy.
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I got up to Lake George just after sunrise and found that I had the lake to myself. The fishing boats were awaiting rental and there was no wind to disturb the water. It made for a nice natural mirror photo.
The prominent formation on top of the mountain is Crystal Crag, a popular rock climbing destination.
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Look closely and you'll see some hopeful men in their boat heading out onto Lake Mamie for some fishing. Behind them stand Crystal Crag. A lovlier place to drown some worms could hardly be imagined.
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I went up into the Mammoth Lakes area of the Sierra Nevada to 'fish' for Fall Color photos. At the right center you'll see another man fishing too. He's looking for lake trout.
If the fish are slow in biting, he will have a lot of pretty scenery to look at while he's waiting.
I found a great day with blue sky and still waters. Just what I was looking for and I 'caught' some good ones.
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On my yearly trip up into the Sierra Nevada, I never fail to get a shot of Crystal Crag, a popular rock climbers' destination, standing tall above Twin Lakes.
It is one of seven lakes in the Mammoth Lakes Region which are accessible by car. There are many more in the area for those who hike.
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Crystal Crag, a popular rock climbing destination, can be seen between the trees at Lake Mary in the Mammoth Lakes Region of the Sierra Nevada.
It is easily seen from almost any point within the Mammoth Lakes basin. Its rocky form tops out at 10,364 ft.
These moments are so powerful. I always lose myself completely in the the inability to do anything but stare upwards in awe.
:)
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The new sun lights this colorful Fall scene on Lake George in the Mammoth Lakes region of the Sierra Nevada in California.