Are there fees or permits required for Fossil Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Fossil Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Fossil Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Fossil Falls.

Nearby gauge (South Fork Kern River) · 24 ft³/s · About average

Fossil Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Fossil Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Fossil Falls.

California

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Photo Credits (5)

JingKe888 CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

PeterThoeny CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Mark Esguerra CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

jim.choate59 CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

m01229 CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.6 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

100 ft

About Fossil Falls

Fossil Falls sits in the Mojave Desert's Coso Range in Inyo County, California, a striking example of how fire and ice shaped the landscape. Volcanic activity left a bed of hard volcanic rock that was later sculpted by glacial meltwater from the Sierra Nevada, leaving a dry, channeled “waterfall” and a maze of smoothed potholes and sculpted basalt. The site is just outside the small community of Little Lake—about 1.0 mile off US 395 at a red cinder cone called Red Hill; follow Cinder Road toward Red Hill and watch for signs to Fossil Falls. Visiting is like stepping into a natural open-air gallery: there’s no flowing water today, but the dramatic channels, rippled rock surfaces, and stark desert setting make it a rewarding short outing for photographers, geology buffs, and families. Interpretive signs and established footpaths help guide visitors, and the usually-short visit pairs well with a drive along US 395 through this remote stretch of eastern California.

Trail & Hike Details

0.6 mi distance 100 ft climbed

The Approach

The easy 0.6-mile out-and-back trail gains 100 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The trail to Fossil Falls is a short 0.6-mile out-and-back with about 100 feet of elevation gain, rated easy. The route crosses and follows exposed volcanic rock, so expect uneven surfaces and areas that require careful footing; the grade is generally gentle. The path is well-marked from the parking area reached via Cinder Road (signed from US 395 near Red Hill), making it a straightforward, family-friendly stroll to the dry waterfall and surrounding sculpted rock formations.

What to Expect

Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Fossil Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Fossil Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring fall winter

The best time to visit is during the cooler months of spring, fall, or winter. Summer visits are possible but can be very hot due to the desert climate.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Fall, and Winter.

Safety Information

Be cautious when walking on the volcanic rock, as it can be sharp and uneven. Carry plenty of water, especially in hot weather, and watch for wildlife such as snakes.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 39 minutes ago Roaring

These readings come from the USGS gauge on South Fork Kern River, 21.8 miles away, not on Fossil Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

24 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

6 10 31 46

Based on 100 years of record

3.04 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.

SF KERN R NR ONYX CA

USGS 11189500

21.8 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 530 sq mi

Altitude: 2,854 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge SF KERN R NR ONYX CA (35 km away).

Moderate confidence

Roaring right now

24 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Roaring

24 cfs

7/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

24 cfs

7/10

Sun

Roaring

25 cfs

7/10

Mon

Roaring

25 cfs

7/10

Tue

Roaring

27 cfs

7/10

Wed

Roaring

27 cfs

7/10

Thu

Roaring

27 cfs

7/10

Best window: Today — roaring flow (trip score 7/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early March to early June, peaking in April.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Kennedy Meadows hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

The ground through the falls loses about 114 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 3,247 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 51 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 26 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing southwest, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Fossil Falls near Kennedy Meadows, California, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Fossil Falls near Kennedy Meadows, California, showing about 114 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing southwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 3,247 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 114 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Southwest; Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southwest).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Fossil Falls is located off Highway 395, approximately 45 minutes south of Lone Pine, California. Look for the Fossil Falls turnoff and follow the signs to the parking area.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a designated parking area near the trailhead, which is accessible via a short dirt road. Parking is free.

Elevation

3,248 feet above sea level

Coordinates

35.969764° N, -117.909021° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy shoes with good grip, as the volcanic rock can be uneven and sharp. Bring water and sun protection, as the area is exposed and can get very hot, especially in summer. Visit during cooler months for a more comfortable experience.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

For this easy 0.6 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.

Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)

Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.

Kahtoola MICROspikes

Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.

JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit

Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Campground

Chimney Creek Campground

11.7 miles away · 0 sites

Chimney Creek Campground is located within Chimney Peak Recreation Area and is cherry stemmed out of Owens Peak Wilderness. The campground contains 36 sites and is nestled among beautiful pinyon pines, grey pines, and oaks along Chimney Creek at 5,700 feet in elevation. Each site in the campground has a picnic table and fire ring. Potable water is available during the summer months near the very end of the campground loop at site 36. During the summer, days can be warm and dry. The Pacific Crest

Book on Recreation.gov