About Fossil Falls
Fossil Falls is a named waterfall in Inyo County, California, located about 23 miles north of Inyokern. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Little Lake 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 35°58′11″ N, 117°54′32″ W (35.96976, -117.90902). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Red Hill (summit, 1.3 mi), Little Lake (lake, 1.6 mi), and Little Lake Canyon (valley, 1.8 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Salmon Creek Falls, 30 miles to the west.
What Visitors Mention
Topics that come up most often in Google reviews of Fossil Falls:
volcanic rocksrock formationslava flowsmoothed rocksvault toiletshike to the fallsrocky pathobsidianbring waterunusual spot
More Photos
851 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Fossil Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
Loading the forecast...
Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Fossil Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- —
- Sunset
- —
- Daylight
- —
- Golden hour
- —
Times in Los Angeles time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
—
At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Fossil Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Fossil Falls holds a 4.8 average from 160 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Fossil Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Red Hill — summit, 1.3 mi
- Little Lake — lake, 1.6 mi
- Little Lake Canyon — valley, 1.8 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 35.96976, -117.90902. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Fossil Falls
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Fossil Falls located?
Fossil Falls is in Inyo County, California, about 23 miles north of Inyokern. Its coordinates are 35.96976, -117.90902 (35°58′11″ N, 117°54′32″ W).
What town is closest to Fossil Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Inyokern, CA, about 23 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Fossil Falls?
The closest is Salmon Creek Falls (30 mi west). Others within reach include Darwin Falls (32 mi), South Creek Falls (33 mi), and Volcano Falls (38 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Fossil Falls?
Fossil Falls appears on the USGS Little Lake 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.