At the end of the last ice age, the Owens river was a raging torrent and carved a waterfall and chasm in some very hard basalt. It is now dry as the Owens river follows a different course, hence it is a "fossil" fall. Great scenery, small campground and day use area. Due to all the basalt boulders and rocks, the short trail is very rough and is not suitable for very young children, disabled and frail elderly. Watch out for rattlesnakes! Almost stepped on one and it rattled and then made it's escape. We visited in spring, lots of greenery and flowers. Very hot in summer, snowed in during winter.