Why is mammoth mountain called mammoth

Recent volcanic unrest, including seismicity, gas emission, and tree kill, is thought to be related to a dike intrusion beneath Mammoth Mountain in Skip to main content. Search Search. Long Valley Caldera. Mammoth Mountain. Within the past 1, years, geographic features such as the Inyo Craters formed when cool ground water met partially molten rock and created pressurized underground steam.

In the s, the shallow underground intrusion of magma under the southern flanks of Mammoth Mountain created earthquake swarms and released volcanic gases. High concentrations of carbon dioxide gas killed almost 20 acres of forest and the source of this CO2 is believed to be from the remaining magma beneath Mammoth Mountain. To date, the United States Geological Survey monitors a variety of field data collection sensors that record seismicity, gas emissions and other geologic hazards around Mammoth Mountain.

Through this constant monitoring, geologists are able to develop a better understanding of the unique geologic environment of Mammoth Mountain. To put the area into geologic perspective, take a ride to the summit on the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area gondola. From its peak, Mammoth Mountain offers a breathtaking panorama of the Long Valley Caldera to the east, Inyo Craters to the north and the glacially carved Lakes Basin to the south.

On the ride up you should expect to see a diverse array of land forms, many of which record the separate and distinct volcanic events. While at the top, visit the Eleven 53 Interpretive Center in the gondola station for more information and displays on the amazing geologic history of Mammoth Mountain.

Jason Abplanalp first discovered the Eastern Sierra lifestyle six years ago and after brief tenures in Colorado and Idaho, Jason returned to the mountain town he truly loves, Mammoth Lakes, CA. As an avid skier, mountain biker, hiker, and fisherman, Jason believes there is no better place for his family to call home. Jason has…. Mammoth got its name from the mining era, Mammoth Mining Co. In the 's, a different breed of pioneer discovered Mammoth.

They were looking for riches that lay in the enjoyment of the Eastern Sierra. Fishing, hunting, photography, camping, hiking, horseback riding were what drew the summer visitors to Mammoth and with them came the businesses to support them.

Here were the beginnings of today's High Sierra resort, Mammoth Lakes- popular in winter for Mammoth Mountain's superb ski slopes and popular in summer for camping, hiking and fishing in the magnificent, wild backcountry. The beginnings of Old Mammoth are hazy, but there is no doubt at all that the life of the small village in the meadow ended abruptly with completion of a modern highway to Mammoth in Branching off from Hwy near Casa Diablo, it follows a very different route into Mammoth, north of the old road, and then swings up into the Lakes Basin in long, gradual curves.

In order to survive, the village literally picked it self up and relocated astride the new highway, near the junction of the Old Mammoth Road and Hwy The name McCoy is synonymous with Mammoth Mountain and with skiing. Dave McCoy's enthusiasm for the two has never wavered. He was responsible for surveying the new settlement and named it after his ancestral home of Visalia, Kentucky. For more fun and interesting history of how mountains, places, and other cities got their names, check out our our post: History of the names of places in California High Sierra.

Alex Silgalis is an outdoors travel writer who enjoys snowboarding, mountain biking, or having a cold one from a local mountain brewery. Join our mailing list for updates on hidden gems, events, and more from California's High Sierra. View Gallery Brochure. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy French Website.

The High Sierra Region joins Visit California in its call for safe and responsible travel throughout the state. Even though California is open for travel, visitors should continue to plan ahead by checking with the destinations they intend to visit. Itineraries Browse our itineraries. From card sharks to mining the history of how they got them is pure "gold. Share This. Author: Alex Silgalis Alex Silgalis is an outdoors travel writer who enjoys snowboarding, mountain biking, or having a cold one from a local mountain brewery.

Twitter Facebook. But that's not reality. Exact matches only. Search in title. Search in content. Search in excerpt. Here's 6 towns that prove our point. Hiking, hot springs, historic towns, and lots more to recharge your relationship. No matter what, wine tasting in the High Sierra is unlike anywhere else. Here are a few ideas for a wine getaway you won't forget.

And these seven Instagrammable places in California High Sierra definitely showcasing just that! So, instead of sitting at home wasting away on your couch, try one of these amazing High Sierra hiking trails. Get away from the mid-summer heat, the terrible traffic, and check out one of the many scenic byways in the High Sierra. Look no further, here's the plan! Join local Hannahbrie as she takes you on adventures through some of her favorite parts of NorthLake, Truckee and South Lake.

There is something great from everyone in a place as magical as the Eastern Sierra! Their itinerary packs a lot of awesome into each day and you'll have a blast following along. Waterfall Season Is Here From historic to iconic, the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range can arguably be considered the best place for viewing waterfalls in the world.