Lava Creek Canyon

Today, Colin and I hiked the Lava Creek Canyon trail, a 4.5 mile shuttle hike in the Mammoth area. The trail started out fairly flat in a field of wildflowers. Less than a quarter mile from the trailhead, we had views of Undine Falls in the gorge along the trail.

The beginning of the hike

Undine Falls

A scenic view just past Undine Falls

As we continued on, the trail began to gradually descend into Lava Creek Canyon. As we descended, we got wonderful views of the Gardiner River Bridge on Dunraven Pass. At the bottom of the canyon, we enjoyed the beautiful ridge line to our right. 

Colin on the trail as it began to descend into the canyon

Gardiner River Bridge

Hills along the side of the trail

Bunsen Peak behind us

Ridge line along the trail

Towards the end of the hike, we saw an enormous bird sitting by the river. I am not sure what kind of bird it was, but my best guess is an eagle or a raptor. 

About a mile later, the trail brought us to a really neat metal suspension bridge across the Gardiner River. After crossing it, we noticed the sky darkening all around us. Luckily, the end of the hike was near, and we made it to the car before the heavy rain began to fall. 

Suspension bridge

View from the bridge

The end of the hike is near

Darkening sky at the end of the hike