The Earthquake Fault Snowshoe Route is a marked but un-groomed blue diamond path that leads past the namesake Earthquake Fault. The trail ends at a groomed snowmobile path. One can turn around and retrace their steps, or better yet follow the snowmobile path (open to snowshoers and skiers also) to make this a loop.
To begin, you can park at the large pullout on Minaret Road near the Earthquake Fault. Look for the start of the route and follow it as it heads north away from the road.
You’ll soon come to the highlight of the route, the Earthquake Fault. Although called a fault, the correct naming would be Earthquake Fissure. A fault is a fracture of the earth’s crust in which the sides have moved relative to one another. This isn’t the case here. Additionally, the fissure’s formation likely wasn’t due to an earthquake.
The fissure is upwards of 60 feet deep and 10 feet wide. It is unknown how old the Earthquake Fault is, but it is at least 160 years in age, with some believing it may have formed during the Inyo/Mono Craters eruptions around 600 years ago.
The route continues onward, following the blue diamond markers on the trees. You’ll gain a bit of elevation as you pass near Earthquake Dome. Eventually the route loops around another small knoll before coming out to the groomed snowmobile trail. Turn left and follow it.
Continue following the groomed path until you come out to a paved road. Continue a short distance until you reach Minaret Road. Turn left and follow the road back down to your vehicle. You may choose to leave your snowshoes on and hike above the road, or take them off for a quicker walk on the road shoulder (use caution and watch for traffic if you choose the latter).
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