Eastern Sierra's Wonders & Tragedies near Mammoth Lakes

Jeff & Sarah wrap up a short series from their October 2023 trip to the Mammoth Lakes area on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Jeff will explain about the incident which led to the naming of Convict Lake and the slaying of posse members there.
History Hunters will also explain about the tragic mountain climbing adventure of Walter "Peter" Starr who is buried near where he fell on the Michael Minaret in August 1933.
Jeff also details the tragic airplane ride of legendary aviator Steve Fossett in 2007 and how the craggy peaks hid his crash plane for 13 months.
The video includes a lonely grave to a brave pioneer woman Julia Townsend who died near Old Mammoth City in November 1882.
The trip will also include a visit to the Mammoth Fault and Devil's Postpile.
#historyhunters #mammothlakes #californiahistory
* * * * * *
Check out the other video we released in 2023 pertaining to the Highway 395 corridor:
Abandoned town of Laws, California & its Railroad near Bishop
• Abandoned town of Laws...
CHECK OUT OUR MANY VIDEOS! All of our videos may be found under the video tab!
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[@kwd3109]

The picket fence story was so compelling and sentimental. A grieving husband keeping a promise made to his beloved wife in the only way he knew how. It's little gems like these that speak to our common humanity and what I most enjoy about your channel. Sincere best wishes in the coming New Year.

[@kenuber4014]

Nothing better than History Hunters, a cup of coffee on a Sunday morning! Thanks Jeff.

[@jbenziggy]

And I thought the best part of waking up was Folgers in your cup. Lol.

[@kenuber4014]

@@jbenziggy HaHaHa

[@zelphx]

Make mine tea, please! 😉

[@dotell3359]

Happy New Year from Michigan. 1:16

[@musiknbooks]

Beautiful! I have never seen water so clear in my life! The country out west is so majestic and unspoiled. The clouds? God did that for ya'll to thank you for showing the world his handiwork. I pray no one ever spoils that area. There is so much history there. History I've never heard before, so you and Sarah are educating your viewers. And, Sarah, I have coyotes come up in my yard. I don't really care for them. If you could hear the pack of them running and squealing through the woods at night, you might change your mind.....they sound like banshees!!!!! Thanks again for a wonderful adventure.

[@davidclark9150]

As an easterner I am always amazed at the vast open areas in the west. Thank you for bringing them up close and personal. Happy New Year to you and Sarah.

[@pmccoy8924]

Same. So thankful for men like Muir and President Roosevelt. Natural beauty conserved for all to marvel.

[@raccabird8889]

Happy New year

[@jbenziggy]

Happy new year!

[@jerrycochrun4444]

Love the backside of the Sierras, my grandmother spent the last 25 of her 101 years in Bishop. Thank you for this wonderful video!

[@nealhathaway2004]

I love the 395 corridor. It's one of my fondest memories. I want to go back someday. Nice job.

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks! Such a gorgeous place!

[@bettyfourman5438]

Thank you for showing me the beauty of this place. I know I will never have the chance to see it for myself. You know all the good places.

[@caroleannseaton9178]

What a beautiful place. I loved all of it. Those clouds were very interesting. I've never seen clouds like that either. Of course, Sarah found animals. Thank you Sarah for the coyote and mentioning the camera shy chipmunk. Have a great New Year.

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks for watching!!

[@LincolnHawke]

Thanks Jeff, you have answered so many questions. You make our area a place GREAT to come from. Born in Modesto 1971 and was on the Front Page on the Modesto Bee a couple weeks later. 5 generations and ALL LIVING in Modesto. As a little boy I would go to Waterford quite often. Welch Rd, the Argentini's were my cousins. Small world when we speak to eachother...My Grandma on the other side also settled in Livingston. She past in Turlock a few years back at 99... She called herself a halfbreed, haha. She came from a reservation in Oklahoma. She was friends with the sherriff. One day she asked me if I knew about Pretty Boy Floyd? The famous bank robber? She said with a grin,. "He was my Friend.." He would come to Oklahoma to see his brother. She looke like the gal on the famous poster, she was a. Riveter also! Moved to Seattle and worked with the war effort. Her name is KATIE BURNS, and she was a SCOTTISH Burns the last works she said. Always had a smile and I love her so. I graduated from Beyer in 1990. Thank You once again.

[@whip-its_dad4239]

It's one of the most beautiful videos you guys have posted I think . Thanks for what you do .

[@jbenziggy]

Wow, thank you! We wouldn’t be doing this if it wasn’t for it appreciative audience! Thank you for being a part of our growing channel!

[@privatepilot4064]

I worked for the company that built the engine for the Virgin Atlantic Global Flyer, Williams International in Walled Lake, MI. I worked there in the 70s and 80s. Best place I’ve ever worked!

[@zelphx]

I totally agree with you! To travel 395 is, in my imagination, neither California or Nevada, but a third place that makes me feel as if I have actually gone someplace special. My fellow Californians, the ones that NAUSEATE me, are largely absent... and unaware of this between-place. Sadly, in the winter, I am cut off from the backside of the Sierras unless I go all the way to the southern end, and work my way up 395... and HOPEFULLY be able to get back down in the valley by heading west on CA-88 to Lodi. Being a retired teacher, I am bored stiff... and envy the places you to get to visit. I USED to travel extensively throughout the Lode, Sierras, and the upper central valley. Maybe, you will, one day, need another 62-year-old to assist. My wife would LOVE to see me get out of the house, she is not retired yet.😁

[@nhdenver7883]

Thanks for taking us all along!

[@jbenziggy]

Happy to hear that you enjoyed!

[@terrychapman8460]

Boy, did I LOVE this episode! I never get tired of seeing the east side of the Sierra! Always takes my breath away especially in the fall. Thank you for taking me back. My husband and I traversed this beautiful area many times!

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@frankmarullo228]

Love the clouds and that devil postpile looks like a small version of devils tower. THANK YOU FRANK FROM MONTANA......

[@scottharvey9357]

Hey guys just wanted to thank you for all that you do for us. It is great and the Contant is fantastic. We really appreciate you going to all these places and filming and documenting and educating us on every event. A lot of us out here we’re not or are not able to do these and it is fantastic that you are there to guide us through it all. We really appreciate it. Hope you had a great Christmas and hope you have a great new year. I know this year is gonna be great and awesome as always with what you do for us. Can’t wait to see more hope all of the other viewers out there learn to use the like button for you to know all of those are out there watching it and not using. The like button, it is a simple task of just a matter of a split second to push and show you that we really appreciate what you do. Anyway, hope to hear more from you soon. God bless and take care keep up the good work.

[@jbenziggy]

We really appreciate your enthusiasm for our work! It's heart-warming to see you enjoying our work! Thanks so much!

[@ninaellyson814]

I loved the whole episode! I can’t afford to travel much so you guys help me greatly with my need to see our beautiful world and it’s wonders and history! Always love the graves/cemeteries too! Thank you both for sharing your hunts for history!❤-Nina

[@richs6205]

What better way to end 2023 than with a History Hunters episode. Your pictures of the Minarets as well as the clouds are quite impressive. Looking forward to your 2024 content!

[@redwhiteblue7831]

What a beautiful area. The 1800's were much more difficult than today. Back then they just strung you up for murder, today you bond out in hours. I couldn't imagine the harsh winter there. Great episode. Thank you for sharing. Take care Jeff and Sarah. 🇺🇲

[@loismcgovern875]

My family used to vacation at Mammoth Lakes every summer. We visited all these places many times. Thanks for the trip down memory lane!

[@HollywoodGraham]

God's Country, I hope it never changes. There is so much to see and enjoy in that area. Thanks for a great tour.

[@mikewhite2aadvocacy172]

In all of my travels throughout CA I have never went up 395 to see that beautiful stretch of country, A Springtime Road Trip is in the making.

[@jbenziggy]

There are even hot springs in that area you can dip into. Sarah and I ventured out to one of them, but it was so crowded that we decided we didn’t want to be with a lot of people in the same hot water.

[@mikewhite2aadvocacy172]

You mean to tell me that you don't want to take a bath with a bunch of strangers😁@@jbenziggy

[@azcontrols95]

Thank you! This brings back a lot of memories. My wife and I owned a condo in Mammoth in the 90s. I did a lot of skiing, hiking and mountain biking in the 90s and a lot of climbing in the Palisades Glacier area in the 80s. Norman Clyde was pretty much a local legend by then. I enjoyed the segment on him.

[@blanton1624]

So many interesting things around the world to see. Thanks for another interesting and informative video!

[@willglo]

My wife and I frequently go camping in the Mammoth Lakes area. I've always loved these areas in the Sierra Nevada's... there's something just so mystical about it! I'm a Jeremiah Johnson type of guy. I'm 49 now... and I think I was born about 120 years too late. Wish I was born around 1860. Great video and thanks for posting!

[@terrydevries914]

Wonderful scenic episode

[@karenmays8889]

Convict Lake is beautiful. The hike around it is awesome.

[@toddjones1403]

Been to all these spots. Took those times for granted. Thanks Jeff and Sarah!

[@jimbullard441]

Beautiful vistas.

[@jbenziggy]

They are indeed! We were glad to find it!

[@sutownsend-kasmiskie3091]

Thank you, Jeff and Sarah. Very interesting. 😮❤

[@jbenziggy]

Our pleasure! So happy that you liked this!

[@Xpyburnt_ndz]

LOVE it on that side of the Sierra's! Thanks Jeff and Sarah for your vids and all the work you put in. Got my weekly HH "fix"!!! Happy New Year! ~Chris

[@joycemchristiansen6557]

The Devil's Posts are amazing. I've never seen anything like them before. Thanks for the journey. Jeff and Sarah.

[@jbenziggy]

There are a few off the beaten path locations like this along the Sonora pass in California and then there’s also devil’s tower in Wyoming. We did a video on that.

[@WEHenry]

Yea I could get mesmerized in the cloud formations the was a great shot for sure👍. Happy new year you two✌

[@sistergoldenhair2231]

Love your videos. Looking forward to your 2024 adventures. New Year blessings🎉😊

[@jbenziggy]

Happy new year!! Thanks!

[@Monkeyfamilyslays]

The whole landscape is very serene with ton of serenity.

[@jbenziggy]

It's one of my new favorite spots! I could have spent more time there!

[@161papa]

Jeff, you and Sarah always find interesting information wherever you go. Thanks for sharing.

[@jbenziggy]

Our pleasure! Happy to hear that you enjoyed this adventure!

[@jerryfountain7921]

What a great way to end 2023 with the beautiful scenery of the Mammoth area. I too have never seen clouds like you showed us today. And I'm always looking at clouds and taking pictures as well. What interested me the most was the grave wrapped with a picket fence from a grieving husband. Thank you Jeff and Sarah for all that you do to bring these history lessons to life. Happy New Year! Looking forward to 2024 and what you have in store for us to see next year.

[@WildWestGal]

Wonderful episode, thoroughly enjoyed the 'tour!' I LOVE driving the 395, there's something magical about the Sierra Nevada and that route gives us the opportunity to see just how special those mountains and their history are! Thanks, Jeff and Sarah!

[@markmerletti8596]

Happy New Year, Jeff and Sarah. Thank you for a great 👍 year of videos. Respectfully Mark

[@jbenziggy]

Happy new year to you, Mark! Cheers to a new year and new videos!

[@marceyvogt2007]

Beautiful scenery. Thank you for sharing.☮️💖🎶

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks for visiting!!!

[@prowrestlingisart6742]

395 is one of the best roadtrips in the US. So beautiful and so much to see and do

[@johnygarcia7636]

👍👍👍 Have a Happy New Year's

[@brendabryant6347]

All so beautiful. Thanks for sharing. I love Sarah. Anyone that is an animal lover is a good human in my book.

[@jbenziggy]

I totally agree! Thank you for acknowledging what Sarah brings to our channel! Bless you!

[@cojaxart8986]

Such beauty! Thanks for sharing this beautiful part of America! So many places like this out west. We live on the west side of the Sierra, and farther north from Mammoth. Would love to journey down there this summer. Thanks again!

[@jbenziggy]

It’s so beautiful there! Treat yourself!

[@steveflaim2656]

Mammoth Lakes is a fantastic place. Thanks for this great video!

[@douglasmcbryan3705]

Love watching your adventures in California with Sarah. Nancy

[@joannekinnally7530]

Another great video! I love the retelling of all of the events that happened there.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you, Joanne!

[@carolynpurser7469]

Some stunning scenery in the episode. Beautiful cloud formation.

[@jbenziggy]

I was amazed to see them! Thanks for also appreciating them!

[@Lando62]

Excellent as usual. You go to another of my favorite areas. I backpacked many times around the Minarets and Mt. Ritter, Banner peak, etc. as well as the rest of the Sierra. First time in 1969. I wanted to meet Norman Clyde, but without the internet I couldn't find him before he passed. I love Muir's story of the first accent of Mt. Ritter. At Big Pine is the BEST BBQ I've ever had. Coppertop BBQ. Covid brought awful crowds up from L.A.to the place. I haven't been there since moving to Utah. 2.5 years ago.

[@merrieroy7521]

Beautiful! It's been 15 years to the day since I left California, and I love watching your channel because it brings back so many wonderful memories! Thank you both for sharing your adventures with us! My husband and I look forward to watching them together. Happy New Year! 🎉

[@ellensiniscalchi1482]

Your choice of sites and your storytelling never disappoint-wonderful and compelling video

[@JovianLoop]

Intriguing natural landscapes and interesting human history. I loved the sound of the wind in the pines towards the end of the episode - very evocative. Thanks for sharing this experience.

[@WYODutch]

Beautiful Country.

[@jbenziggy]

We agree!

[@Combat556]

We’ve spent many summers at Mammoth Lakes, and love fishing, hiking and biking the Eastern Sierras. I’ve mountain biked Mammoth Mountain and the views are amazing on a clear day. Thank you for sharing. Be safe in your travels. Happy Trails!

[@jbenziggy]

That is awesome! We will be very safe when we’re out there traveling! Thanks!

[@sherimiles430]

I haven't been to the devils post pile since I was a little child. Thank you for sharing your trip with us. Lots of wonderful memories.

[@jbenziggy]

You are so welcome! I also went when I was a small child with my parents, but I wasn’t too impressed with it. Maybe that’s because I’ve been to Devil’s Tower in Wyoming and it is much more spectacular.

[@melindagordonbeck8958]

OMG you guys! I’m a hot mess right now😭😭😭Thank you so much for this episode! I’m soooooooo homesick especially for the Eastern Sierra! We spent so much time over there. Sincerely appreciate the time you take for all of this! Your biggest Tennessee (formerly California) fans!!♥️

[@californiahiker9616]

Very scenic episode! Highway 395 in fall is just magic! There are a lot of canyons full of colorful trees to explore! Another one of my favorite places is nearby, not in the Sierras, but in the White Mountains, the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. Those trees are over 4000 years old, one is over 5000 years old. Now that’s a lot of history! I’ve hiked in Devil’s Postpile. The Pacific Crest Trail passes by close to the postpile. There’s a lot to see and do on the “other side” of California! Thank you Jeff and Sarah, as always, well done!

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you liked this adventure! It is positively beautiful over there!

[@boboberg3700]

It was all very enjoyable and interesting.

[@jbenziggy]

Makes me happy knowing that, Bob! Thanks!

[@bryan565656]

That area never disappoints. Thanks for sharing.

[@trishamorriston3737]

Thank you Jeff and Sarah for great and informative videos🎉🎉🎉 1:23

[@jbenziggy]

Our pleasure! Thank you, Trisha!

[@cnph7067]

Thanks Jeff & Sarah! Some very beautiful scenery, I agree with you the 395 area is visually stunning. Dropping down Tioga Pass is beyond words. Thank you again, very much enjoyed this episode, but then again we enjoy them all!

[@jbenziggy]

Our pleasure! Thank you for watching and the comment. Shhhh, let’s not tell everyone what a beautiful place this is. We wouldn’t want it to be crowded! LOL

[@BeeTron444]

👏🏾🌞🌟🫂 another great 👍🏾 one. Thank you both for sharing with us. ❤

[@lorireckler3345]

One of my favorite episodes so far, I think 🤔. This drive is my absolute favorite. I’ve been away for many years, but will return soon to spend my retirement in my heart home. I’ve never been to Convict Lake and I can’t wait to take my grandkids!! Thanks Jeff and Sarah… I love the chipmunks too!!🐿️

[@jbenziggy]

Lucky you if you mean you will be living there! Thank you for enjoying this video. Did you see the one we did on the Laws Station Museum in Bishop?

[@lorireckler3345]

@@jbenziggy Retiring to my home in Reno!! I'll be watching that episode tonight!!

[@byron2571]

Mammoth is one of my favorite places for outdoor recreation.... great history.

[@jbenziggy]

It’s a special place to us too!

[@marybears5533]

Have a great friend who was into hot air ballooning where he met Steve Fosset and they became great friends my friend John ended up working with Steve on many of his exploits including his around the world flight. He was with the crews who looked for him for so long and was devastated when he was found I’d never seen the area where it happened it is nice to know he died in such a lovely place. Thank you!!

[@sherrywyllie2163]

My sister and her husband belong to an Austin Healy club and they ran a road rally through all the Sierra passes about the time you went through. Beautiful country and colors. As always thank you for the informative tour.

[@bartgoins1782]

Thanks for another great history lesson. Jeff, the research you put into these videos is awesome. I don't know how much Sarah helps with all that, but her sense of humor is always welcome. Again, thank you both.

[@gregboyden564]

just love the Eastern Sierra's. Fall is so beautiful!

[@highlyfavored4595]

Wow, thanks for bringing me along. The cloud formation was majestic

[@theburtseoni]

The Steve Fossett crash and search was such a sad thing. It did not have to happen, and of all people Steve should have known about the mountain downdrafts that likely slammed him into the ground. As usual, a very excellent story and presentation Jeff!

[@kennyclark284]

This was a great video both beautiful and informative.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you so much! Happy new year, Kenny!

[@ravensbrood3544]

Beautiful landscape and very interesting historical perspective...Good Work Sarah & Jeff👍

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@terryeustice5399]

Very interesting. Lot of things I was not aware of. Thank you Jeff and Sarah for sharing. She does love her critters. Happy New Year to y’all! 🎆🎊🎈

[@suecook9102]

happy new year from me and my husband who loves watching all your vlogs👍

[@jbenziggy]

Happy new year to you and your husband, Sue. We really appreciate how you spend time watching our videos.

[@jeffreyrule8143]

Thanks for the history on the area. My mother in law climbed either Ritter and or Banner with Norman Clyde, Jules Eichorn, and David Brower back in the 50’s on a Sierra Club outing.

[@maryannweldin4633]

The scenery

[@kiera_kayaks7521]

I love everything on 395. such neat natural wonders and historic sites and now I have another grave to look for. Thank you

[@jbenziggy]

Our pleasure!

[@jeffculp2912]

Thanks Jeff and Sarah so much for everything. Beautiful place I enjoyed it all loved it. You bring thing's to me that I wouldn't get to see on my own so a big thanks. Happy New Year to you both.

[@jbenziggy]

Our pleasure! I am happy to know that you appreciate the scenery that we could bring to you. Have a great 2024.

[@webchuck1]

Hello Jeff and Sarah, Happy New Year's Eve. Thanks for sharing another great interesting Sunday story, and I wish you a wonderful "2024"🎉🥂🍾

[@troyklinginsmith2523]

Thanks Jeff & Sarah for sharing, Mammoth has it's own beauty that is sometimes over looked by many. Jeff it would be REALLY cool if they made a movie about the convict lake incident. That would be a good western story.👍🤠🇺🇸

[@peterrehrmann9196]

There was a movie made about the lake and it's inhabitants. Henry Fonda. An old black and white pic. Can't remember the exact name of picture

[@Frazzzld]

I am so glad you covered Devils Post Pile. When I was a kid, my family went camping a lot. Devils Post Pile is one of the places we went to . I still have pictures of my brothers and I climbing around on the fallen pile of posts. Sadly whenever I would mention it to people they have no clue what I'm talking about. I will have to send them your channel link. 🙂❤

[@redheadedone7421]

I live up 395 in the beautiful Carson Valley. You and Sarah are welcome anytime. have plenty of room for ya! LOVE your videos!

[@michaelmagaw6870]

Nice to know people had the foresight to protect the area and the clouds looked as if they were painted.. pretty cool

[@AB-ye7bw]

Magnificent Wilderness captured and presented through your video! Excellent work.

[@jbenziggy]

Many thanks! The reward for the work is hearing nice words like yours!

[@johnrambo7630]

This is a tremendous video. Great variety of new and old history in a wonderful part of the country. I particularly enjoyed the old graves

[@phoebeintheforest]

Thank you Jeff & Sarah for taking this trip! It is the one I wanted to take in October but I had to face the fact that my really bad right knee would restrict any exploring I wanted to do. I had the old knee replaced three weeks ago...so maybe I can do this trip in October 2024.

[@jbenziggy]

We hope your knee heals up and allows you to explore this amazing location! October is a great time to visit!

[@tractorhyatt7044]

Love the beautiful geologic formations in that area. Spectacular to say the least. Yosemite National Park is on my bucket list. Thanks for sharing, Jeff!

[@srevero1]

Interesting and beautiful, especially loved those unusual cloud formations. Thank you for sharing.

[@johnwayne5289]

Enjoyed

[@charlesclayton8534]

Jeff, Sarah what an absolutely outstanding video!!!!! I want to go on that trip so bad, what a bucket list adventure!!! Thank you so much for allowing us to travel with you!! You ask which part was the best for me, I have no answer for that, it was all good!!!! Well maybe the fault joke was pretty good!! A great Dad joke! Take care! Tom in Ceres

[@liberalliar9216]

Hi Jeff, here's hoping ya'll have a wonderful new year!!

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks! And Happy new year to you too!

[@MarciaDiehl-wy5rw]

So very sad to see what remains there was of Fossett after he was found. I remember the news cycle at the time his plane was lost. The coverage was constant for several days because he was such a famous rich adventurist. I had no idea where the location was that his remains were found. At least his passing was in an area that was so gorgeous. Thanks for sharing.

[@jbenziggy]

The sad truth is that his remains were found about a half a mile from the crash site, and people have theorized that he crawled as far as he could for help wounded and dying, and eventually died. Most of the biologist who know about bears, don’t believe he was dragged that far by a bear.

[@MarciaDiehl-wy5rw]

@@jbenziggy Oh...that is very sad and heartbreaking. That is a very long distance for any animal to drag human remains so I think that theory has some truth to it.

[@redmccoy8633]

What a peaceful place. Those clouds were beautiful. Looked like you had a great trip. Thanx for sharing.

[@jbenziggy]

We certainly did. Have a great time up there. We can’t wait to go back when the weather is better.

[@fuckboi_killa]

I've been loving your California history vids this year Can't wait to see what you upload next year

[@lucillegibson482]

I always look forward to your posts. I love to see where you go. I live on the east coast but love learning about West Coast history. Thank you so much for what you do.

[@stevelinscome728]

Beautiful photography this time. Devil's Postpile is always a memory when I first saw it when I went to a Jr. High camp around '66 or '67. There and Bodie ghost town. Then, in my adult years, my job as a cookie rep took me up 395 weekly for 12 years. The driving never got boring. And, I have done some memorable fishing in those lakes and rivers. Thanks for your coverage and background history on those places.🙋‍♂️❤️🏍💨

[@jbenziggy]

Certainly plenty of great scenery to drive which lends to some deep thoughts! Thank you so much for enjoying this! History Hunters is about entertaining and educating!

[@zackdaniels6858]

Another amazing vid! Thnx Jeff and Sarah

[@jbenziggy]

Our pleasure! Thanks, Zack!!!

[@lavettamoff7883]

Very interesting. Those clouds were beautiful too.Here in Northern Nevada, we get some of the most beautiful sky,sunrises, and sunsets I have ever seen.