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...
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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! 😉

[@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.😁

[@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.

[@dotell3359]

Happy New Year from Michigan. 1:16

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@karenmays8889]

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

[@nhdenver7883]

Thanks for taking us all along!

[@jbenziggy]

Happy to hear that you enjoyed!

[@frankmarullo228]

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

[@prowrestlingisart6742]

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

[@maryannweldin4633]

The scenery

[@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!

[@jimbullard441]

Beautiful vistas.

[@jbenziggy]

They are indeed! We were glad to find it!

[@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!!

[@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!

[@byron2571]

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

[@jbenziggy]

It’s a special place to us too!

[@douglasmcbryan3705]

Love watching your adventures in California with Sarah. Nancy

[@terrydevries914]

Wonderful scenic episode

[@gregboyden564]

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

[@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!

[@raccabird8889]

Happy New year

[@jbenziggy]

Happy new year!

[@trishamorriston3737]

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

[@jbenziggy]

Our pleasure! Thank you, Trisha!

[@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. 🇺🇲

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@toddjones1403]

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

[@WYODutch]

Beautiful Country.

[@jbenziggy]

We agree!

[@paulpetraitis2130]

Love the 395 and the history along it!

[@carolynpurser7469]

Some stunning scenery in the episode. Beautiful cloud formation.

[@jbenziggy]

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

[@bryan565656]

That area never disappoints. Thanks for sharing.

[@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!

[@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

[@marceyvogt2007]

Beautiful scenery. Thank you for sharing.☮️💖🎶

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks for visiting!!!

[@blanton1624]

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

[@suzannecrum9702]

Simply beautiful!

[@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!

[@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!

[@sutownsend-kasmiskie3091]

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

[@jbenziggy]

Our pleasure! So happy that you liked this!

[@steveflaim2656]

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

[@johnwayne5289]

Enjoyed

[@highlyfavored4595]

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

[@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.

[@boboberg3700]

It was all very enjoyable and interesting.

[@jbenziggy]

Makes me happy knowing that, Bob! Thanks!

[@gasparocelloman9852]

Breathtaking views!

[@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

[@UsualmikeTelevision]

That part of the world is so very beautiful. Fantastic video!!

[@jbenziggy]

Yes! Thank you!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!!

[@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!!

[@BeeTron444]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@sasquatcho]

Love you guys!

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you so much!

[@dawnlefevre9172]

Everything was so beautiful!!

[@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.

[@briancisco1176]

Beautiful! I remember visiting some of these sites in the 1950s

[@mikebrown1981]

California is a beautiful state. I love the fall colors and never thought of California having fall I guess. Nice job.

[@jbenziggy]

It really is beautiful in the fall!

[@michaelmagaw6870]

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

[@suzzannelemarier3350]

All very interesting especially that devil's place. Anazing.

[@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.

[@regcook4087]

Breathtakingly “spectacular”!

[@jbenziggy]

I would agree with you!

[@ravensbrood3544]

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

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@patriciaschindler6468]

Great show! Stunning clouds!!

[@joannekinnally7530]

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

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you, Joanne!

[@rubenestrada7095]

Thank you for the history lesson.Those clouds were amazing I've never seen nothing like that either.

[@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.

[@ellensiniscalchi1482]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@glennjudd2467]

Beautiful out there ! Remember those days driving up on 395 ! Many yrs ago pulling a trailer !

[@sistergoldenhair2231]

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

[@jbenziggy]

Happy new year!! Thanks!

[@Cabmaker]

Thanks for the memories, when I was a kid we used to go to convict lake and devils pp

[@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!

[@AT1881Cowboy]

Amazing skies. Thank you J & S!

[@jbenziggy]

Our pleasure!

[@berndk.9741]

It is mind-blowing and inspiring just to think about what people went through in the recent past in order to pursue their dreams.

[@jbenziggy]

They endured many hardships when you’re taking the pioneers who came out west.

[@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!

[@ritafirestone761]

That was truly an awesome and amazing experience. From Criminal Lake to the picket fence and the plane crash. Reminded me of the old California Gold episodes. Learning something new about the state I was born and raised in. Have a wonderful and blessed New Year. Until 2024 goodbye.

[@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!

[@donnawoepke8861]

Just beautiful

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@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.

[@WEHenry]

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

[@janisoconnor6881]

Beautiful country.

[@jbenziggy]

It really is!

[@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

[@havingfun3619]

I crossed over from Lake Tahoe thru Columbia State Park...entire mountain range is breathtakingly gorgeous.

[@jbenziggy]

That is a beautiful drive!

[@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!!♥️

[@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!

[@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! 🎉

[@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

[@lisaburns2117]

Every time I watch one of your videos I want to go there for myself!

[@jbenziggy]

You should, when the weather turns nice and the snow melt!

[@michellewhitaker8669]

Beautiful scenery!