Long Valley Caldera Bike Tour

 First bike tour of the year. I elected to ride the perimeter of the Long Valley Caldera starting and ending in Tom's Place.

This caldera is one of the Earth's largest caldera resulting from a very large eruption 760,000 years ago. The volcanic region is still active with the USGS monitoring ground deformation throughout the area. This is one of their sites near the eastern margin of the caldera.

Looking back to great views of the Sierra.

A spring along the way fed this pool. The air temps weren't real hot, but I took a refreshing dip anyhow.

More expansive views. There were three very difficult hike-a-bike sections in this zone. Pushing the loaded bike up deep sand pushed my heart rate into the red.

Next stop was Wilfred Creek.

No ponds, but I was able to get wet here too. Poked around and found debris from an old homestead.

Back on the road I traversed the southern edge of the Glass Mountains.

And after a short climb, found myself in O' Harrel Canyon, my destination for the day.

Wonderful little creek.

There's one nice campsite in the canyon. Thankfully no one else was there.

After dinner I went for little stroll to admire the scenery.

Pretty area. I had never been here before.

Next morning I was back on the bike bright and early. I found cool temps and easy riding down along the Owens River.

The Lupine and the Prickly Poppy were in full bloom in the burn area east of Alpers Ranch.

Took a break at Big Springs. Got wet, topped off my water bottle, and admired the lush beauty of the creek.

After Big Springs I rode briefly up 395 to Deadman Creek Road which I followed to the end at the wilderness boundary. The old growth Red Fir here are amazing.

Wonderful little creeks too.

Sweet campsite. I took another delightful hike after dinner exploring the forest and the tributaries of Deadman Creek.

Next morning started with an easy coast down peaceful Deadman Creek Road

Then a sublime cruise through the pumice flats north of Mammoth Mountain (far right).

I hopped into Mammoth for some snacks and a break, then tackled the long, but surprisingly enjoyable slog back to Tom's Place.

Great tour!