Lee Frees heading into the dead tree zone and up into Mammoth Pass last week after an afternoon soak in the Red's Meadow hot springs. Photo: Mitch Weber

It's been a little over twenty years since the Rainbow Fire swept through the area, threatening the town of Mammoth Lakes and the ski area, while burning nearly 10,000 acres and taking 1,200 firefighters nearly a month to contain. Today it is a backcountry ski touring wonderland, with many young fir and spruce trees taking advantage of the unfiltered sunlight and the opportunity to establish themselves. The area is a happy reminder that even after the worst of times, life goes on, with a beauty all of its own.